Living with Genital Warts

I apologise for raising a topic which I'm sure has many times been discussed in the past. I've searched the forums quite extensively and read up pretty much everything I can, but I'm still interested in some more views.

As of September last year, I believe I have genital warts. I basically have 1 wart which is recurring. I've been to the GUM clinic a number of times. The first time they gave me the blue Warticon solution which I dabbed on 3 nights a week. After a number of weeks, the wart disappeared. I was a happy man.

A month or two later it was back with a vengenance. It was not particularly big, but it was visible to me, especially when my penis was of different sizes. I went to GUM, they couldn't see it and gave me the all clear - telling me I was free to have unprotective sex if I wanted (but safe sex was still advised). On return home, I could still find the wart. I used Warticon on it again. It vanished. Then it came back.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I went back to GUM and told them the story. I also told them I thought that blue Warticon ink was pretty terrible to use. No problem they say - we'll freeze it off. They do, I leave and am content finally the damn thing has gone. The area that was froze swelled, went pink then gradually skin began to reform over it. However, maybe a month and a bit from that day - that area of my penis is still very pink and noticeable. I have since identified what a consider to be another wart - however it's hardly noticeable and I'm pondering whether to get it looked at or just ignore it. The chances are they wouldn't be able to see it anyway or treatment would irritate it and make it worse than it is.

There's my backstory which I guess people might find useful to know of, my questions are as follows:

Is my penis likely to be permanently scarred from the freezing treatment? If not, how long should it be before I can no longer notice where the affected area?

Does anyone feel it is worth Warticoning / going to get the smaller one frozen also?

Finally - I don't know how to go about my sex life anymore. I think KNOWING you have the virus is actually worse than any warts. I've been single for a while now - most of the women I meet are on night's out. Pulling the old "oh by the way I have genital warts" card out as things get serious scares the hell out of me. I don't feel I can do it. How do you others get by? I find it bizarre that my doctors go by the consensus that if the warts are gone you're safe whereas I've read people on here have been told their partners have had warts up to 4 years on from the break out. I really could do with some advice on how to not be afraid of sex anymore...

[JeffJeff]

will hpv cause warts to form all over your body? like little pimples that wont go away. i have them on my penis my wristas ans in the insides of my ankles and 3 on my side. what is this?

[AllaBoo]

Arf...

I am a 21 year old female who has just been diagnosed with genital warts. I have had 8 sexual partners and ONLY ever had sex using condoms and none have ever broken, but I seem to have contracted the disease. I started with about 6 tiny little warts, but only one week later, today, they have multiplied, spread and the existing ones grown. My GP diagnosed me last week and I have an appointment tomorrow with a sexual health clinic physician to seek treatment. Its a cruel disease, I dont know who gave it to me and probably never will.

I am also in the same position as you in regard to my sex life. I'm so unsure what this means for me!
-Do you meet someone you really connect with then pull out the "oh by the way I have genital warts" card and watch them run a million miles?
-Or do you get to know the person but refrain from sex for ages, untill they finally crack and want to know why you won't sleep with them, so you tell them, then they either also run a million miles, or get angry for leading them on without telling them?
-Or do you sleep with them and take the risk of passing it on, creating another new case, putting them through what you've been through and living with the responsibility of it on your conscience?

I want to be a mum one day, with the right man, but how is that ever going to be possible?

I've always been scared of contracting any STD's hense the reason I've only ever used condoms, but I too am now scared of sex. I'm 21 with my whole life ahead of me. This shouldnt be happening!

Any advice from anyone would be most appreciated!

[Arf]

You think in exactly the same ways that I do.

Unfortunately, I cannot claim to have never had unprotected sex. I have. I perhaps shouldn't have but it is done and there is nothing I can do about it. However - even if I had used protection at times where I didn't, it is still probable that I would have caught the disease.

I am also 21 years old. This is meant to be our sexual prime. However, increasingly I am steering clear of opportunities to have sex with women because of the condition. I'm sure you're the same. As you said, it's very cruel. The annoying thing is the conflict of advice I've been given about it. I mean as I stated in my previous post I've been to the GUM clinic a number of times and they just seem to go by the ethos that if you can't see anything then you're fine to have sex. Get on to the internet and it's a completely different story.

I personally don't feel like I can tell someone I've just met / am dating about all this. I believe it will scare people off. However I guess when people don't tell others, that's when it gets passed on. I suppose the interesting thing about it all is the supposed percentage of people who have HPV. I mean - we're not 2 out of 100. If statistics to be believed it could be as much as 2 out of 5 or certainly 2 out of 10. Only a few of us actually develop the physical symptoms though. I don't know if this means that whoever we sleep with are likely to receive the same symptoms?

If you need someone to talk to online then feel free to say so and I'll try and figure out a way to get you my MSN addy.

[wickitom]

I found out I had genital warts a year ago and I finally can say I free of them, but you never know they might always comeback.  Now, every time I get a red spot on my genital area, I thinks its a wart.  You become paranoid.  

Dating is an issue as well.  I have been wanting to ask this girl out for months now, I just don't have the guts to do it.  When do you tell them about the possible HPV infection, before or after few dates.  I have know this person for a year now, but what do you do.  

I honestly believe this will make it harder to date, you will get rejected more then before.  Eventually, some one won't run.  

Please post comments!

[wjamie1]

I am a 24 year old female who just found out that she had genital warts.  I went to the doctor who didn't give me much information about this.  Does this mean that I will have it for life? What treatments are there or this? I have been crying and so depressed for days.  Im starting to feel like dating or relationships with never happen again.  I mean how do you tell someone this and not expect them to go running far far away.  I have only had sex with 4 people in my life and 1 in the last 2 years.  Its so hard and difficult to handle this.  Any information on this would be helpful

[tigerlilly2234]

Hi.  I am a female who was recently diagnosed with genital warts.  I just had to go to a 2nd treatment due to their return.  I feel the same horrible feelings and fear the rejection.  In fact, it has already happened.  I have a man friend that unfortunately due to a long distance have not been totally committed for several years, but we always knew one day we'd end up in the same city even if one of us had to quit our jobs.  Well, after telling him this situation he says he'll be "there for me" but now it looks as though there is no future.  On top of this I've been extremely depressed/crying for weeks now over this whole situation.  It was made especially worse since I know who I got it from due to lack of partners and the fact that it appeared in a place where this jerk who I had once called my friend for about 10 years, had forced himself without my permission and without the condom.  Granted I pushed him off after his first attempt, but that's all it took.  I received an unwarranted advance and a terrible disease that has destroyed my self-esteem and eroded my happiness.  This whole situation is awful and if anyone knows where to seek some advice/counseling it would be greatly appreciated.  I just don't see myself ever being married one day or ever having children for fear of them appearing and passing it on.  I've read really scaries stories on the danger to newborns.  

[bestrong]

Hello all! I was doing some research and came across this forum. I too had the unfortunate experience of contracting HPV. I found out about 8 years ago while in a committed relationship during college. I will never truly know if he gave it to me, but common sense says "yes".  When I first found out I was devastated! After the relationship ended, I was single for about 6 mo's. When I became involved with a new guy, I was faced with the dreadful challenge of telling him before we took things to the next physical level. I won't lie - IT WAS HARD! We sat there and I told him as I became somewhat emotional. He listened and responded by telling me that he respected me even more. We had been together a month at that point and we continued a relationship for 6 1/2 years! We even produced a beautiful daughter :)  We were careful at first, but of course we are human and that got tossed out the window. This past January we decided to go our own ways and now I am at square one all over again. Although I had a positive experience w/my past relationship, I am not looking forward to 'disclosing' again - or dealing with the "what are they going to think" dilemma. I have been talking to a new guy for the past month. We met over the computer and are meeting in person this week. Naturally, our conversations tend to lead to sex and are filled with flirtation and anticipation. So - here comes the big moment! I could just ignore it and if the mood is right, go forth and indulge. However, the harsh reality is that I have HPV and I don't want to be "that one" who kept it a secret. A long time ago, shortly after I found out, I realized that this virus - although a huge hinderance - could also be a blessing in disguise. It woke me up and made me pay more attention to my sexual health, but it also put something else into perspective - it would be a true test as to who would be with me FOR ME (as a person)...who truly cared and liked/loved me, flaws and all.

It's not an easy thing to deal with, but it's life. Most of my friends have all dealt with an STD at some point in their lives, but some of us are lucky enough to catch the one that won't go away! Life happens - and sometimes it hands you lemons. Control it and don't let it control you! You can still live a happy life...have children...love and be loved! And remember...it could always be worse.

Keep on keepin' on!

[billy dougan]

I guess we just got to go out there and not be worry warts.  I mean what is it 2 or 3 out of 5 people have this ****.  I'v had sex with many many women and none have ever formed any warts and all the girls I have ever dated for a long time have had negative paps.  After noticeing several tiny bumps I went ot the doc and found out i had em.  I must have had them for some time, seems like they've always been there but noone ever noticed!  I guess once the doc gives me the thumbs up, ill be back to well you know...

[FLAMAN1]

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND I HAD TO GO THE THE DERMOTOLIST SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAD ABOUT TWENTY SMALL WARTS APPEAR OVER THE COURSE OF ONE YEAR, I CAN TELL YOU I USED ALDARA WITH LITTLE EFFECT, SO I HAD THM FREEZE THEM OFF, THE RED AND PINK SPOTS THAT THE TREATMENT LEAVE BEHIND TAKE ABOUT 6 MONTHS TO GO AWAY, IT SUCKS I KNOW, BUT ITS JUST LIKE BEING FROST BITTEN IF THAT MAKES SENSE, BUT I WILL TELL YOU WHEN THEY FREEZE THEM OFF IT WORKS MUCH BETTER THAN THE SOLUTIONS, GOOD LUCK TO YOU...

[Lozbo]

Wow its refreshing to be able to chat with other people in the same boat as me.  Sometimes this condition makes me feel so alone, especially with the social stigma attached to it.  Nobody wants to admit that they have the dreaded things.
I've been living with them for about a year now and I feel like i've reached rock bottom.  Sometimes they don't bother me and other times I turn into a depressed wreck.  I only got a couple at first but slowly they begun to get out of control.  I know who gave me them and I have often felt resentful, but I know now that not everyone who carries the virus develops the warts, and he may have had no idea atall (he is a friend and I would have hoped he'd have told me if he knew!) so now I don't get angry about it.
I have tried various treatments such as Warticon and the Cryo (freezing) but each without much success.  I've got to admit I didn't use the treatments thoroughly enough at first, which is maybe why im still suffering?  I'm now in the middle of a treatment called Aldara, which is meant to stimulate the bodies immune system into fighting the virus.  Warticon is the least powerful, which is why I think they give it to new cases.  This may be why people have not experienced much success with it.  Keep badgering your doctor like I did and they might give you something stronger.  I'd love to try the laser treatment or surgery, but I know those methods are only for extreme cases (or the rich kids!)
I actually work in an STI clinic on reception (ironically!), and I can tell you now warts are the least problematic queries I have to deal with.  It is a very tame STI with little to no health complications, compared to a lot of the other infections.  Therefore, consider yourselves lucky indeed.  You wouldn't believe how many people I talk to with them aswell, which is comforting.  3 of my friends I confided in also had dealt with the same burden, so they're unbelievably common.
As for sexual relations, I have been with my boyfriend for a year and a half, and he adores me, warts and all.  He was with me with me when I developed them, and Im lucky that he sees me for the person I am inside.  As for future sexual partners, I am scared of what they may think.  I could just dive in there and hope they don't develop the signs, but I am far too caring and don't think I could do that to someone.  I know from my current boyfriend that if somebody loves you deeply enough, they really will not care.  And if they do, they're not worth bothering with anyway.  A tip though, maybe wait till they've got to know you thoroughly before you let it slip (then they'll be so head over heels they wont care!)
I have read extensively about the condition.  The most important advice I can give you is to keep your immune system healthy.  Aswell as the topical medications and the freezing, make some changes in your lifestyle to help your body stay on top of the virus.  You will never eradicate it, but the warts will disappear if your body has enough control over it.  Good nutrition is essential, if you can't bear to cut out the **** in your diet like me, take vitamins.  Vit C is the best for strengthening your immune system, aswell as A, E and zinc. (go to http://www.moondragon.org/health/disorders/warts.html for the best details on this)  Make sure you're exercising regularly and proportionately chilling out.  Stress is one of the worst compromises to your immunity, so if youre gettin angry all the time consider what its doin for your warts! Me and my boyfriend row a lot, and he has a lot of issues that get on top of me.  That is why I'm considering leaving this relationship, for the state of my health.  I have only just begun making my lifestyle changes, so I will report back with any news soon.
If you're worried they won't go away (like me) just keep in mind some interesting statistics that a fifth of people that develop warts clear them in six months, and two thirds in two years.  They are quite likely to recur, but if you keep your life happy and healthy, your body is more likely to keep them at bay.
I am in the middle of working on some mental exercises to help clear them.  Positive thinking has been known to shrink tumours and cure cancers, so surely a little old wart shouldnt pose too much of a threat? I think this needs regular practise though, something I haven't had the time to put into.  If you want to make a go at this I recommend using your imagination to 'battle' the warts. (I imagine loads of little replicas of myself that represent my immune system, each with different weapons attacking the wart virus which I have personified as a monster! and killing them obviously!) I have no idea if this doing any good but if studies on placebos are correct than this could be definitely worth investigating.
Hope this has been useful for you guys out there.  Stay strong!

[SK212]

I was supposed to go out tonight, one of my mates sisters was hooking me up with one of her freinds.
I've met her once and  find her attractive and was really looking foward to tonight, getting to know her some more. Yet, at the same time, i was worried like hell, because I've had genital warts for some time and have kept it secret from all my family and freinds.
The warts, one day, i noticed a very small lump, it wasworrying, but i didnt think to much of it, because i handt been that sexually active. Eventually, it turned to three lumps and one was large. It didnt seem to change for ages, now, there are many, the ones that are there are mostly small and dont seem to be increasing in size, but they do seem to be spreading slowly.
I've pretty much been living in denial and been too affraid to face the reality of it all, i guess i've been somewhat living a lie an pretending that the problem is there.
I've avoided going out alot, and avoiding making any attempts at meeting girls and trying to get sex, even purposely blowing chances that occured or making something up.
I know that i really dont want to pass on the infetion to anybody, so i've avoided making attempts at a sex life.
I did try one form of treatment, i forget the product, i got it over the internet, there were lots of posative testimonials, which seemed very promising and had me hopefull. However, i used the product, as instructed(some days i was a little slack) , and got no results what so ever.
I kind of gave up after that.
Its just so dam hard, i ended up decideing to not go out tonight, which is very depressing and now i feel like the time has come to tell my family and freinds but that terrifies me. I fear loosing my freinds and just dont think i'd feel confortable around anymore anymore once they knew, and imagine that they wouldnt want to be around me, out of fear of catching somehow, even though its sexually transmitted..
It is so depressing because, i was shy around girls in highschool and never made the most out of being popular with them, and i only really had a small percentage of life where i was really confudant with the oppisote sex and felt that i was doing well.
I've never experianced a long term/serious relation ship, and never been one to have a regular sex life, i've really just had the odd hook up or one night stand here an there or short relationship. some of which, it was only oral sex or less.
I dont know how i got it, or how long i've had it.
I went through a bad drinking stage and wonder if a night out whilst sh*t faced an waking up not knowing where i was the nexy day(lol sounds like iam a female saying that), if it coulda happned on a night like that?
I was always one to enjoy the mixture of being quite social, yet always liked my video games and stuff, now, because of the warts, and for a few years now, i spend so much time on the internet or talking to girls on-line more than real life, or playing video games an drinking(not as much as i did for a while there), i feel happy at times, becasue i have lots of hobbies and things that i enjoy, yet, feeling that i cant have a sex, like, its not a matter of not getting out or failure, it just dosent seem like a option, an having good freinds and family has helped keep me happy, but the fear of loosing all that.
Life just seems good yet really bad at the same time, and whilst i like time to myself and enjoy hobbies, i feel my social life is suffering and that will only be the case more so as time go's on.
I was never a nerd in school, i like anime an rpgs/video games an stuff, but now, i act like a nerd alot an with the amount of time i spend being anti social, but its like like i dont want to be around girls or cant get them, its that i have been to affaid to face this harsh relaity.
Seems cruel that someone how never had a huge sex life or real relation ship could catch something like this.
I hear some of you talk of a partner how loves you enough to still be with you, i just cant see myslef ever being so lucky.
I've pretty much ressorted to just drinking, playing video games and looking at hentai.
I have a good job, good money, good car, good freinds, but this just out weights all of that and turns me more towards solitude, i feel happy, in my own little world, yet wake up depressed an fear being lonely.
i do get some confort reading words from people that are going through the same thing as me. I wouldnt wish it upon anyone.
But yeah, things could indeed be worse.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

First,. you need to see a doc to see if what you have is even genital warts.  It might not be.  If it is, they can treat them for you, and make them go away.  You might still be infectious for awhile after, but once you've gone about 2 years with no outbreaks, you aren't infectious anymore.

You might have some normal skin things going on.  You need to find out what these are.  You have shut your life down and you don't even know if you have it.

If you don't want to see your regular doc for this, then try a Planned Parenthood, if you are in the US, or an std clinic.

There's no reason to live like this.

AJ

[SK212]

Yeah, i must admit, i was unsure at first, and stupidly didnt get it checked out and kind of just pretended nothing was wrong.
I dont know why i havent been to a doctor. I guess i have heaverly researched the topic on the internet, and self diagnosed myself..
From what i read at the many many websites, there was treatment, but no cure, and always the possibility of symptoms returning and the virus never go's away. Its confusing, to read that if the symptoms clear up your not contagious, but then you read that your just less likely to pass it on, as with wearing a condom.
Anyway, it sure dosent look like the pics you see on the internet, but i think its clear.
Thanks for the advice, i actaully spoke to my mother about it last night, wich was hard to do, and she said the same things as you.
I will go get checked out. I guess i've become an example of a person that dosent go get checked out straight away, letting the condition get worse an effect my life when by the sounds of it isnt quite as bad as it all seemed.

[charliebitme]

i have a question....I don't know if i have genital warts,  I don't have any thing on my penis, but i have what looks to be skin tags on the base, and then red bumps that look like ingrown hairs that you get after done shaving down there.  does anyone know what this could be? any help would be awesome....thanks alot

[auntiejessi]

It could be follicultitis, warts - any number of things.  You should just get it checked.

AJ

[charliebitme]

how can i get it treated?  and will it go away

[auntiejessi]

It depends on what it is.  Just go to the doc.  Getting diagnosed won't change that you have something, but you can take steps to get rid of whatever it is.

Aj

[charliebitme]

well i'm deployed right now, so it's kinda hard to get to the doctor because of my work schedule, is there anything else i could do.

[auntiejessi]

I can't tell you what to do because you don't know what it is.  Isn't there a base doctor or something you can see?

Aj

[moor3077]

my exgrilfriend had been checked to have the genital warts about a month ago and then she suicided herself in the next morning.
we have just broken up for 3 month and I still love her very much, but I did not expect that she did such thing.
I check to the doc and I was clean then. maybe it is the thought that she got the cruel virus and will never be with me again while she love me too that made her terminate.
She fall down form the top of a fifteen floor building and the only whole part of her body was her face.
I have cried for a couple of weeks and I was desperate. now i'm partially back from the feeling.

what i want to say is to be brave, and it's hard and sad to go on, even feel like in hell, but just hang on, just be alive.

[auntiejessi]

Oh I am so sorry she did that, especially after getting diagnosed with something so common.

I wish you the best.

AJ

[viennae]

about two months ago, i felt a few rough bumps near the vaginal opening on my left side. I FREAKED. A few after that, i got them looked at and i was told it was normal. But...a week before the visit, i noticed a line of pimple like bumps on the right side. Between the labia majora (I believe is the term) and the fleshier lip. I don't think the nurse at the STD clinic looked at them properly. She said it was normal, but, again, I don't think she looked at them. They're in a pretty straight line, some with a white head and then at the base are three slightly bigger and flatter and whiter marks. I now think I have genital warts. I tried self-diagnosing and for a long time deluded myself into thinking that it was molluscum (as I have on my forehead and back) or some sort of cysts. But, now, after obsessively looking at them, I have lost hope that they're anything else. I know they're more of a superficial virus and all but, i'm in the worst depression over it. I have good days and bad days and I'm wondering what i'm going to do with my love life. I am 20 years and I've only had sex ONCE. I was this guys second partner. Unfortunately,his first, is promiscuous who slept around....a lot. I'm so upset at the situation.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

If you think you didn't get checked properly, go back.  You have to be your own health advocate.

That said, there are things called fordyce spots (or sebaceous glands).  Google those and see what you think.

Aj

[laidback417]

Like most I noticed a few bumps on my penis.  I basically self diagnosed it as genital warts from research i've done online.  This was about a year ago.  I never went to the doctor because of the embarrasment factor.  Well today I went and he looked at me in astonishment and said I would have to be referred to a dermatologist and would probably have to have them "lasered" off.  I haven't heard of this treatment and I was wondering if anyone else has and if i can get any info on it.

[auntiejessi]

I answered this in your own thread.

Aj

[bigdizzay]

wow.. this is the fourm i needed.. ive been living with warts for years.. but most of the time it was unprotected i got sober 2 years ago... and thats when my mind came back.. for me.. when it comes to.. dating and telling them.. its one of the first things i do.. its embarresing .. but once they know.. im ok.. i cant live with the fact that i gave it to one more person.. what i do.. i never had a wart on the penis.. i allways had it on the public hair.. area.. i wear boxers during sex as well as a condom to protect her..

[Jazzy87]

I had sex for the first time with my boyfriend 6 months into our relationship. And 2 months later I had a "light" case of genital warts(meaning not a severe case) my paps smear came out normal. My boyfriend also went to the doctors and they ran like a test to see if warts appear and they didn't.(he has been my only sexual partner). I unfortunantly was treated for genital warts which was very painful but my boyfriend was there every step of the way.(you know its love when he sticks by you even without 3 months of sex lol) anyways. they warts seem to have come back and I was tired of this whole thing, so I thought to my self, ok, there has to be another way besides these painful treatments. My mom has always been a health nut taking vitamins etc. So I looked online and came across a site talking about taking liquid garlic oil pills which is a vitamin that you can pick up at the store for maybe $5...and I swear too you they were gone in maybe 2-3 days. I don't know what liquid garlic pills do, but they made them go away. I can't 100% gurantee you that it will work but from all the post online that I have read, it worked for them. And what do you have to loose $5 dollers. so just go to the store and pick some up take the recommend amount I think it's like one for every major meal you have. It's been a little over a year and I'm wart free! and still with my boyfriend actually are two year anniversary is next month. Hpv and genital warts is not the end of the world you still have a looonnngg life a head of you. And I'm in college, have a good job and wonderful life and I'm happier than ever!
Good Luck!

[empathy60]

I don't believe for a second that garlic pills would cure an HPV infection.  In fact, nothing can other than your own immune system.  And having normal paps with low risk HPV is common.  Recurrences after having warts removed is common as well, which is what happened in your case.  Your own body put the HPV in check, not the garlic pills.  You can also rest assured that your boyfriend has low risk HPV as well, he was just one of many individuals who does not exhibit visible symptoms.  And why were you waiting three months to have sex with someone who was already infected?  Did it take this long to remove the warts?

I believe in taking care of yourself, taking vitamins and leading a healthy lifestyle, but no vitamin or holistic "cure" should ever be substituted in place of a doctor and mainstream medicine.

[Jazzy87]

I apologize if my post souded like I was meaning that garlic pills cure hpv. When my warts came back I started taking the garlic oil pills and in about 2-3 days they started going away. Maybe they directly made the warts go away or maybe the helped my immune system fight it. But it's kind of odd to me that my immune system would build up that fast and they just go away. The doctor told me to wait until they fully go away to begin having sex I'm pretty sure it was 2-3 months..mmm...maybe more like 2 months...Unfortunantly I got many different answers when it came to having unprotected sex(but with birth control) with my boyfriend. They said the virus could possibly mutate so I waited a good 6 months. I haven't yet talk to or found anyone that was still with there boyfriend that gave them hpv. It's so weired how many people have this and its scary my best friend has the higher risk that causes cervical cancer and she's having problems. Also a girl that I worked with had the genital warts type. And then another girl that I worked with her best friend has it. And those are just people that I just happend to talk about it with(except my best friend of course I would know) But it's so scary and you get different information from different doctors. Like my doctor told me to still get the hpv shots to prevent me from getting those 4 types later down the road if I don't stay with my boyfried.And my best friends doctor said there was no point to get them, but I'm still urging her too..I think it's so new and unknown, I don't think anyone really knows except the very basic information.

[justchill999]

Sharing your knowledge here as put many of us here in self confidence. Appreciate your
efforts. Can you refer to some good websites which will put more light on Genital Warts so we can also improve our knowledge.

[auntiejessi]

www.ashastd.org is one of the best sites for all std info.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks for the website information. I had noticed last week genital warts on my penis
(below head in groove) in 2 different places. I immediately went to my doctor and he confirmed it to be Genital Warts. The size of warts is very thin and less than 1 cm.
I am undergoing now Cryotherapy treatment from my doctor. He said I will have to
go through this treatment atleast twice or thrice. He said after that I will be okay.
I am married man and with  kids. Due to some reasons I did not have sex with
my wife for last 5 months. I dont want to disclose to my wife about this as she wont
be able to take. But I am very worried whether she had contracted genital warts through
me (we had sex about 5 months ago).
My question to you is:
will the Genital Warts reappear after Cryotherapy treatment ? What are the chances ?
If it does reappear what treatment should I do ? again Cryotherapy ?
How much time will it take me to recover that I am not contagious to others ?
Shall I ask my wife to do pap smear test ?
Kindly reply soon.

[auntiejessi]

If you have the kind of HPV that causes warts, its not associated with a risk for cervical cancer.

Your wife might have been exposed - its really hard to know for sure unless she gets warts.  She can have an HPV test done with her pap, but if the infection isn't active, it won't show on the HPV test.

Warts can sometimes reappear - other times they won't.  There is no way to know this for sure.  If they do, you'll just get the cryotherapy again.  After you've gone several months without symptoms, you probably aren't infectious any longer, but again, there is no way to know this either.  (I know - I realize this information really stinks, we just don't know a lot about this and have no really good tests for it.)

How long have you been married?  I'm assuming you've been with other partners, too.  When did that happen?  If either you or your wife had partners prior to getting married, and you haven't been married a long time, its really hard to know when either of you were exposed.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks for your reply and explanation. I really appreciate.
I read in www.ashastd.org that some people dont get back genital warts
after the first treatment, but some people get back those genital warts.
I am hoping I dont get back genital warts after my 1st treatment. God save me.
I am 42 years, I am married since 14 years to my wife and have 2 kids.
In past few times I have had slept with other few womens when on business trip. Now I realise how stupid and unfair I was to my wife. I just
want one more chance. Now I have really realised how much I love my
wife and kids. I dont want anything bad to happen to them.
I am sure my wife didnt have any other partner than me.
I have noticed genital warts only 4-5 days back on penis and have already gone once for Cryotherapy treatment. After few days again
again will go for 2nd Cryotherapy.. and may be one more time after
another week.
Since last 5 months I did not have sex with my wife because due
to many guests in our house our kids were sleeping with us.. so
we didnt get any chance to have sex in last 5 months even once.
Since 5 months we didnt have sex and I have developed warts only
recently.. should I ask my wife to go for pap smear test ??

[auntiejessi]

Having a pap now isn't going to tell her much.  The important part of the pap would be the HPV test, and again, if she doesn't have an active infection right now - she can have it and not have an active infection - then the HPV test would be negative.

If she gets yearly paps, she'll be fine.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks for your suggestion. So you think she should have pap done now to be safe ?
Regarding Genital Warts - What are the chances in percentage that after 1st genital
warts that it will reoccur and what are the chances it will not reoccur again ?? can you
throw some light on this ?
Aj you have been very helpful and I am very thankful to you.
I just hope that people who risk their lives by having multiple sex partners would come and visit this forum, then world would be safer place to live in. This forum would really
change the attitude of the people for those people who dont have any STD.

[auntiejessi]

No, I don't think she needs a pap smear now.  I've tried to explain a few times that its not likely to tell her anything.  If she gets her yearly pap smears, she is going to be fine.

There are no percentages for the chances of your warts returning.  It really varies from person to person.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks a lot for your explanation. You have been very helpful. Hope to keep in touch
with you if I have more query.

[justchill999]

Today I went for 2nd Cryotherapy Treatment. My Doctor saw the Warts
and he noticed little improvement only. He did the Cryotherapy today
again. He said in 10 days there should be good improvement. And
probably will need 3rd Cryotherapy that time.
He says it should go away after 3rd Cryotheray. He says after 3rd Cryotherapy he will give me some liquid medication to apply.If small warts reappear he said to use that liquid medication immediately to
get rid of them.
Do you think he is doing correct treatment ? He is General Physician.
He is knowledgeable.. and he says Genital Warts has become too common so we need not worry and need to take approach positively.
He says Cryotherapy is good treatment for Genital Warts.
I dont know but, he being just GP, so I am having my doubts.
Can you inform which Doctor will be expert in diagnoising and treating
Genital warts in case nothing comes out of this treatment.

[auntiejessi]

Yes, this is an appropriate treatment.

If you are concerned, then a dermatologist would be a good one to see, or even an std clinic.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks. I will see how the treatment goes next few times.
I think one need to have patience for this treatment. Its really damn
terrible to have on you.

[auntiejessi]

I know its annoying, but keep perspective.  Its not really any different than if you had a wart on your elbow, ya know?

[justchill999]

These are the same exact words my doctor told me.. exact same.

[auntiejessi]

He must be smart.  ;)

Just don't let yourself get all caught up in the stigma of it being an std.  80% of people will get HPV genitally in their lifetimes, so its just about unavoidable.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks AJ.

communicating with you and knowing fact from you has really put me in relief.
I will keep you update about my progress.

[justchill999]

Its 17 days after I was diagnosed and after 2 Cryotherapy. The warts
still remains. Its still visible. I have read in website, after cryotherapy
the blister is formed and the warts drops off and red new skin is developed. In my case it hasnt happened.
Auntiejessie can you guide me on this ? I have Uncircumcised Penis so
the warts are covered by the foreskin. Is it possible the foreskin is
preventing to heal properly the warts.
Today I have appointment with my Doctor again.

[justchill999]

I just visited my Doctor. Since he didn see much improvement in Warts, today he
applied Podophyllin on warts.
He said to wash it off the area with water after 4 hours and asked me to visit
after 2 days.
He said he want to avoid more Cryotherapy on penis bcse too much of this
treatment is bad for penis bcse warts are on penis head. Further doing cryotherapy
might cause problem..
Kindly comment on this ?

[justchill999]

Update - after 4 Hours of wash, there is no reaction. No irritation and No burning
sensation even.
Doctor is suggesting Laser treatment ? What do you think.
Pls comment on this ?

[auntiejessi]

I would get this biopsied before I would do laser surgery, just to make sure its actually warts.

Aj

[justchill999]

I am really worried.. I think it could be Penile Carcinoma instead of
warts. I am really tensed now.

[auntiejessi]

Penile carcinoma is VERY rare, and I wouldn't worry at all about this if you didn't have a biopsy saying you had it.

Aj

[justchill999]

or Could it be just white bumps which I heard about in some web site. Its common
in uncircumsized penis.

[auntiejessi]

It could be - you need to get the biopsy done.

Aj

[justchill999]

Again visited my Doctor, He saw warts. He thinks theres improvement.
One of Warts has become total White and dry. Its not painfull at all. He says its dead skin and it will drop off any time. It will become red when its drops off and new skin will form.
Another Warts is breaking up and its becoming bit painful, itchy at times.He says its clearing up warts thats why its painful and itchy.
He says within 1 week or 10 days all the warts might be clear and it will become Red. It will be painful till new skin is formed.
I asked him if Biopsy should be necessary. He says no need bcse he
is sure its Genital Warts.

[auntiejessi]

Good.  Now you just have to wait, which I know *****.  :(

Aj

[justchill999]

Tks. The white things finally have come off.. Pink/Red moist raw skin is visible now.
Doctor said to keep that area dry & Clean it twice a day.
He said to come back in 7-10 days.
I just want to know is the warts have melted with combination of Cryotherapy and Podophyllin ? or is it only by Podophyllin..
Pls inform can I use soap to clean that area now.. or just plain water wash is okay ?

[auntiejessi]

Plain water is fine, and you should go easy on the soap as long as the skin is raw like this.

It could be a combo of both, or maybe just the podophyllin.  There's really no way to know.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks for your Advice. The skin is healing. Also Doctor had given me an
antibiotic cream to apply after cleaning and drying that part.
Everything seem to be okay for now.
Thanks a lot for being an excellent guide. I really appreciate.. w/o you I would not
have confidence to cope the situation.

[raf1]

Hey there, im glad im not the only person out there who feels this way about warts. I contracted them around november last year but didnt get any warts until the following February. I'm a 20 year old lad who is at university, and stupidly has slept with numerous women unprotected. I just never thought it would happen to me, such an ignorant and naaive approch to adopt i know but that was how i was. The warts were located on the string that holds the foreskin to the penis (think its called banjo or wotever) i ignored them for a while hoping they would go away. they didnt so in may i went to my uni doc and he diagnosed me with GW. My face when he said those words must have been the most dissapointed and scared one you will ever see. He gave me cream which i applied to the infected area, around end june, beginning july they went away. I started a new job for the summer around july which has causing me to become stressed, hence the warts are starting to creep back in the same place as before, not as big, just little white bits over the banjo. i havnt gone to a doc to get treated again. I would just like to know, can i still lead a normal life with this std? Will I be able to meet a women, settle down and MOST IMPORTANTLY, can i still have children? That is all i would like to know, if you give me this answer it will take a heavy load off my mind. Many thanks and i hope everyone else who is in my position gets over this condition.

[raf1]

also jess, was wondering if a circumsision would fix my problem all together. as the warts were orginally on the banjo string and are now creeping back in the exact same area, if i were to get a circumsision and chop the dreaded banjo off, would that fix it?

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

I'll answer you here, raf, but if you have further questions, you should start your own thread.  

Most people will clear the virus within 2 years.  Its not uncommon to get recurrences when you first get them, and if your body is run down, that might make it easier for that to happen (we don't have any real proof of that, as some people who are totally healthy still get recurrences).

For now, it makes sense to get them treated as they appear.

And for both of you - I know it doesn't seem this way, but you are not alone.  80% will get HPV in their lifetimes, and if you have had 3 or more partners, its almost guaranteed that you will get HPV.

Its actually pretty hard to avoid.

We have a great HPV forum here that you should check out, too.

Aj

[raf1]

Realliy thanks thats great help. But can I still have children?? Please answer me that and I wont trouble you anymore!!!

[auntiejessi]

Absolutely you can have children.

I'd wait to have sex until they are gone, though.  Then you can start making babies if you want.

Aj

[raf1]

Thanks AJ you really have taken a massive load of my mind. you have made a 20 year old enjoy life again!!!

[justchill999]

I think Sex education must be made mandatory in all school and in all
the countries. One may assume he has lot of knowledge of Sex, but
there are many STD and STI that can happen to anyone and at any time
which they even never heard of.

[justchill999]

Today again went to doctor for check up. Everything is clear it seems.
But he said he still could see 2 small bumps.  So Again today he applied podophyllin and asked to wash it off after 4 hours. He said to
visit after 10 days. After 10 days it will be almost 2 months of treatment.
I dont know will I be able to get rid of these warts ? Also I am worried
about recurrence. I wonder how soon it will recurr back ??
I learnt from website recurrence chances are high in the treatment from Podophyllin ? can you confirm this AJ ?

[auntiejessi]

What website?  

Its only been 2 months.  It can take several months to clear this up.  Check www.ashastd.org.

Aj

[justchill999]

I read in few websites that compared to other treatment,
the recurrence chances are more high in treatment by Podophyllin ?
I am not sure if what they claim is true ? I was wondering if you know if
treatment by podophyllin is good enough to get rid of warts ?

[auntiejessi]

Yes, it is.  

From what I understand, and you can check with our HPV forum, recurrences are more about your body than about treatment.

Aj

[justchill999]

Thanks for your reply.
I am feeling better now that you have cnfmd treatment by podophyllin is also good.

[justchill999]

Aj - Hi

Today I went again to my GP. The area which I had warts has cleared
and has developed new skin (skin is darker than surrounding maybe due
to treatment). Doctor noticed new skin is still not smooth. He says
there are still 2-3 small bumps which he feels are warts. I think may be
they are just glands below skin or something else.
So again Doctor applied Podophyllin on that area.
If again new skin is developed and still if those bumps are visible which he thinks are warts, shall I take 2nd opinion with some Dermatologist ?
I have a feeling that maybe I was misdiagnoised and treated with warts
treatment.. I dont blame my doctor as he is only a general physician.
What do you suggest AJ ?I just have a question as below:
Since treatment is almost over.. will the new Dermatologist be able to diagnose looking at 2-3 small bumps if they are indeed warts ?

[auntiejessi]

He might be able to.  A second opinion is never a bad thing.

Aj

[justchill999]

Aj - Tks

Today after 5 and half hours of application of Podophyllin (usually its 4 hours time but
Doctor advised longer time) I washed the area..but no reaction. I thought the area will
melt or loosen.. but there is nothing of that sort happened. There is no reaction at all !!

[nevadaguy387]

I have had genital warts on the base of my shaft for 5 years now. The secret of ALDARA is, you have to get the warts off somehow on your own ( I used compound W) even though it sais do not use on genital warts, I dob a drop on each wart (10 this last time) i let the Compound w harden then fall or peel off, then i reapeat, it takes about 5-6 times before the wart turns black or grey ( basically dead) after about 7 days (atleast in the desert dry air) the warts dry up and flatten out as they scab, then eventually after showering and stuff, the scab peels away, after all that sometimes you gotta hit a few of the bumps again with the compound W because after the scab falls off, there is still a smaller version of it there, i just went through this process it took like 9 days and the warts were all gone, just slight raising of the skin where the biggest one was, its hard to eliminate them all at one time. Anyway dont let anyone say nono dont use compound W, as long as the warts arent on the head your good, atleast i think its worth the risk if there is one, becasue nothing else out there will clear warts in a week for $6.00. Anyway back to the aldara, if you have insurance its like $160 for the 4 month treatment, otherwise its $1200, when you burn off all the warts, THEN apply the aldara
because the aldara did not clear my warts, but after 4 months of using it, it PREVENTED them for 8 months. So basically, Im thinking about just using aldara 3 times a week for life, to prevent. Untill then I'll use compund. Fellas, its all good from there on, get oral, use condoms, and when the time is right, you will meet that special girl/guy and everything will work. This site gave me a good feeling about my otherwise dreaded situation.

[auntiejessi]

I would NOT suggest using compound w on genital warts.  Its can cause burns on the thin tissue that the penis and vagina is made up of.

We have a great HPV forum here now, and you all should check that out.

AJ

[nevadaguy387]

Well AJ, as a female you would not know about having hpv on the male part. So I can recomend it to men becaus eI have been using it 5 years, it does not leave any permanent burns or scarring. thank you

[auntiejessi]

No, you are right - I don't have a male part.

I have, however, worked in std clinics for a long time, and have had male patients come in with burns and irritation from it on their genitals.

People will use it, but they need to make an informed decision.

Aj

[oligarch_]

Hi AJ:

I've read over your responses, and I was hoping you can help that out.

I'm a 29 y/o, white male -- handsome, educated, professional with a high-paying job.  I am fairly sexually active but practice safe sex and am fastidious about my sexual health.  But apparently, not careful enough.

I just got diagnosed with genital warts.  Out of the blue, I noticed a "spot" on my penis, just below the foreskin ... actually three of them -- two adjacent and one "speck" about a couple centimeter off.  All are less than 3 mm in diameter, and after looking at pictures on the internet, I didn't think they looked like warts.  But just to be sure, I got the doctor to look at them.

My doc didn't know what they were and said they didn't look like any genital warts he ever saw.  But, the only wat to be sure was to do a biopsy.  He excised the two adjacent ones, leaving the "speck."  I wish he had taken them all.  Lab tests revealed them to be warts, and now I've got to go back Monday and get the "speck" taken off.  The place where the others were removed is just about healed up.  

A lot of questions are bouncing around my head right now.  I am angry and ashamed.  This couldn't have come at a worse time.  I've just started seeing someone new who I really like.  Lucky for her, I haven't had sexual contact with her.  I am angry and ashamed and am not looking forward to breaching the subject with her.  I am afraid she will run away or think I am trash, which is how I feel.  

Some of which can be answered by using the resources on the internet, and others that I'm sure my doctor can help me with Monday.  Problem is, I've got three sleepless nights between now and then.  I was wondering if you could help me with a couple issues that I found contradictory or unsatisfactory answers to.

1)  HPV is transferred through skin-to-skin contact.  What I don't understand is how you can ever know what skin is infected.  Could I transfer it through non-sexual contact, i.e. holding hands or kissing?  

2) From what I've read, excision has an ~90% efficacy rate with a 25-30% chance of recurrence.  Any experience or comment on this claim from what you've seen?

3) Is it ever "safe" for me to have sex again -- at least in the near-term?  The lesions I mentioned before are the only ones I have.  I and the doctor checked pretty thoroughly.   I've read condom use decreases your chances of infection, but I used a condom and still got it -- through incidental contact, I imagine.  Is it all my skin cells or just those in my genital region that carry the virus?

4) What about oral?  I know someone who gives me oral can get mouth warts, but what if I give someone oral?  

5) Any thoughts on the vaccine.  I'm thinking when I tell the girl I'm seeing now, I'll offer to pay for the vaccine for her.  It is expensive, but cost is no object as I would pay anything for some piece of mind  She's 28 though, and I read that it is intended for girls younger than 25.  Is she too old.  

Thanks in advance for your help.  Judging from your comments above, you're a saint.  

[auntiejessi]

Hi there and thanks for the kind comments.  :)

First, before I address the questions, you should know that you have nothing to be ashamed of, or really even angry about.  About 80% of people will get HPV at some point in their lives, and not to sound harsh, its just your turn.  Condoms reduce the rate of HPV transmission by about 70%.  Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, so whichever partner you got this from probably didn't know she had it.

There is no such thing as 100% "safe" sex.  There is safer sex, and that's because HPV, herpes, syphilis and molluscum can be transmitted even with condoms.  Its awesome that you use condoms, though, and that has reduced your chances of some stds, and prevented others.

1)  HPV is transferred through skin-to-skin contact.  What I don't understand is how you can ever know what skin is infected.  Could I transfer it through non-sexual contact, i.e. holding hands or kissing?

No.  Its only infectious from your genital area.  There are dozens and dozens of strains of HPV, but the strains that affect the genitals are not transmitted by holding hands or kissing.

2) From what I've read, excision has an ~90% efficacy rate with a 25-30% chance of recurrence.  Any experience or comment on this claim from what you've seen?

That's probably about right, and a lot will depend on your own health, etc.

3) Is it ever "safe" for me to have sex again -- at least in the near-term?  The lesions I mentioned before are the only ones I have.  I and the doctor checked pretty thoroughly.   I've read condom use decreases your chances of infection, but I used a condom and still got it -- through incidental contact, I imagine.  Is it all my skin cells or just those in my genital region that carry the virus?

Its just the ones in the genitals, and in the near term, you are probably going to be infectious for at least several months.  Condoms reduce transmission by about 70%.

4) What about oral?  I know someone who gives me oral can get mouth warts, but what if I give someone oral?  

Oral HPV is rare, but it does happen.  If you give someone oral who has no symptoms, the chances of you getting it orally are very low.  If someone gives you oral now, with symptoms, the chances will be higher, but overall, its still pretty rare to get oral HPV, with what we know now.

5) Any thoughts on the vaccine.  I'm thinking when I tell the girl I'm seeing now, I'll offer to pay for the vaccine for her.  It is expensive, but cost is no object as I would pay anything for some piece of mind  She's 28 though, and I read that it is intended for girls younger than 25.  Is she too old.

By FDA standards, she might be, but plenty of doctors are giving this to women older than 26, and to men.  She would probably have to pay for it out of pocket, but I think its a good idea.  If you hadn't asked about it, I would have brought it up.

You can read more about HPV in the HPV forum here, or at www.ashastd.org.

Aj

[Mark27]

Can you have genital warts or bumps on your butt (anal area) if you never had anal sex?or sexual contact in the area?

I never had unprotested sex and never had anal sex but I have bumps around anal area.

Not sure if it is genital warts but will have it check as I have appointment on Monday

But I am going crazy and freaking out after reading here that you can still have warts even with protected sex.  

[auntiejessi]

Yes, you can get warts in the anal area without having had anal sex, but its more likely that you would get them there if you had.

Don't freak - it could simply be a rash or shaving bumps.  Just go get it checked.

AJ

[gwen_hopeful]

I don't know how to tell you how happy I am that I found this place. I found some bumps around my vagina about two or three weeks ago. I've been planning on going to doctor, but I don't have insurance, so I'm waiting till I can get some money together to actually get checked out. Reading all that you guys have to say has made me realize that I'm not alone. That's not to say I'm happy other's are going though the same thing I am, but God, I was so afraid of being completely isolated by problem.
I've been thinking that this meant I couldn't ever have a real relationship again.
What I'm getting at is I want to thank everyone here for being brave enough to talk about it on this forum. I can't ever tell you what it means to me that you all have given the strength to face this head on. I'm hoping for the best.
I want to specifically thank auntiejessi for your sound advice: Get checked. And that's just what I'm going to to.
Good luck everyone. Please stay strong, and know at least one person is with you.
x

[auntiejessi]

Have you thought about going to an std clinic?  Just google your state's health dept, and you can find std clinics.  Most are free or very low cost.  If you need help finding one, let me know what state you are in, and I might be able to help.

Aj

[Mark27]

First of all thank you for all your advice.

I have a follow up to my previous issue.

I was diagonoused with Molluscum early last month but had it sinces mid-August. I did some research online and decided to treat it myself with Zymaderm. It worked all my bumps are gone and I no longer ahve any bumps. It was like miracle ... 2 weeks of tiwce a day application.

Now, that focus is gone from Molluscum ...new point of attnetion has appeard... my joint line of Buttlocks (where two chicks meets below my rectrum)  to my sack in the front has this line (7/8 inhes long) of straight rounded 1/4 inch thick swollen - its whitish red soft, tender and looks like as if a thin pipe undernith skins. its right on the joint so difficuit to see.

Is this a skin infection or recation to Zymaderm for Molluscum?? or is this one of the symtoms (symptoms) to other std???

Appreaciate your help

[Mark27]

To add one more information I forgot....

I also have tingling feeling on the top and the bottom of there my butt-chick met. I can feel a small lump as if a insect bite about 1/4-1/2 inch lump above where my butt-chick meet

[auntiejessi]

That could be the perineum raphe (google it), but I'm not sure I'm understanding exactly where you are talking about.

If you are getting tingling from it and its tender, you should see your doctor.

Aj

[meepers767]

I'm really glad I came across this forum and would love if anyone could help me with some advice.

First, I would like to say to those of you who are scared to tell your partners about your HPV, don't be. If you find someone that really loves and cares about you they will understand. My husband and I have been married for just over 2 years. We found out he had genital warts just after we got engaged. I've supported him the entire time and never once thought about running. How could I? I love him to bits and I could have just as easily been in the same situation as neither of us were abstinent before meeting.

However, we have had some issues with our sex life and I'm at the point where I just want things to be normal, without any worry. My husband has had the warts treated and they'll go away for a bit but then come back. In between treatments his skin is raw and he's in a bit of pain... so needless to say our sex life hasn't been particularly stellar the past 2 years.

We've never had sex without a condom and up until this point, I have remained free of the warts. We've also steered clear of oral sex, in hopes that these warts would clear up and there would be less chance (at least from our understanding) of him passing them on to me.

I have gone to the doctor numerous times for checkups and tests and come out all clear but I am aware that I may have already contracted the virus and just not shown symptoms.

I'm 27 years old and have never had sex without a condom. I'm getting to the point where I want to have children and obviously this is going to have to change but my husband is so scared of passing on the warts to me. I've told him numerous times that I don't care but he's just scared to death of giving me the HPV.

I just want to have a normal sex life with my husband without a condom and I want him to be able to enjoy oral sex as well.

Here are my questions?

1) How common is it for someone to pass on the HPV orally? We're both extremely paranoid about spreading the genital warts to our faces. Should we be as frightened as we are of oral sex?

2) My husband has had the warts burned off numerous times but they just keep coming back. He is extremely healthy (way healthier than I am). Goes to the gym nearly every day, loves eating healthy, etc. Has anyone else experienced the warts coming back for more than 2 years? Any other advice you can give us on treatment?

3) Is anyone else in a committed relationship dealing with these issues? And if so, do you have any advice?  

Thank you and best of luck to you all! :)

[auntiejessi]

1 - Oral warts are rare, and are usually not found in otherwise healthy people.

2 - 90% will clear it within 2 years, but that means 10% will have them longer.  He is doing everything he can, and it just takes time.

3 - I'll let someone else answer, but you should check out our HPV forum (see the community description at the top of this page for a link) and I'm sure you'll get some tips there.

Aj

[Gollumnuts]

I have been diagnosed with hpv.I have about 7 to 10 warts on my nutsack.I also have 2 on my penis.I noticed that my butt was itching a lot,so I stood on my sink facing the mirror and put my head between my legs,to get a better view of my anus.it looked like a colony of crater rocks piled together.they were everywhere.it reminded me of a cauliflower garden or something.I jumped down from the sink and was fighting back the tears.I made an appointment to see the doctor.went thru my first session of cryotherapy.it felt good.3 days have passed and I noticed that my warts are extremely white,or very dark colored.my lovelife is at a standstill.all I do now is masturbate to porno,and play my x box 360.trying to stay positive.thanks for all the stories.

[coolo88]

aj,
Thanks for all the information. I have come to the conclusion that I unfortunately am not able to deal with this without seeking someone to help with my mental health. I had a gun in my mouth two nights ago and fortunately I pulled myself to my senses. I brought the gun to a friends house yesterday to remove that factor. I cant say that the suicidal feelings have stopped but Im fighting them off temporarily. I was diagnosed with genital warts and it has completely devastated me. I cant see how it would be possible to have a normal romantic life ever again. I never considered myself a weak person but apparently this has got the best of me.
I just recently started seeing a girl that is a friend as well. We have not had sex as of yet but I am absolutely terrified to bring this up.
****** whatever. Thanks again for the info

[auntiejessi]

Coolo -

I'm not sure if you know that this is not a lifelong issue.  90% will clear this within 2 years, and most of those in 8 months.  This is a temporary issue, not a lifelong one.  If you commit suicide, you are making a permanent decision based on a temporary problem.

PLEASE follow through on the help you plan to get.  Its a big step you have taken in admitting you need help, and sometimes, that's the hardest part.

Also, please read this - http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_hpv_myths.cfm  look at #6

You should talk to your gf about the HPV vaccine.  It takes 6 months (3 shots), to have full immunity from it, but by then, you might not have it anymore.

Aj

[SaraB1]

I have been living with HPV for over 15 years. I contracted it in my late teens and thought it was the end of the world. Initially I had many breakouts but as my immunity built up, they became less and less. I was married and went 10 years without any symptoms. However, when I divorced and started a new realtionship another outbreak occurred. Many things can bring on outbreaks after they have been dorment for a while. Stress and illness are huge factors. I've been outbreak free for the past two years again now. HPV never goes away but it is manageable. You will always be a carrier and risk giving it to a partner whether you have an outbreak or not AND whether you wear a condom or not (however condoms due decrease chances of passing it on). I know this from EXPERIENCE not just reading forums. But know that a loving relationship is still possible. The right guy/girl will love you no matter what. Good luck.

[auntiejessi]

My guess is that you had a new infection, not a recurrence after 10 years.

It does go away - see #6 - http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn_myths.cfm

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/516223

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/590885

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/720874

http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#treatment

[SaraB1]

Can you carry more than one strain? My partner was not a carrier and I did not catch a new case from anyone so I'm confused when you say "new infection."

[auntiejessi]

Yes, you can have more than 1 strain.  How do you know your partner wasn't a carrier?  Even if your partners are women, and they have a negative HPV test done with their paps, or have normal paps, it doesn't mean they don't have it.  A negative HPV test just means its not active at that time.

90% of HPV infections are asymptomatic, so your partner could have had it and not known it.  If your partners are men, there is no commercial test available for men and HPV.

Aj

[dirtbag566]

Hi,

Just been reading all the posts from the last couple of years.

It just makes me frustrated in so many ways. I found out I had HPV about 4 years ago but do not know who I got it from. I have always had protected sex apart from 2 long term relationships over ten years ago.

The medical professionals are so blase and unsympathetic about it. The information given is sparse; I really feel they have so many cases to deal with that they become detached from you as a human and a patient.   I am in my late 30's and  consider myself to be an educated person,  and I (naively)had never heard of HPV until I was diagnosed with it! Bizarrely, I developed anal warts....still don't know why!

My last 2 pap tests have come back as 'borderline' and the doc casually informed me it could  be because of HPV, her attitude stank! Now my mind has gone into overdrive that I am developing cervical cancer!
After 4 years, I still have a couple of the buggers! I have tried to get an appointment at the local clinic in my hols but have missed the boat. What I want to know is, can a GP prescribe treatment? I tried to get the cream from the internet but annoyingly, it is prescription only. Why are the treatments so hard to come by?

There is so much conflicting advice out there. I feel like many other folk, ashamed and have low self esteem. I have not had a partner for over 3 years and do not feel in the least like trying to get one. I feel that my romantic life is over!

Help!

[auntiejessi]

Any doctor can prescribe it, so your gp certainly can.

I know its frustrating that doctors don't take time to explain things.  Its one of my biggest pet peeves with doctors.  I personally don't let doctors leave until I am finished and understand everything.  I have told a couple of doctors to come back in and sit down, because I had questions that I needed answered.  One of the nurses actually gave me a thumbs up behind the doctor's head.

You should check out http://www.ashastd.org/hpv/hpv_learn.cfm for a ton of good info.

Aj

[bear267]

hey
I was just wondering when genital warts arnt contagious? to my knowledge mine have been gone 4 about 9 months or more.. would "experts" say that after this time they are no longer contagious? my dr told me a story about a man she had treated who hadn't had them 4 20 years and then during a marriage break up he got run down and got the genital warts again....
im confused I just really think there's sh*t all study on this disease nd the doctors dont even completely know what they're saying (no offense) but yea i just wanted to know coz my last boyfriend just wanted "to be friends" when i told him... it sux *** man

[FmyLife]

Hi,

I just got back from my GP and he thinks i have genital warts on my anus, I went to see him because I thought I had hemorroids (hemorrhoids) or something. I am shocked and confused on how I got warts because I always have protected sex and I've never had anal sex before (nothing has ever gotten close to that area).  I have an appointment tomorrow with a dermatologist so I am hoping that this is something else.  I read on the internet that these warts are not painful but I am in pain when I am sitting or walking, also when i go #2.  does GW give you pain in the infected area?

[auntiejessi]

OK we have a few different people posting to this.  I will answer each briefly, but if you want to ask more questions, start your own thread, or it will be impossible to keep up with.

Bear - HPV clears from the body usually within 2 years.  That man your doctor talked about probably had a new infection after all that time.

FmyLife - read this thread - http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Questions/show/734306  Its all about anal warts in hetero men.  When you go to the derm, ask him if a biopsy will help determine for sure if its HPV.

For anyone else reading this thread, PLEASE start your own.  You can do this by clicking on the green "Post a Question" at the top of the page.

Aj

[FmyLife]

thanks AJ, I read that link you told me about and I guess its inconclusive about anal warts in hetro men. I'll post a seperate question for my other question

[littledippy]

hi, i went to g.u.m clinic for a check up.... i was worried i had gential (genital) warts as i had a few bumps ... the doc said i was fine n gave me the all clear... but 4 weeks later i get another raised skin like thing down there and i go to my gp.. who says its gential (genital) warts. so i am due to go tomorrow to get it confirmed and checked out. I was a complete mess about an hour ago thinking, oh my goodness i have this for life.. bla bla bla... the whole stigma thing going round my head.. but thanks to reading this website , u have no idea how much u have helped, im so glad there is people out there that dedicate their time to helping people rests their minds..
Just 1 queston that im still not completly clear on. u say 80% off people clear off the virus after 2 yrs.. does that mean u no longer have the virus? no longer possiably able to pass it on???

thank u so much

[auntiejessi]

Well, there is some question as to whether the virus goes dormant or leaves your body, but you would no longer be able to transmit.

I'm glad you are feeling better about it.  :)

Aj

[manda23]

I am a 23 yr old female who has had 4 partners, one that I married and divorced. I noticed ab two weeks ago some small white bumps and then I noticed 2 days ago a larger wart, so I went to the gyno today. She didn't tell me really anything, except that the one bump does look like genital warts. She is doing a biopsy along with the pap that I had done and I should know the results in a week. She made me feel terrible today. She told me I would always spread this. I want children and that means having unprotected sex with someone eventually, but I never want to spread this to anyone.

I have read the things you have posted and they really do make me feel better. I just want to ask you a few questions:

1- so after 2 yrs of not having any symptoms, I would be able to try and have children or would you recommend waiting longer than that.

2- Would you recommend getting the vaccine even after having the virus?

3. After 2 years and not changing partners, I will not have an outbreak?

You have probably answered these questions before, but like I said my doctor today really gave me a grim diagnosis that has really depressed me.

[Vance2335]

Please post your question in a new thread. It is not good to jump on to others and post questions. It's easier to follow your question if it is on your own thread.
So click the link that says "post question"

[behindtheshroud]

i'm 23 year old male with genital warts, or at least i think i have them....isnt that bad enough to think you have them??? you might as well be truly diagnosed instead of thing you have them, anyway i'm on my toes now as the number of partners i've had.  less than 5 have been without protection.  even though i dont know who might've been responsible(techinically it was I who is ultimately responsible) i still have contracted the disease.  I would guess i've been a carrier for a couple of years now? maybe.  so the main problems i present are as follows.....:::::::  how do i live with myself?  i know there are many others with the same problem but, I have it......you never go through life admiting you have a problem but i've admitted it and i have a problem.   secondly, i've had sex with 3 different parteners over the last year, 1 was definately without a condom, 2, was with a condom but, it became lost for about 15 minutes and so was 3.  

the qustion is.....if i am a carrier and have unprotected sex with a partner for a very brief period of time, will they contract the virus, have a chance of contracting it, or are they safe?...

there is much more to come but soo little space, any question, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated,

[kkkk222]

i dont feel that Bad , i mean it could have been Worse :S you know how many things are out there , its not deadly , you have to be positive and about the relationships and Love you just have to think that there would be a Bigger Test of Love for the Person, so be positive ya'll this is Common and its not the End of the World, i got diagnosed just today but hey the World keeps going,it sucks but we have to visualise Positive thing.

[wishfulsinful]

I just came down with the "warts" about 4 months ago.  Burnt 'em off and they came back.  Burnt 'em off and they came back.  Tried an alternative method I found online.  YES! They went away.  It was basically a chemical burn.  But there were no scars afterwards.  It was a beautiful thing.  Then...they came back :-/

So, I went back to the clinic the other day.  I had a very long, informative conversation with the practitioner.  Basically, this is what she told me:

--"they" think that if you have had more than 2 sexual partners you have been exposed to the virus
--you can never know who gave you the virus to you because you can develop symptoms within a couple of weeks or however many years
--"they" have not been able to confirm any link between stress and/or immune system performance and a breakout of warts

(Now, this one may sound selfish, cruel, wrong, or all of the above)

--one should NOT necessarily feel obligated to tell your sexual partners about the fact that you have or have had warts

I know.  I thought the same thing when she said this to me.  But, think of it for a minute.  Chances are that anyone you're gonna be with has already been exposed to the virus.  They may just be one of the lucky ones that doesn't display any symptoms.

Dealing with this situation is a not easy.  I say this as I sit in my room on a Saturday night.  I've just started the next cycle of this alternative method.  This means I'm sitting in front of my computer having just applied the home-made solution with a band-aid on the shaft of my penis and another cotton ball "bandage" taped around my chode.

TONS O' FUN

As for the warts that have now spread to my anus.  I thought about getting the Aldara, but I read about some pretty nasty side-effects with that stuff.  So,  I think I'll get those frozen off in a couple of weeks and go strictly top. ;-?

I would love to converse more about this.  It is a very lonely place to be.

Good luck to all!

[Worriedgirl89223]

About three weeks ago, I noticed many small bumps near the opening of my vagina and on the area between my inner labia. I'm not sure if they have always been there ( I don't often look down there), or if they recently popped up. After researching online, I was convinced I had genital warts. However, I have only had sex with one person in the last 2 years, and could not have gotten the virus from him (he had never had sex or any type of sexual contact with anyone but me). My last sexual partner was about 3 years ago, and we used protection.

A week after discovering the bumps, I went to my GP, whom did a pap and examined the bumps. She said they did not look like warts to her, but to "keep an eye on it". I'm still worried that she did not examine the area well enough, or just thought I was being paranoid. It does not seem like the bumps have changed much, although it's hard to tell because it is possible I may not have seen them all to begin with.
-Should I ask my doctor to do a biopsy or test for HPV? Even though she told me she didn't think they were warts, I still cannot stop thinking about it!!!

[tvbox]

hey if anyone is thinking of asking "the Angel" of this forum (AJ) a question just keep reading chances are she already answered it, so key facts
-80% of ppl will get some kind of HPV (cant run those odds forever) so when telling ur hopeful significant others let them no that they will probably get it from someone else
-you can get it in your but even if you dont take it ther
-2 years and your in the clear
-check out that website she mentions a million times
-no substitute for GP
-70% protection rate with condoms
hopefully this will help AJ a little because she help me huge oh and supplement vitamins your immune system is generally what gets rid (suppress') this annoying virus so dont negelect your diet

[ArtSman]

I just wanna say thanks to the people who have posted. Some of you have really given me hope for the future. like most of you, i have a friend who i am interested in, and am scared to take it to that next level because  i NEED to tell them, but am afraid to. I have not been checked out yet, mostly because i do not want to hear that i have it. But i have to know if i am going to tell her. i have only developed 2 small bumps, almost unseeable, and one i squeezed over a few different days because it looked like a pimple, a small amount of white stuff came out, not really like a pimple though. since then the now smaller bump has not gone away completely, so i am not sure if it is indeed a wart or not but i am looking at it like it is. I workout a lot and take vitamins, i also eat healthy, and have surrounded my self with friends that i laugh all the time with. i believe that has helped to keep the stress down and the virus at bay. keep healthy everyone and know your not alone

[Maffy860]

Hi... First of all i would really like to thank u all for posting these comments about Gental wards... It was so helpful for me.. As in last 7 days this was the first time i heard this term.

I just got engaged n ma fiance and me had sex. He is my first partner. But after few day he got generic ward detected. Now he is scared if this virus been passed to me. Though i haven't gone thru any test till now.. M not sure if this going to be postive or as chances are 70% that i m infexted with the same.

But now i really wanna know can we both get married and can live  a normal life n can have a child tooo.
My partner is not agreed upon getting married now as he dont wont to spoil ma life.

Please suggest what best we can do... I love him madly and cant loose him....I am ok with whatever  past he had but really concerned about our future...

[one_love_willy]

Thank you to everyone that has posted.  Your stories are inspirational and provide strength for others who are going through the same thing.  

Today was the day that i faced the reality of having genital warts.  I am a 21 year old male still in college and the last sexual encounter i had was 2 years ago.  The first sign appeared about a month after that encounter.  For the last 2 years i have been depressed and holding this secret from everyone i love.  Over those 2 years i have had so much time to think, and slip into an anti-social stereotype.  My first 2 years of college were so exciting and filled with great times.  Meeting new people, all the parties, and the girls.  but my second 2 years has only been filled with the thought of being alone and never meeting anyone who will accept me for what i am.  Yesterday was the first time i ever told anyone and i was a wreck. i had to sit my roommates down and explain to them why i havnt been going out to the bars with them, why i dont have girls over to hang out, and other questions that they had in their minds.  

I read an earlier post about this guy that has never had a girlfriend before and only had a few partners and had contracted genital warts.  He went on to talk about how it has turned him into this person who doesnt go out much and fears contact with girls because of having the thought of disclosing his condition to them.  I thought i was reading the story about my life.  

I am currently a captain of a division I athletics team and im my last year of college, but so lonely.  My unicorn that i went to elementary school with has finally expressed her love for me but i am soo scared to tell her.  She always calls me and wants to hang out, and i want to so bad but instead i tell her i am busy and have too much practice or work.  my doctor perscribed me aldara today but i have to tell my parents i have genital warts first because aldara is expensive and insuance may not cover it.  Does anyone have any stories of telling family members? my roommates are extremely supportive of me and have given me so much strength already.

I will not let genital warts control my life, i am determined to find happiness. happiness within myself and happiness in a partner..someday.  

It is not the probelm that's the problem, it is the way you deal with the problem.

Peace and love

[sinnamon1987]

I am in a world of depression... but i have hope that this happened to me for a reason. You never know if this is a warning from God to slow down... FORGET THAT! this is a curse from the devil himself. I am 22 years old female and now realizing that I am not the only one in this. I have been infected for 2 years now but just started getting warts 6 months ago, at first i thought i was a ingrow hair since i always shaved but this one was different. I knew it was gential (genital) warts as soon as i really looked at it... i was so fukkin angry i farted lol (trying to lighten the situation.) Now, I have a older man 29, and i really love him but i know i have infected him too (been with him for 8 months now.) I wanna tell him everything but if he would to walk out my life now, i would just break up and give up. I have warts on the cervic, vagina and anal the whole 9 yrds if you may say... and to make matter worse, to relive my stress i smoke weed everyday. I hear weed has a affect on the outbreaks. But, my warts never really go away and i have done freezing and podofilm (resin).


Maybe someone in this forum can shine some light on my **** life...
But God is Good :)

[DoctorNickette]

Hi Guys, i was diagnosed  with HPV when i was just 18 and thats how i found out my bf of 2 1/2 years had been cheating on me!

I kept getting re-ocurring thrush and the little bumbs appeard. Being a health freak, I went to the docs ASAP!

I used Ardasal (or something like that) the white cream twice a day for about two weeks. The little buggers dissapeared after about 3 weeks.

I felt very dirty, disgusted and just completely shocked.

After a few years I let it go as its very common and many ppl have had it but never mention it (like the person who gave it to you).

5 years later (today) i was diagnosed with it again. Ive had the 3 HPV Cerv Cancer injections. Its so very hard to say if this is a reoccuring event or if my recent bf passed it on (i am very suspicious as he has had many gfs and never used condoms).

I personally believe the virus left and i have caught this virus again due to the vast time frame.

This time I have had the freezing method. Its been about 10 hours since the procedure and i can feel tingling but no visable changes, Doc said about two weeks though.

I can honestly say I will NEVER have sex without a condom again unless I get a long term partner who is willing to have sex check but then they cannot diagnose if they cannot see warts (they may still have virus)

Its common and not really a health concern except potential cervial cancer for women. ALOT of ppl have this, so its not the end of the world, just a lesson to us fools who should be more CAREFULL with SAFE SEX!

Hope you all can overcome this hurdle!

[gracefromHHP]

this is a very old post  now. please do not add anything new to it. if you have questions, start your own post as is asked in our read before posting post on this forum.

also all hpv related questions should be asked on the hpv forum.

thank you!

grace

[mox777]

hi im a 23 year old male who has contracted G/W from my girlfriend .. shed didnt knwo she had them and had no signs of them but i guess my body didnt deal with it like hers ... i havent been able to talk to anyone about it because i am so embaressed and when i try to talk to her she shuts down ... im left by self and it sucks ... at times i feel like i normally wouldnt deal with her ******** if it werent for the genital warts... and thats not right to have to live the rest of my life with someone because your scared you wont be able to find someone else ... ive been left not knowing what to do and it has made me completely depressed .. i used to go out with my friends all the time and have fun i know im a good looking guy that used to have plenty of self confidence but i feel i have been stripped of all that ... if there is anyone that would be able to talk to me i would love it ... my AIM screen name is mox777

[del_r]

Im 18 years old and i have recently found out i have genital warts. Since i found out i have lost all my confidence and i now feel like my life is coming to an end. Only my best friend knows about this i havent even told my parents because im too digusted in myself to admit i was an idiot for not using protection with my ex partner. i am clear of the virus and luckily i only had a few. but does this mean i have to use protection for the rest of my life? If i was to meet someone i feel like i dont want to let myself get close to them because of what i have. Theres not a day goes past where its not on my mind and its really getting me down. I want to live my life like a normal 18 year old but i cant! I dont want to be on my own forever!
All i want is someone with the same as me to talk to. Not being able to talk about it is making me worse and getting me depressed.....

Someone please HELP!

[mzneshia]

i found out i have genital warts then i met a new guy and we connected i broke it off with him he called  and i told him why i broke it off i told him i have genital warts and he told me he's not going nowhere he going to stick it out with me to the end and now we are engaged to be married im telling you to be honest just tell her when yall are alone dont you wish the person who gave it to you would have let you made a choice rather you want it or not then let them have a choice

[almostreadytogiveup]

Where to start....
I'm 19 year old, female, and about two years ago I was dating a guy for about 10 months when I noticed a painful sore on my vagina, I went straight to the hospital and the doctor took one look and said it was herpes.. They treated me and took a swab, telling me they would call on the Monday after with my results proving that I do infact have it. They never called, and things sort of fell to the wayside, because the boyfriend I was with, who gave me the STD, committed suicide. I found out later he had in fact been cheating on me.. I was so ******* inlove with him too...
Anyways I was kind of in denial about the whole thing, thinking well maybe I dont have it, because I never got the solid evidence on paper.
Recently Ive been trying to get back on my feet, get into college, and live a normal live after all the devastation I had been through... When I developed this small bump above my clitoris, and that made me extremely freaked out. I thought oh great I'm breaking out, I guess I do have it for sure. But then I thought, what if it's something else? Because it did not seem like the thing I had before and wasn't really in the same area.. My biggest fear was it being genital warts... So I went to the doctor, he took a look and diagnosed me with Genital Warts.....
That was today.
I've been sleeping with one guy this whole time, hes one of the first guys I've been with since my previous boyfriend died.. We aren't dating, and  usually we use a condom but there have been a few occasions where we were drunk or whatever and protection went out the window.
About a month ago I did sleep with someone else though, I'm bi polar so I had been drinking and carrying on, and ended up sleeping with a friend of a friend... I dont remember if we used protection or not but I guess one time can **** everything up. I dont know if it was him I got it from or not, it was only over a month ago, and I seem to remember finding a little bump in the same area before him but I find of shrugged it off as razor burn from shaving.
I really don't know what to do, I'm completely distraught, bawling my eyes out...
Ill never be able to have a normal relationship again... Once I get the piece of paper confirming the herpes, especially... I'm so ******* young, just turning 20 in November, and I'll probably never be married or have kids. How do you tell someone you have two STDs? It was hard enough for me thinking about possibly telling someone I love about the first one, now this?? It will just never happen, anyone I tell it to wont understand and just think I'm a dirty skank...  And run the complete other way...
Right now I just feel like giving up... Maybe do myself in, too. I've got two serious ******* horrible things for the rest of my life... What's the point?

[nightshade58]

Hello, reading through this forum has been amazing, it has told me so many things i didnt know and its so nice to know there are people there to talk too

i too have contracted genital warts, i have been having treatment for nearly two months now, all i have ever used is the warticon cream, at first they seemed to shrink and dissappear a little, but come back by the time the next applicetion was due, now i am carrying on using it and there are so many more they seem to have multiplied around my vaginal opening, its the most depressing and mentally stressful thing i have been through

i have always been so careful, have regular smears and always get checked between relationships, i am absolutely gutted, and find it so hard to deal with, luckily my boyfriend is so supportive, but i dont know what to do, is this normal? do they just keep multiplying and has anyone else been through these similar cases? as much info related as possible would be amazing, its so upsetting i dont want my boyfriend near me at all!

Thank you so much!

[jerseygy]

Get treatment, right away. Don't feel ashamed; recent statistics indicate that up to 80% of American adults may be infected with HPV, most of whom are asymptomatic.There is a very good chance that if you are an adult in the US and you aren't currently infected with HPV, you will be.

Don't waste your time with OTC 'treatments', they're all crap. There are testimonials and false stats out there about how they clear warts, but remember that clinical trials have shown that genital warts clear spontaneously in 30 - 40% of patients anyhow, which probably accounts for the "success" of the OTC agents.

Below are my experiences with various prescription products and therapies; be aware that not everyone will respond the way I have to these therapies.

Aldara is hit and miss, works better in females, and is probably the most gentle of the prescription products. My success rate with Aldara was around 10%.

Condylox works well, hurts like hell, clears warts within 10 days, but has a significant recurrence rate. My success rate with this product is around 70%. Overall, this has been the most successful topical product for me. However, treating large areas of warts with this agent can be VERY painful with extensive necrosis, and some applications result in scarring.

Cryosurgery works for some people, but success depends on the skill of the dermatologist, and the treatment is far from painless, regardless of what anyone tells you. Because each wart is unique in terms of size, bulk, keratinization, etc, the duration of application is hard to assess. My success rate with freezing was 10%, with 100% recurrence, and substantial pain in the hours immediately following treatment.

Curettage and electrocautery have both worked well for me. My success rate with these has been around 80%. The downside with these therapies is that they can only be done by a dermatologist, have a high likelihood of scarring, and electrocautery in particular is PAINFUL, despite local anesthesia.

Right now, I've found a dermatologist who is well-published in the management of genital warts. His philosophy is "hit them with everything", and based on my last 4 years of experience with these things, I tend to agree with him. So I'm now getting electrocautery every 2 weeks, daily Veregen (no comment yet on its efficacy), and weekly condylox. This regimen is far from painless, but it is finally clearing the warts.

I, too, was concerned about scarring initially, but I'm at a point now where this disease has scarred me emotionally and psychologically, has damaged my self esteem, and has ruined my relationships. Right now, I'd rather clear the warts and deal with physical scars than continue to live with warts and emotional scars. My doc is confident that he will clear the warts. In his words, "In my practice, the only patients who can't clear warts are either HIV positive or don't comply with treatment". Lots of wisdom there--and for those of you with recurrent warts that are hard to clear, get tested for HIV right away.

[coco_lynn]

im 15 years old. im only starting my sophmore year in highschool. i was diagnosed with genital warts yesterday. ive only had sex twice. after that, i realized i wasnt emotionally prepared for sex yet, so i stopped. but now i have something that i have to deal with for the rest of my life, and i cant even drive a car yet. i have to go through highschool with this, then college, then the rest of my life. im scared..

[Vance2335]

If you have a question then please post in the HPV forum.

[qwert188]

hi everyone,
i'm 19 years old and last week i found out i had genital warts. i went to the doctors as soon as i noticed the white bumps and she perscribed me aldara. All week i've been depressed, crying, and googling websites like this. after one week of using aldara, i've noticed a significant decrease of warts, they are smaller, and 90% less visible, in ONE week..
i'm much happier with myself (i think the emotional part of this ordeal was looking at the bumps and thinking "nobody is ever going to want to have sex with me again") I'm going to continue using the cream for the rest of the three weeks and hopefully they all disapear.

For those who were just diagnosed, see a doctor! They will help you develop a plan to eliminate the virus. Don't be depressed. 90% of people will be immune to this in 1-2 years and you will stop showing symptoms and be less contagious.

last monday i had at least 25 white bumps around my opening, this week i count 10, they are significantly smaller and they arent white anymore. huge improvement.. this disease is managable!

take care of yourself and DONT SMOKE!

get plenty of rest, try not to get too stressed out, and concentrate on building up your immune system

I'm going to a specialty clinic just for people with genital warts, and the PROFESIONALS will tell me when it's safe to have sex again and they'll tell me when my immune system clears the virus

im going to see them every 3 months until the virus is clear (hopefully i'm part of this 90%)

self-diagnosis is never a good thing, see a profesional, and good luck!

[qwert188]

whoa, ive read some really disturbing posts on this forum,
for those with reocurring genital warts and other STDs who thinks that nobody will ever want to date them again,
there are dating websites where you can meet thousands of people in the same situation

my mom has herpes, I have three siblings and she is happily married.. none of her kids (including myself) has herpes.. shes not depressed and she's learnt to live with it

i have genital warts, i went to a doctor as soon as I saw symptoms and I am optimistic about this virus clearing from my system, I'm giving up drinking/smoking/spicy foods/fast foods and i'm going to start hitting the gym as soon as school starts


stay optimistic, 90% of people clear the virus and even if you don't you can still manage

good luck to you all !

[girl1100]

Ive recently found out that ive had genital warts within the past few weeks. Its been pretty hard. Im 17 and halfway through my year 12 exams and trying to deal with the stress of everything couldnt be keeping my immune system up, but what can i do. When i noticed the bumps about a month ago i told my boyfreind, who was the first person i had ever had sex with. Naturally he freaked as well because he had had other parters before. We both booked in for appointments to get tested for genital herpes and other STDs but everything came back negative and the herpes test did for me as well. A few days later, woah and behold i was dumped. Still scared because i didnt know what was wrong i went constantly back to doctors until i found out it was genital warts. The doctor told me not to stress, but to complete my schooling, because i was perfectly healthy. But am i really? How am i meant to get into 'understanding' relationships when im only 17?
To make things worse, my now exboyfreind, who i thought gave it to me went and told the whole small town in which i live that i had thought i had an STD, but there was nothing wrong with him, only with me. Pretty sick i know but how can you get into the heads of some people.
My doctor told me though that there are other ways to contract HPV so i couldnt absolutely blame him for my getting of genital warts.
I just had to get it out somehow, even anonymously. Ive been crying for weeks trying to cope with the stress, ive lost so much weight and finally typing it down has somehow made me feel a little bit better.
So thankyou, anybody that reads this. :)

[gwaplicant106]

i am a 16 year old female and was diagnose with gw on tuesday.., the doctors gave me some warticon and it has blistered my vaginal are altho it hurts it works verry well nearly all my warts were gone n i hade quite a few ov them.., just wondering if there going to come bk very soon or i have a while coz i can handle using that warticon again

[gracefromHHP]

this post is 3 years old. you need to ask this on the hpv forum in a new post.

grace

[rdmac]

hey Guys/girls
i'm 22 years old and i have GW. I have gone through the motions, anger, panic, depression etc. The best therapy is to talk about it. I am a semi professional hockey player in the best shape of my life, i have been cleared everything from aids to the clap. I eat healthy and work out daily. My warts are extremely small and slowly getting smaller...I think. Over the summer I was smoking..stupidly enough...I was taking a break from hockey and working as a truck driver to forget about the ice for a bit. Smoking is pretty much the worst thing for your body that you can do. HPV loooves smoke it gives it the oppertunity to over run your body. I stopped smoking in late august in time for training camp and never really went to a doctors, nor have any knowledge on the subject. I recently talked to a doctor for about 15 minutes, asking questions about this at a sexual health clinic. here is the run down of what he said.
first, most people within in a year to 2 years clear the virus completely. New sensitive DNA testing has proven the bodies over come it, but its not an over night ordeal.
2nd, its so common he claimed that half the people in the waiting room mroe than likely are in the same boat
3rd if you have warts you do not have cancer, the warts are jsut annoying little bumps, nothing else.
4th. STOP SMOKING! its stupid...paying to kill your self...ugh i feel stupid for even doing it for abit.
5th, keep your head up
6th use this time to perhaps reflect on things, im not a saint by any means i've done the whole one night stand thing, i no longer even attempt those any more, i've gone since july with out sex, and planning on that until they are gone. ( ill wait the two years if it means i dont pass this on)
So guys, please, keeo your heads up, maintain a healthy life style, you will get through this, and you will be a better person, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
much love and respect to each of you

[LRB0889]

I know how you feel, it can be frustrating. I'm a female and was diagnosed with HPV about 6 months ago. I only had one wart and haven't had an outbreak since. I used Aldara cream for my treatment. It works great for me. The wart was gone within three days. When I first found out I had it I thought my sex life was over. After talking to my Gyno about it I was told that within two years 90% of people with HPV actually no longer have the virus. A good immune system WILL clear the virus eventually. As time goes on you'll notice less if not zero outbreaks. I contracted HPV prior to my current boyfriend. He and I have had unprotected sex for over 5 months and he hasn't had any symptoms at all. Most people never show signs. Only about 10% of people with the virus have visual symptoms. My doctor suggested that I get the Gardasil vaccine to 1. keep me from ever getting another form of HPV and 2. The vaccine makes you less contagious and lowers your chance of getting another outbreak. I would suggest you try Aldara cream.

[rdmac]

I've been having mine frozen off, its an uncomfortable feeling to say the least. Plus I have major scar tissue. I would also suggest using the Aldara Cream,  I have horrible looking scars all over the foreskin of my penis. I've been giving a cream to help reduce the scars and make everything look normal again, but it is a daily reminder of what I have had to go through. HPV can be dealt with, get t your doctor as fast as you can and get it done, the faster you do that the fast you can move on with your life.
Safe sex is good sex! haha sorry the doctor said that to me ...little mood lightener

[jen01790]

A few months ago I felt a tiny little spot between my vagina and bum so I went to the gum clinic and was told it was nothing to worry about.  However after a few months I noticed a couple more so I returned to the gum clinic to now be told it could be genital warts :O "oh my god".  How and when I contracted this I have no idea.  I slept with one guy back in January (nearly a year ago) and the condom split but I have also slept with two people since him but protected, if I was told the first time I went to the gum clinic I would never of slept with the other two people.  I have been given some warticon cream that has made my moo moo look like a baboons bum.  Im also struggling with the thought that if they are warts I could not sleep with someone even protected knowing there is a risk of passing it on - joining the nunnery is all im good for now :(

One thing im trying to investigate is I am on a tablet called Azathrioprine that I have been taking along side steriods for a tummy condition.  This tablet lowers your immune system so im wondering if I have been carrying the virus for ages but because my immune system is low the warts have appeared - this is backed up with the fact I have two verrucas on my foot.  This being the case god knows who I caught it from or who I have passed it onto - how horrible is that!!!!!!

[ninagabe]

I think i may have genital warts... I have an appointment feb,11th. I am so scared, I have a family, my son will be 3 in Feb. and me and the Father have been together for 2 almost 3 years now. He shows no symptoms of warts what so ever. I am just so scared how this will affect my life with him or my son for that matter. I wanted another baby but now i do not want to take the chance of spreading it. What happens if i do have this and he does not? Feb. 11th is way too far away right now. And the father keeps asking me what are we going to do if you do have it... i mean really like i know i have never had an std in my life and now i may have one that will be with me till i die!!!! Someone please help. i can not sleep i am so worried i am going to loose my family mainly my son!!!

[Jjang69]

We are all in this forum because we've all contracted some type of HPV or GW, I still don't know exactly what I got, but I like to share my story.

I've only had sex with 7 people in my life. done some stupid things like having sex 3times, unprotected sex...FML! :( I was drunk and it just happened..

anywho, I did all that about two years ago. I never had unprotected sex since, but I've contracted something the doctor called 'spacious glands' It's like white dots, where the pubic hair comes out of. It doesn't look too appealing, I went to the doctor twice, they were walk in clinics. The two different doctors said it's normal.

Does anyone else have spacious glands on them?

Anywho, just a few months ago, had a one night stand, which turned out to me having sex with her a couple more times after. It was protection, but I was not aware you could get anything from oral. I got this small noticeable white spot on the head of my penis and the doctor said it could be GW. I was in the doctors office today, terrified, heart stopped beating when he said it. How could this have happened to me?

He zapped it with this nitrogen thingy, and said it go away. I will gladly repost in this forum after I see results. I've also seen some online things that could remove genital warts. Has anyone ever tried them?

The aftermath....
It's tough, it really is, I read many forum posts, we're all in the same boat. I wake up every morning, go to work, and it's always on my mind. Sure, I'll laugh at work, do my work, do this and that, but it ALWAYS stays on my mind. I have good friends and family, whom I've never told yet. Even my closest friends I can't bare to tell them.

Meeting a girl is hard too, last year, I would go to clubs and just mack on girls all night long. Never really picked one up and brought one home yet, just a bunch of numbers, but it was good nature fun. I'm a loving innocent person, with dreams of being a film director one day. Everyday is depressing, yet happy, but then the harsh reality kicks in. I pinch myself, hoping to wake from a bad nightmare.

What are ways to live with GW? How do I tell a girl i'm interested that I have it w/o her running away??

The only thing I know is that theres 2 parts of everyone. The good side, that's standing up on the bench, with a smile and the depressed one, who's sitting on the bench with a sad face. I know I got to let the good happy guy inside me cheer the sad guy on the bench in order for me to be truly happy.  I'm only 23, years ahead of me! I got to have kids when I'm like 30 lol!

LETS BE STRONG TOGETHER PEOPLE!! ^_^

[gracefromHHP]

please - no more posts to this very old post. if you have a question, please start your own post.

we now have a hpv forum here on medhelp so posting there is even more appropriate :)

grace

[mural89]

i dont know how to go about any relationships.. If you tell them stright up they will run away in a minute.  Some people may say oh well if they leave they aren't worth it...but if I was seeing someone and they told me they had genital warts I would turn and run for sure so how can I expect anyone to stay for me? the only option seems that you hold off sex till the person is in love with you then you tell them so they have to decide if your worth getting warts.  Also oral sex will never happen ever again because having warts on your genitals is one thing but in your mouth and throat? that is just disgusting. annnny advise?

[gracefromHHP]

please start a fresh post with your questions about your own situation. we ask this in our read before posting post on the forum. thanks!
g
race

[Shazza123]

I don't no if I have warts iv not had sex in 10 months then the other day 6 what looks like skin tags appeared near the top of my clit ... I put vinegar on them but nothing happened how long should I put vinegar on for to c if it is warts ?

[gracefromHHP]

please start your own post thanks!

[flimflam]

It's a very devastating concept initially.  I didn't go to the doctor for about 1.5 years because I heard in most cases it will clear itselt within 2 years.  Well, mine didn't.  I FINALLY got the nerve to go to the doctor.  I went in for backpain and fought within myself to say "oh hey doc, can you look at this too?".  Which until the last second I said 'screw it' and spoke up.  He acted like it was no big deal and prescribed me Aldara.  I've been using it now for about a month with no effect.  I was REALLY hoping that the Aldara would do the trick too.  Looks like I'm going to have to go back in and get either cryo, acid, or excision.

I felt very angry and "why did this have to happen to me!?!?", depressed, stuck, just total despair.  Reading all of the comments here has REALLY helped me a lot.  I WILL beat this and have a NORMAL life.  I can promise you that.  I'm a fighter.  I will win.  To all of you, keep going.  Keep fighting.  They will go away eventually and your life will become normal again.

[gracefromHHP]

once again please - NO MORE POSTS IN THIS POST!!

Any comments or questions should be started in your own post at this point since this post is so old.

thank you!

[mazz18]

Hello,
I am writing mainly in response to those of you who have genital warts adn are worried about your sex life and probably your future relationships. I am 24 years old and am engaged to someone who has genital warts. A month into our relationship we hadnt slept together yet and I figured we were just taking it slow. One day he sat me down and told me he had genital warts. I was freaked out of corse because I was so happy with him and I didnt know how to handle the situation. Obviously I decided to stay with him and work through it. We use condoms adn sometimes he gets frustrated with always having to use them with his fiance but we get through it. When I was first told about this  I didn't know enough about them to really know what to expect. I began doing research and it definately scared me.  I decided however that its harder to find someone who genuinely cares about and loves you in this world than it is to find someone disease free.  I just wanted to say that one day you will find someone who cares enough about the person you are and will look past a little thing like genital warts.I an happier now than I ever thought I could be and am engaged to the love of my life. Dont give up!

[jazzie88]

i agree with mazz18. nothing to worry about. i guess that's how you will know if that person really loves you so much that s/he's willing to stay with you no matter what. by the way, i haven't heard of warticon yet. just here. what i'm familiar with is wartscide and it's also effective. where can you buy warticon? does it really need prescription?

[emfive3]

i am 21 and just been diagnosed today with genital warts. i am completely and utterly devastated and feel like my whole future is ruined. ive only slept with 4 people in my life and all of them i considered to be people i really cared about and now i have found out that one of them has given me warts. i find it very hard to meet people anyway due to low self esteem and self consciousness, so i have no idea how to deal with this extra issue. reading all your comments has helped reassure me that they can be controlled and that sex may still b in my future. i just have no idea how i will be able to break the news to a partner. i literally want to give up now and save myself the humiliation and rejection in the future.

[gracefromHHP]

please, no more posts in this post as I've asked previously. if you  have questions about hpv, please start a new post in the hpv forum - thanks!

[only_0405]

i am 20 years old still living with my parents. life seemed great and fun before i found out i had genital warts . life is not easy but it gets harder when u know that ur private parts are contagious!!! . .direct skin contact spreads the virus . ., i  noticed that i get frustrated when it comes to meeting new girls and even going out to the clubs . i went to the doctor . . got a cream but no information on the virus .. i thought that they would dissapear and never come back but it was not like that .. they come back . they can even grow whenever ur immune system is weak lik if ur stressed . i read on the internet that there is a possibility of get rid of the virus after having it for years but it doesnt sound like a statement. after all ,i dont know if this virus lasts forever or is just for a couple of years until my immune systems takes them away.

i started to work out more and more becuz i feel good and healthy. so far, i havent told any of my friends or family about the issue because i dont wanna be pointed as the dude with some aids .... i rather keep it a secret  and live a normal life .i dont want to be rejected by my friends but i know ill have my familys support but what am i gonna tell them??... " ive ****** the wrong biitch and cant do nothing about it".

[nylteak003]

so I went to the doctors less then a week ago and she said i had warts ( which i thought anyways ) I'm using a cream to treat it and am going back for treatment
What i dont get is I have only had sex with my boyfriends of a year, and we both lost our virginity's to one another, and have had no sexual partners since and have always used a condom..
so is there any other way then skin to skin or sex to cause them ?

[gracefromHHP]

please start your own post. no more posts are to be added to this one.

grace

[ncr471]

I had some genital warts more than 5 years ago and had them removed. Since then I dont have the courage too talk too any girls or try to make a relationship. I read on hear that if u dont have an infection for 2 years teh virus can go away? Is this true?

[gingerbreadboy]

hello everyone,

A few days ago ive been diagnosed with hpv genital warts. i wake up every moring crying my eyes out until my breathing gets really heavy and i feel like im suffocating. I feel like i cant live like this that no one will ever want to be with me ever i am embarassed ashamed and have even contemplated suicide. I dont know y this has happened to me i cant sleep eat or anything like that. I am only 22 years old and have only slept with 2 people who showed no signs of having anything. I dont know y god has done this to me I think its cause he wants me to pay for all the evil things that i have done in my life. I havent gone to sch or wrk because i feel like the world will judge me i want to be desease free so bad that i will do anything i will never wish this on anybody this is truly a curse and i just want to die more than half of the time. I hope other people with this is stronger than I am and dont let if get you down please i feel the pain everyone is going thru this hurts wrost than any physical pain can. I just hope that one day we can all be free of this i have read this entire forum n everyone is in my prayers.

[phobic1ntexas]

If you are in remission and she has had the vaccine, then she is not going to contract HPV which causes warts. Also, if she had any sex partners before you there's about a 85% chance she has HPV already. You should be fine.

[gracefromHHP]

this is a very old post. please pay attention to dates on posts. we ask that you don't reply to any post older than 2 weeks or so. thanks!

grace

[deathmetal666]

This is depressing, just found out I have genital warts, reading this thread makes me wanna crawl into a hole and die

[gracefromHHP]

we ask you not to post in this old post.

please start your own post and we'll gladly give you support and help you with this :)

thanks!

grace

[mit645]

i am 23 not only been with 3 girls and the thing is the don't have any std at all i think i got it from a girl i didn't even had sex with all happen was my penis touched her vagina  and now i got warts on my penis . i wondering is this is got punishing me for cheating on my gf   i already toly my gf who i have been with for one year i haven't had sex with her wanted to wait to get married well i am going to the doc 2 marrow to get a check up but i already know what i got . my only prob is i know i am going to lose my baby which sucks because i love her so much i dont think i can live with out her.

[gracefromHHP]

there are to be no new posts to this post.

please start your own new post and we'll gladly help you with your concerns :)

grace

[rasmusen]

i have had a similar expirence. i am a twnety-year old make and recently came to the conclusion that i have the disease, as well-- i think. it is just a self-diagnosis, howver, i think that it is becoming increasingly necessary to get myself checked out. after all, most of the people on this site would agree that is the best thing to do. i am very apprehensive about it because it is embarrasing and i don't want to feel alienated if my friends or co-workers find out- not to mention a partner down the road. if i don't get checked out i understand that bigger problems can arise, so i will be getting the issue checked out soon. i have but 4 small bumbs in varying size; what concerns me most is the rate at which they've grown. i barely noticed them a couple days ago.  i know i need to get myself checked out by a professional, and i'm not intentionally meaning to mitigate the issue, but is there a way i can treat it myself? also, where are the best, most descete places to go? are there clinics all over the place? i've never even been to one. any help would be appreciated.

[Vance2335]

Post in the HPV forum and start your own thread to post to.

[mummy2b2011]

I know how everyone feels I am currently 8months pregnant and I have genital warts now how I had got them I do not know my ex was clean when we got together. I started noticing pimple like things down by the opening of my vag so I had asked my friend that had genital warts and she took a look at it and said I had them. she told me to tell my obgyn so I did and she frozed them that didn't work about a few days later they started to bleed then they felt like they were going to fall off well I was hoping. now about a week ago I got this cream called imiquimod now I have only started to use it and I'm due in 6weeks I'm hoping they go away and this treatment works if not then I'm going to have to get them cut off .and that sounds just painful. well I don't know what to do I just want them gone. I guess I could try what my friend used when she had them and it worked for her its hand sanatizer it will burn at first because of all the germs well lets see what happens

[adr321]

I'm. 28 year old female and I have genital warts. I found out about 5 months ago. I have my good days and I have my bad days. I immediatly informened my most recent sexual partners so they could be cautious. That was hard to do. I recently got back with my ex of four years. He's 100% supportive and accepting of the hpv. That's great I suppose, but sex isn't the same. It's like he's afraid to touch me. Half the time I end up crying and not enjoying it. He's constantly checking to make sure the condom is on and then doesn't want to touch anything else because of fear of cantracting it. Then after we're done he immediatly goes to te bathroom and washes himself. This makes me feel so dirty. I've told him this and he admitted to being a little afraid to touch me. I feel like this is going to put a strain in our relationship. Any advice? I'm also going to the doctor to talk about possible removal solutions. I've tried the cream and it is irritating to the skin. It's unbearable.

[francisco1978]

those seem to me like you have the early signs and symptoms of warts, go to the dr or a clinic asap to be sure, I was just diagnosed and I am very unhappy actually very depressed, its a long story I was married and not sure if it were him or my present hubby they both had cheating partners, I have always been checked and tested bc I have other female problems so I was always getting pap smears, its unfair, sorry but it is disgusting, I dont even want to have sex anymore and I feel bad bout it but I cant stand the fact not knowing where it came from and the ex is on drugs no where to be found and my hubby now doesnt have anything visual, I asked my dr and she said lots of people have it and dont know it bc they dont get visual warts or even the symptoms, so they could be carriers which means they pass it on to everyone else and if your immune system isnt the best you will be the person that has the break outs like I got stuck with, I am very angry and bitter and I hate living w this, Im so serious right now that I even see a therapist bc it has really affected my life and it sadens me everyday, they come and go and it sucks bad.. good luck but get tested asap, and lets hope you dont have it, ask anyone w it we hate it we are ashamed and embarassed!

[francisco1978]

I would just be honest, if someone loves us then they must accept it like we have to even though we dont want to, as long as you protect her she isnt supposed to be able to contract it, you are right it is depressing and it is to me like a punishment, being a christain and all, I am 35 so of course I have had some partners but Im pretty sure I know where it came from, its too late to worry about it, I am married and didnt find out until after I was married just a few months ago actually and my hubby doesnt blame me at all for anything, he is very supportive, his ex wife cheated on him for 15 long years so as far as we know it could be from him and he was the carrier and passed it, doesnt matter who anymore, its too late like I said, I look at it like at least its not aids you know, and its liveable, everyone will have to tell their partners eventually and if they run that shows they are petty people and dont deserve us anyway, people with aids dont always get it from having sex, its not always our fault, if someone has it and dont know they have it and you dont protect yourself then yes thats kind of our fault but everyone makes mistakes, keep your head up when the girl comes round that you are interested in just be honest, if she runs then so be it, there will be more girls to come and not every girl is gonna run dont worry be happy, I know its hard but its not the end of the world :)

[francisco1978]

you are never gonna be free of them, no Dr. can tell us that, they come and go and the more sex we have the more they spread, not everyone knows they even have anything which is why it spreads and people like us get it, my story is too long to discuss here but I was married 9 long years, and no I didnt cheat not sure if he did or not, they cant really tell us how long it takes to contract it, all they can do is tell us we have it or not, I would like to know when too but unfortunately I dont and I live life the best I can now, I am 35 and have recently married, just found out that I have it, we dont know if it was my ex or his, she cheated on him all the time but he doesnt have anything, my Dr, said a lot of men carry it and pass it to the female, not sure how true that is, but I am pissed, depressed, embarassed and never want to have sex, I am lucky and loved and that keeps me going, my hubby loves me and accepted it when we both found out together, he never blamed me in fact he thinks its him and he got it from his ex, I have cried and cried but there is no use anymore, cant let it define who we are, its not the end of the world, if you cant be honest w someone w out the judging or running away then they arent worth being w anyways, life is short and things happen, we didnt ask for this, people with mental issues didnt ask for it and everyone w aids didnt ask for that either, jusr try to live your life happy and not worry about it so much, dont tell unless they ask and always use protection, as you get serious with someone just be honest, I have read articles online you would be surprised to see how many actually have it and how many dont know they do bc they dont have any visual, just because someone doesnt have visual doesnt mean they dont have the virus and thats prolly what happened to us, someone didnt know they had it and we had unprotected sex and well now we have something we cant ever get rid of, they come and go but they are not ever gonna go away for good, hope this helps, we dont need to live depressed,. be happy :)

[teinesdoitbetter]

please im so depressed i really need someone to talk too ;( please someone who suffers through this i sit here n cry n cry n ask god why me? ;( can someone please contact me via email i really need to talk to someone who would hear me out!

[vix8]

check my latest post! new information about hpv!! very important.

i guess i was lucky and found out that i had the virus while in a relationship, but also feel extremely guilty that i probably passed it on to my boyfriend. he won't get checked out because he doesn't want to know :/. and im scared for him because i have cancer type hpv, i have to get precancerous cells removed in 2 weeks, im so nervous. but he loves me and he said he will never leave me because of an std.. im sure all of you can find someone who will love you for you, even if you have an std. ive heard many stories where people don't care because they just want to be the person. i remember my ex boyfriend saying that he would date me even if i did have an std before we started dating, cuz he wanted to be with me so bad. it all depends on the person, everyone is different. goodluck to you all!

[sdaniels853]

I will talk to you about too I am blue in the face.

[Adnap_grl]

Ive had the same problem for 3 years... I just get to know the person. Observe their character and if I feel I can trust them, I tell them... I havent been turned down yet and I just started trying to date for the 1st time in 4 years. Idk how its gonna go but at least the stress of confiding s will be worth it for once . Just, be positive, nearly 50% of people betw 18-30 already have a form of hpv n most dont know it. Its way more commom than you may think. You are more than your ailment so make sure you let your personality make up for it and take care of yourself. Your confidence and honesty will make all the difference.

[Bonnettt]

Five years later and your story is so similar to mine that reading your post I almost thought that I had wrote it.  How are things going now?  I would really appreciate a response and update on how things have been going with you.

[cannonballz]

dude i think i got em....an it sucks...girls call me every day wantin to go out....i have to invent bs situations to avoid them, cause inevitably sex would follow, and I cant look at another beautiful naked girl again and tell her, "no sorry"....so much loneliness....an so ashamed...how to live "normally?"....

[Greenlove1389]

I am 23 year old female, and I think I may have HPV. I've only ever been with three people my entire life. I was with one for five years, and after we parted ways, I was very depressed and became involved with two people. After the last encounter, I realized I wanted more to life than just random sexual encounters, and I vowed to remain celibate until I found that special guy. That was four months ago, and recently, I noticed these bumps. I have not gone to get checked because I don't want to hear the news. Now I feel like my vow to celibacy means nothing because either way, I have a std that will never go away. How do I deal with this? How do you keep going, and believing that you will find the right person after this?

[vandykd3]

New's Flash Greenlove:  In the years since someone told you that you have HPV for life, science has found that you don't.  It's a transient infection in most people who get it and over time your immune system fights it off and you are clear of the virus.  So even if you do have it, there is nothing to worry about. It will go away.  Also, know that HPV is the single most prevalent sexually transmitted infection out there and the majority of sexually active humans will get it at some point in their lives.  It's nothing to be ashamed of.  

Having said that, you don't even know you have HPV warts.  Just go to a doctor or dermatologist and get them looked at.  

[Greenlove1389]

Thanks vandy. I've actually been reading up on it these past few days, I've been driving myself nuts reading about it. I read some articles that said your body will clear it after about two years but the virus stays with you. I asked the last person I was with, and she said her papsmere came out fine so, I'm hoping she's being truthful. You are right though, I really shouldn't be freaking out if I don't know yet. I'm going to go get checked tomorrow. I will give an update of my results when I get them. Thanks, your words have put me at ease a bit :)

[abcdefg281]

Im in your same state! im 21 too andi really like this one guy, i've had a boyfriend since i was 15 and now i finally can go out and experience other men but i feel so guilty i never do anything with any of them.. i know if i tell them they'll either judge me or just never talk to me again.. and i dont want them to be stuck with this like i am.. everyone says its so common so its not relaly a big deal but it is to me.. idk what to do.

[abcdefg281]

are you sure it goes away after a few years? my doc told me i'd have it forever

[vandykd3]

Your doctor is misinformed.  Not every doctor keeps up on HPV knowledge.  Technically he may be right however.  From what I can tell with all my readings, it might be something like chicken pox.  Do you have the pox virus for life?  If you do, does it matter because you can't get it again nor can you transmit it.  It's like that with the HPV virus I think.  Your body will completely suppress the activity of the virus in about a year, not more than two years for almost everyone who has it.  If you get pregnant, have HIV, or undergo chemo someday, there is a chance that HPV can reactivate when the body is severely taxed like that.  But otherwise you will be free of it.  HPV is a virus and everyone's body is different, so there are only broad generalities of typical HPV infection cycles.  These cycles are statistically common so the chances of you falling outside these stats is quite slim.  

For you, you need to ascertain how long ago you were diagnosed.  What kind were you diagnosed with?  If you had warts and had them removed each time you experienced a new outbreak, you should be able to consider yourself over it after six plus months with no breakout.  With high-risk HPV, I'm less clear, but the same six months is probably viable.  You should not feel guilty.  

[MichealDavid]

Since my first episode, which was pretty apparent and very noticeable, I have had 3 recurrences, but of a much smaller but numerous variety and in different areas than the original occurrence. My concern is that even if I have this most recent recurrence taken care of, isn't possible that there will be warts that are too small to see or that will possibly be missed that will not be treated? Will this extend the amount of time my body requires to clear the virus or will they resolve on their own?

[vandykd3]

Well, that is one reason why they say you may still be contagious even if no warts are present.  In my opinion, warts are never too small to see.  We know our penises too well for that.  I'm no expert though in the science of what's happening at the time and at that cellular level to tell you how transfer occurs between outbreaks.  

Regardless, your body is still dealing with it, so you can still bank on the statistical outcome that in no more than two years from your first discovery of warts, you will be wart free.  If six months and more go by after your last treatment, i'd consider myself past it if I were you.  

I also like the idea of using Podophyllin after treatment as well.  It F's up the skin cells on the surface of your skin so any cells containing the DNA are destroyed. At least I believe that's how it works.  You can look it up to be sure.  I had it applied after my last outbreak a couple years ago and I never had any again.  Timing?  Probably. But I still think it's another wise precaution to take.

[thelastmeddler]

I keep hearing that two years is the magical timeframe that warts will be removed, is this the case for most of you? I have GW and am not knowing how to live life anymore with the idea of infecting someone. I've read that this causes women cancer, and I don't want to pass this along or cause such a horrendous thing. I've had this for roughly a year and am only now getting treatments as I thought it was due to shaving. My condition is they are very very small to the point they don't resemble warts and have had doctors use magnifying glass to view them. I was at one point removing them of my own(not wise decision) as I thought they were like typical warts.Cutting them off only spread them(again i know people do dumb things when frustrated).. Im at the point were I don't know how to live life anymore knowing that I have these on my penis. Its very embarassing to talk about, and am on here since my family and friends don't have any advice to give. Has anyone had any success stories or recommended treatments,medicines etc? Im running on my last straw here and don't know how to proceed given my case. I've seen three doctors now. I've had cyro treatment once but they came back. All i want out of life is to live a normal life and to be accepted by a woman i love, but fearing this will only push others away. I really need advice on this as I'm now dealing with depression due to this. I would like things to workout some how. All the support that can be given is deeply appreciated.

God bless

[sgva]

I don't know how you've handled this during 5 years, but I can tell you this:
I have just been diagnosed with HPV; my bf has it, but hadn't shown symptoms in the last 4 years. His tests all came clear and doctors told him he could have unprotected sex. However, we always used condoms and were very careful and, somehow he has passed the virus to me. I had already taken 2 of 3 shots of Gardasil and still got it. I cannot understand a thing!

[cami87]

im so wih u on this, got diagnosed 2 days ago and have been freaking out, found this site 2hrs ago and feel much better, still not sure how to tell my partner but i dont feel dirty and alone anymore! :)

[LarryKlein]

Hi guys, I was unsure if the lump on my pubic area was a HPV WART. When I did all my research online it said to put vinegar or apple cider Vinegar on the lump and if it turns white than it isa genital wart. This happen 2 weeks ago. I found my self getting depressed and in shock because I am not a very sexual active person. I felt as if it was all over in some way when i read that once infected you will be infected forever. I then did more research and discovered that yes the virus may live inside of you, BUT if you take good care of your IMMUNE SYSTEM you can kill the virus, and by maintaining your health and system it would not have the strength to recover and become live again. I NOW TAKE MULTI VITAMINS 2 A DAY EVEN THOUGH IT SAYS TO TAKE ONE AND I ALSO EAT "CHAI SEEDS" (it contains omega 3 potassium and iron) I also eat bananas and try to consume AS MUCH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES  ON A DAILY BASIS. A 20 min work out daily is also very helpful  to the immune  system. To GET RID OF THE WART, I soaked Apple Cider VINEGAR on half of a cotton ball, Placed the cotton ball on the wart and slept with it over night. The next day when I took it off My Wart was White UP UNTILL it dried up 30 mins later it was black. I took a show and REPEATED THe SAME method and when I woke up and removed the tape with the cotton ball soaked in Apple Vinegar it Looked BIGGER, MORE IRRITATED, AND BLACK.  I assumed i made a MISTAKE  and it was going to Spread. I went in to panic mode and went to do more research on any website possible I was up for 3 days until Approximately 10am.   I read that that was normal and was supposed to get worse when treated before it got better. It has been a week since i started treatment and I clean the area and the dead wart daily with Peroxide Daily and it is now a very Small DEAD BLACK TINY WART. I could pull it out but Letting it fall off will assure you that it will be officially DEAD. IT IS A HUGE RELIEF TO SEE IT AT ITS FINAL STAGE GOING AWAY. THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE MAKES ME WANT TO STAY HEALTHY FOREVER AND GIVE Y BODY SOME SORT OF EXERCISE TO MAKE SURE IT WONT EVER COME BACK AND THIS IS ALL A WAKE UP CALL TO TAKE CARE OF MY SELF, CUT DOWN ON CIGARETTES AND ANY DRUGS. I did not find not one article that gives all this information, SO I had to read everything out there. I NEVER thought i would deal with this or go through such a horrifying time. AN HPV IS THE MOST COMMON STD AND IS TRANSFERRED FROM SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT. SO A TIP= WEAR A CONDOM AND KEEP YOUR BOXERS ON TO ANY SKIN TO SKIN CONTACT.
I DO NOT KNOW IF THIS WILL WORK FOR FEMALES BUT IT WILL WORK FOR MEN. IT MAY STING BUT BE A MAN AND KILL THE VIRUS BEFORE IT SPREADS. I HOPE THIS INFORMATION CAN RELIEV READERS WHO ARE INFECTED.
TO CHECK IF IT IS A WART APPLY VINEGAR 3 TIMES EVERY TEN MINUTES AND IF IT TURNS WHITE IT IS A WART. BE ADVISED SOMETIMES THE TEST WONT BE VALID AND WONT TURN WHITE IF THE WART IN FLAT AND VERY VERY SMALL(smaller than the red tip of a match). AGAIN THIS IS VERY COMMON TO HAVE DO NOT FREAK OUT . 50% OF SEXUALLY ACTIVE PEOPLE 16-28 YEARS OLD ARE INFECTED. AND 70% OF WOMAN BY THE AGE OF 60 WILL BE INFECTED. THEIR ARE 100 DIFFERENT TYPES OF HPV STRAINS. THE ONLY DANGEROUS AND RARE STRAIN WILL CAUSE CERVICAL CANCER. DO NOT HAVE SEX OR MASTERBATE UNTILL YOUR WARTS ARE GONE!!!!! HOPE THIS HELPS GIVE YOU PEICE OF MIND AND ACTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THIS COMMON BUT DISTURBING VIRUS.

[abbyok]

You do meet the right person. My friend has had genital warts for years and she has had two serious partners during that time, both who didn't have warts. She practiced safe sex with both of them and told her current partner 6 months into the relationship. I don't agree with not telling your partner before you have sex but in her case he didn't mind. He was shocked but they are still together years on.

The point is it's hard to cope with knowing you have this STI but it's not the end of the world. I'm sure you will meet someone but you just have to wait for the right person to come along.

[cardz123]

question: does white distilled vinegar help identify warts?
.

[fred1211]

I caught this **** from a ******* hotel bed at age 12 and have had it ever since. I don't particularly enjoy having sex and hoping that my partner doesn't notice the tiny white spots all over my dick. Pardon my french by the way, but this pisses me off more than anything. I want to get evaluated soon but I don't know how to tell anyone.