Not sure if I have HPV!

[dph]

I was involved with a women back in 2004-2005. We had sex about 5 times all protected. Back in August of 2004, we were having sex and the condom broke and I realized it had in 2-3 min. I immediately got up and washed off. A couple of months later I went in For Std testing just to be sure and every thing came back normal. In December of 2005 we had our last encounter with one another before breaking ties with each other. I forgot to say that I am "Married". I am the worst. In July of last year my wife found out about the other women and was not very happy. After that I started examining myself a little bit closer than normal. While showering I see a bump on the head of my penis and thats when I became paranoid. So I contacted the other women just to asked questions more indept about her and she told me she indeed tested positive for HPV (Cervical Type) back in 2004/2005. I went to see a doctor about my problem and they (had 2 in the room) said they saw nothing. Did not feel like I was diagnosed properly so I saw another doctor and she told me the same thing. Second doctor had a dermatology back ground. As you can tell I am stressing over this matter. It's been a few months since last seen a doctor an dstill self examining self. Have noticed a row of tiny bumps around my penis head that was not their at other doctor visits. Can I PLEASE get your expert opinion about this matter.

[Arjuna]

About 9 years ago I went in for an STD check up and my Doctor upon examining me said "it looks a little warty" I was very confused because I had absolutely no changes or symptoms. I believe that he was looking at a small "skin tag" that was left over from when I was circumsized when I was 16 years old from the stiches in my skin. He went ahead and applied acetic vinegar on me to check and it turned white. He convinced me that I had HPV and for years I thought that I did. I finally went to three other health care providers(over the years) to get second opinions and all of them said that I had absolutely nothing and that it's possible the acetic vinegar turned my skin white due to abnormal changes in my skin from my "late" surgery. It has been nine years now and I've never had a symptom and none of the partners I've been with have ever had symptoms or tested positive for HPV. Is it possible that I was misdiagnosed?

[madisonwisconsin]

I recently started developing small inflamed areas in my vagina.  I have only had one sexual partner (disease and virus free, or at least asymptomatic) and got a pap-smear about six months ago, which came back clear.  I have noticed this inflammation worsening since starting the NuvaRing birth control (as well as other problems related to dryness, such as chafing and tearing).  There are no explanations for this as a side-effect of the drug, aside from "vaginal irritation" on the NuvaRing website.  I started panicking that I had HPV and frantically searched the web for a picture of what I have or good pictures of HPV or herpes.  I was not able to find a picture that looks like my issue, except of vestibular glands.  After seeing the picture, I was relieved; however, the condition is worsening and I'm curious to know what the general case is with vestibular glands and if I should be worried.  I tried to see if the bumps turned white with vinegar (I'm not sure if this is a DIY type test) and they did not.  They are not itchy or sore, but they do bleed a bit if I scratch them.  My partner is quite certain that he is not carrying anything.  Should I be concerned?  I tend to worry about these things, but they don't seem to be giving me trouble, they are just visibly worrisome.  If this is a side-effect of the NuvaRing I would like to know.  Also, are general hand warts spreadable to the genital area?  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You already have had several expert opinions.  Any doctor can see a wart, and it sounds as though none of the three who examined you saw anything at all.  Rows of bumps around the penis head are called pearly penile papules and are normal.  If you need more reassurance, see a dermatologist again, but when you hear that you don't, then it's time to move on and deal with what's really going on here--guilt and anxiety.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff