Wart frozen

So ive always suspected I had some sort of wart for about a year and a half now, even after I was told I did not at the local DHEC, STD testing center. Im a 22 year old male. I decided it was time to go to an actual doctor and see what he thought. I showed him the wart, which is a small flesh colored bump towards the lower part of my penis shaft. The wart hasnt grown or multiplied in any significant way. I also noticed there was another wart, a bit smaller in size in the same area about 6 months ago, but it seemed like it was going away after i messed with it and made it an open cut ( bad idea i know). I've had unprotected sex a number of times. The doctor told me he didnt think it was genital warts, because of the fact that it hadnt grown or spread (especially since i shave down there he said) He believed it could be similar to a wart found on the hand or foot, but does this mean if it is not HPV? Also, does this mean that it is not contagious? Have I infected my previous partners I had unprotected sex with?

He decided to go ahead and freeze the two warts, and now they have both become inflamed and blistered, which i read was normal. My question is, what does this mean for my future sexual health? If the warts go away and do not reappear, would it be risky to have unprotected sex for fear of transmitting it to my partner? What if I use a condom? To be morally in the right, should I tell all partners for the rest of my life that I had warts at one point?? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum! Thank you for your post.

Based on information you provided, it is not clear what diagnosis has been established by your doctor. In general, the appearance of small, flesh colored penile papules (“bumps”) requires detailed evaluation in order to exclude many differential diagnoses including genital viral warts (Condylomata acuminata caused by HPV, it is an STD), skin tags (Acrocholdon, not an STD), genital Molluscum contagiosum (caused by MCV, belongs to the STD group), etc.

You seem very concerned about health of your previous and future sexual partners and that is noble. "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." However, I suggest you start taking good care of yourself by practicing safe sex (especially regular use of condom). That will protect your partners as well as you because it eliminates almost any possibility of transmitting STDs, including genital warts. Of course, the only 100% safe protection is abstinence.

Wishing You Optimal Health and Happy Holidays,
Dr Jasmina Jankicevic