Misdiagnosed warts?

Last Saturday I went to the doctor because I had 3 skin colored bumps (ranging from 3-5 millimeters in length) on the VERY lower shaft of my penis (one on the left side and two on the right only a few millimeters from the groin line). I also have some even smaller skin colored bumps that look exactly the same that are in the pubic region (a few inches above my penis in the groin area). Keep in mind that I shave down there regularly. The doctor examined them and said she thought they were warts. After of course being in complete shock, I then asked to be tested for all STD

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Although I obviously can't be sure without looking, these bumps don't sound like warts to me.  At the very least, there's ample room to be skeptical.  I advise you to see a dermatologist.  If there's doubt, a biopsy may be helpful, just to rule warts out to the extent that you can stop worrying about them.  But if the doctor can tell by looking that they aren't--which I believe will be the case--then you can forget about them.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[poco1023]

I thought I would lend you some personal advice on HPV while you wait for the doctor to reply. I've had normal paps for quite some time with the most recent one being done in June 2006. My gyno asked if I wanted the HPV test done since I'm over 30 (way over), so I said yes.  Even though my pap came back normal my HPV test came back positive for high-risk HPV.  Not sure how long I've had this, never had any symptoms nor has my current b/f of 5 years.  He too no symptons. If your g/f is 30 or over I would suggest her having the HPV test. From what I hear they dont give it to women under 30 and there is no test for men unless there is visible warts.  I hope this information helps and I wish you both the best.

[jayjam]

Thanks for the reply. My girlfriend is under the age of 30 so I would bet they would not be doing the HPV test. Perhaps they should as a precautionary? I am more worried about my girlfriend then me. I know for men this is really nothing more then a nuisance and rarely can cause complications. I would never forgive myself if she had problems because of me. Then again, she has had sexual relations before me so it very well could have come from her. In any case, neither of us are playing blame game and are only looking to ensure that each other are happy and healthy.  :-)

Still waiting on the possible misdiagnosis so we will see what happens. In either case, if it is warts so be it. I know probably half of the human race has this and I guess its the price you pay for having sexual relations.

[poco1023]

If by chance you do have warts and she makes her doctor aware of that, maybe they would do the test for her but I'm not sure. I have a friend of a friend who will be 27 this year and they denied her the test due to her age.  It's really a good thing you too are not placing blame on one another.  There's really know way of knowing whom or when it happened. I was told by my doctor just to make sure I keep up with my yearly exams which I always have so they can keep track of any cervical changes.  The virus does clear up after time from what I was told on the std forum and once you've been infected with a specific type your immune to catching that same type again. I'm considering asking about the vaccine to protect myself against the other types just in case, so that's a thought.  I wish the best to your and your g/f and glad to hear your not letting this ruin a great relationship.

[jayjam]

Thank you Doctor. I am seeing both a urologist and a dermatologist next week. In your experience have you typically found physicians who are not in dermatology or urology to misdiagnose skin conditions?