With all the hoopla surrounding Michael Douglas's hinting that a whole lot of oral sex might be to blame for his throat cancer, some may wonder if it really is better to receive than to give. Douglas went on record after his cancer went into remission, saying, "Without wanting to get too specific, this particular cancer is caused by HPV [human papillomavirus], which actually comes about from cunnilingus." In other words, going down on lots of ladies may have contributed to his throat cancer. Then again, Douglas was also a heavy smoker and drinker in his life – also risk factors for throat cancer. Obviously, Douglas is not a doctor, but what he said struck fear in the hearts of many who perhaps thought oral sex was safer sex. In actuality, it is indeed possible to contract the human papillomavirus from giving oral sex.

About 15 of the 100 strains of the virus may cause cancer, including some ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. It's estimated that up to 35 percent of oral cancers, like the one Douglas has, is caused by strains of HPV. The virus usually is symptomless, though genital warts may be a visible symptom of HPV. The surprising news about HPV is that it's very, very common – in fact, up to 90 percent of sexually active people will be exposed to some form of the virus before age 25. The good news is that cancer obviously will not happen to every person who has the virus. More good news about HPV-related cancers is the fact that a vaccine exists to protect against cervical cancer for girls and genital warts for both girls and boys. Experts recommend the vaccine at age 11.