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STDs (Expert Forum)
6 years with no warts, why do I still itch?
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
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This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
6 years with no warts, why do I still itch?
by charliecat, Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
I was diagnosed with genital warts 6 years ago. I haven't had a reoccurance since then, and the doctor tells me that I should be cleared of the virus. My question is, I still itch, mostly on the lips of the vagina. It's not all the time, but enough to make me feel uncomfortable. Doctor says it's not BV and no sign of yeast. Could the HPV infection be causing this itching? Is it possible that I still have the infection and just can't see the warts that are causing the itching? I have no abnormal discharge, just itching.
One more thing, I also have an IUD in place, and I was wondering if that might have something to do with the itching and not feeling normal? Please help! I am currently in a new relationship and am worried about spreading HPV. How likely is it that I still have warts that I can't see after 6 years? Could it still be the cause of the itch?
One more thing, I also have an IUD in place, and I was wondering if that might have something to do with the itching and not feeling normal? Please help! I am currently in a new relationship and am worried about spreading HPV. How likely is it that I still have warts that I can't see after 6 years? Could it still be the cause of the itch?
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 27, 2006 12:00AM
Itching is not a typical symptom of HPV or warts. If you had itching when you had the warts, it probably was just a coincidence. Even if warts/HPV cause once in a while, other things are more likely.
As you seem to realize, candida (yeast) infection is always a consideration; it is the most common cause of vulvar itching overall. Contrary to some beliefs, most yeast infections do not cause much increased vaginal disharge. BV does not cause itching. It can be pretty easy to miss yeast by standard diagnostic tests, so you might check with your doc about how certain s/he is that you don't have candida; and whether, if there is any doubt, it might be worth trying one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments.
In any case, there is no particular reason to be concerned about HPV/warts. Because you are a sexually active person, the odds are fair you have HPV. (A brand new, population-based research study shows that among women age 18-25 in the US, at any point in time about 25% have an active HPV infection.) But sexually transmitted HPV is basically unavoidable, and since the vast majorty if infections do not lead to any important health problem, in my opinion there is no point in getting worked up about prevention.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
As you seem to realize, candida (yeast) infection is always a consideration; it is the most common cause of vulvar itching overall. Contrary to some beliefs, most yeast infections do not cause much increased vaginal disharge. BV does not cause itching. It can be pretty easy to miss yeast by standard diagnostic tests, so you might check with your doc about how certain s/he is that you don't have candida; and whether, if there is any doubt, it might be worth trying one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments.
In any case, there is no particular reason to be concerned about HPV/warts. Because you are a sexually active person, the odds are fair you have HPV. (A brand new, population-based research study shows that among women age 18-25 in the US, at any point in time about 25% have an active HPV infection.) But sexually transmitted HPV is basically unavoidable, and since the vast majorty if infections do not lead to any important health problem, in my opinion there is no point in getting worked up about prevention.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
grace
Don't worry so much about your partner catching HIV from you. It probably won't happen, but if you are infected and he catches it, he probably will never know it. We all get HPV somewhere along the line; it is a normal part of being sexually active. But if you want to take precautions, use condoms. Consistent and proper condom use is highly protective.
HHH, MD