QUESTION: I've contracted HPV in my throat. The bumps are visible and though they are relatively painless, they do affect my swallowing. Is this uncommon? Is it possible for the warts to go away on their own as with other warts?
ANSWER: While it is possible to transmit the human papillomavirus (HPV) from a person's genitals to their partner's mouth during oral sex, it is indeed uncommon for HPV warts to show up in the mouth or throat.\nHave you actually been diagnosed with HPV in your throat, or is it just your suspicion that the bumps are related to HPV? If you have not yet seen a healthcare provider for your symptoms, please consider doing so. An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist may be a particularly good choice.\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control, HPV warts in the mouth and throat are often not treated and instead individuals are often monitored to see if the warts go away on their own, as HPV warts on the genitals often do.\nHowever, your own treatment (or lack of treatment) will depend on your discussions with your health care provider.\nEven when HPV warts go away (with or without treatment), that does not necessarily mean that the virus has left the body. Scientists remain uncertain about how long the virus remains in a person's body and for how long they may be able to transmit the virus to others. As such, those diagnosed with HPV are encouraged to share this information with their sexual partners.\nFor more information about HPV, visit the KISISS Web site or call the CDC's health information line at (800) CDC-INFO.\nQUESTION: I am a 20-something year old woman who has a problem achieving orgasm during masturbation. I can orgasm during oral sex just fine but not during masturbation. I've tried toys, lube and my fantasies but can't seem to make it to the finish!\nHelp!
ANSWER:The good news is that you already know that your body is capable of experiencing an orgasm.\nYou might know which parts of your genitals feel good when stimulated, thanks to your experience with oral sex. You're already ahead of the game!\nWhen it comes to masturbation, there are a few things that might be different for you compared to oral sex, and it might help to spend some time thinking about these. When you masturbate, do you feel as sexually aroused as you do during oral sex? Do you feel any guilt or anxiety about masturbation or concerns that it's not "real sex"? Do you tend to masturbate at home, whereas oral sex perhaps occurred at your partner's home? Are you worried that a roommate will walk in and "catch" you? Sometimes negative thoughts get in the way of truly enjoying self-pleasuring, instead turning it into a time of "self-worrying."\nAs a result, making sure you are not only relaxed but feeling sort of sexy can make it easier to have an orgasm. Resist trying to "get" yourself to have one, if that is happening, and instead simply "let" yourself -- sometimes the pressure women put on themselves to "achieve" an orgasm can make it difficult.\nWhen it comes to orgasms and sexual exploration there are two books in particular that could be useful to you. The first is "Becoming Orgasmic" by Dr. Julia Heiman and Dr. Joseph LoPiccolo.\nIt has an excellent track record of helping women have their first orgasm during masturbation. In addition to "technique" suggestions, the book covers many important but perhaps unexpected issues related to relaxation, arousal, body image and body movement. The second book is "Sex for One: The Joy of Self-loving" by Betty Dodson which many women appreciate for its positive exploration about what it means for a woman to become familiar with her own body and sexuality through masturbation.\nBest of luck.
