6 years with no warts, why do I still itch?

[charliecat]

I was diagnosed with genital warts 6 years ago.  I haven't had a reoccurance since then, and the doctor tells me that I should be cleared of the virus.  My question is, I still itch, mostly on the lips of the vagina.  It's not all the time, but enough to make me feel uncomfortable.  Doctor says it's not BV and no sign of yeast.  Could the HPV infection be causing this itching?  Is it possible that I still have the infection and just can't see the warts that are causing the itching?  I have no abnormal discharge, just itching.  

One more thing, I also have an IUD in place, and I was wondering if that might have something to do with the itching and not feeling normal?  Please help!  I am currently in a new relationship and am worried about spreading HPV.  How likely is it that I still have warts that I can't see after 6 years?  Could it still be the cause of the itch?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Itching is not a typical symptom of HPV or warts.  If you had itching when you had the warts, it probably was just a coincidence.  Even if warts/HPV cause once in a while, other things are more likely.

As you seem to realize, candida (yeast) infection is always a consideration; it is the most common cause of vulvar itching overall.  Contrary to some beliefs, most yeast infections do not cause much increased vaginal disharge.  BV does not cause itching.  It can be pretty easy to miss yeast by standard diagnostic tests, so you might check with your doc about how certain s/he is that you don't have candida; and whether, if there is any doubt, it might be worth trying one of the over-the-counter yeast treatments.

In any case, there is no particular reason to be concerned about HPV/warts.  Because you are a sexually active person, the odds are fair you have HPV.  (A brand new, population-based research study shows that among women age 18-25 in the US, at any point in time about 25% have an active HPV infection.)  But sexually transmitted HPV is basically unavoidable, and since the vast majorty if infections do not lead to any important health problem, in my opinion there is no point in getting worked up about prevention.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[gracefromHHP]

Itching for 6 years might also mean that you have to break the itch/scratch cycle as it's sometimes called. The longer you itch the more you are likely to scratch/rub for relief and it just sets off a cycle that is hard to break. Vulvodynia specialists are helpful when you have symptoms that your regular gyn isn't able to figure out. If you can find one near you getting a consult is a good idea.  They can help you figure out if it's due to chronic vaginitis, allergies etc and will help you come up with a treatment plan to put a halt to the itching and break the cycle :)

grace

[charliecat]

I guess what I'm wondering is if it's possible that I have warts that the doc is missing.  And if after 6 years with no outbreaks, am I still able to pass it on to my new partner?  He is a virgin, so there's no chance that he has it already.  I'm just worried about him getting it.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Didn't you read my  original response?  Itching is not a symptom of warts. Gracefromhpp gave you some good advice about another more likely cause of itching. A doctor is unlikely to miss warts.

Don't worry so much about your partner catching HIV from you. It probably won't happen, but if you are infected and he catches it, he probably will never know it.  We all get HPV somewhere along the line; it is a normal part of being sexually active.  But if you want to take precautions, use condoms.  Consistent and proper condom use is highly protective.

HHH, MD

[charliecat]

I did read your comments; I guess I was just nervous.  Thank you for your response.  I appreciate all of your help.  It's just completely frustrating to go to the gyno and have her not know what's going on.  Thanks again.  I will try not to worry so much :)

[Rose44]

I'm sorry but the 'advice' is incorrect.  I cannot speak for 'non present' HPV warts;  however, I can speak from DIRECT and present experience about the fact that they DO itch, and this is present in many many people including myself...who have this affliction. It is very very debilitating as nothing seems to alleviate these symptoms.  I respectfully suggest that the advice rendered here be re-assessed.  This is an extremely common symptom according to my gynecologist. You can also find many patients who agree, if you search on the net.

[Max260]

A related discussion, Itching is driving me crazy was started.