HPV Issues

[confusedforcertain]

Dear Doctors:

I appreciate you taking time to respond to this post

I am a male in the waning days of a 14 year marriage and under much stress. Recently involved with 2 new relationships

The 1st has been ongoing for more than a year and the 2nd appoximately 4 months

I periodically shave my pubic region. Last shaved 2 weeks back

Shortly following shaving I noticed what appeared like an infected hair follicule/pimple. It is located in  the pubic hair at the very base of my penis. The size grew like a pimple and has remained fairly constant in appearance. It appears like a round and raised eraser tip size red spot. It feels a bit rubbery and occassionaly hurts. No puss or other fluid. I have self diagnosed an HPV wart

Partner #2 had abstained from sex for 9 months prior to our first encounter. We have been regularily actice for the past 4 months
Partner #1 is married and doesn't know for certain whether her husband is faithful. We have not engaged in sex for 2 months

Issues and concerns;
1. From my description does it sound like HPV
2. Does the fact that the appearance has barely changed for 2 weeks, it might be a bit smaller now, mean much
3. Does the fact that partner #2 was not sexually active for 9 months mean that she could or couldn't pass HPV to me. Would she be contagious if not sexually active for 9 months
4. Similar issue for partner#1, wouldn't her husband be infected if she were infected with HPV
5. As a male what treatment do I require now and moving forward
6. Does the fact that I have only 1 pimple like spot mean much regarding whethr this is HPV. No symptoms on my mouth or any other spot

I am reading many other threads regarding HPV and trying to learn. I appreciate the information you share

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Warts do not resemble pimples.  Beyond that I have no further advice for you; no online advice can substitute for examination by a health professional, and not knowing what you have I cannot advse you about these questions.  See a doctor or clinic; I'm sure there are community clinics or health department facilities -- no matter where in the country you are -- where you could be examined at little or no cost.  It doesn't necessarily have to be a dermatolgist.

[confusedforcertain]

There is a recent development and I am requesting your insight

The watchful waiting continues as the initial "pimple' is now dark in color and smaller

I now have a second red spot that looks like an inflamed follicule. This is identical in appearance to the start of the first one

This new spot is in my pubic hair right below my belt line

1. Is the new spot likely an additional HPV lesion, would another spot typically appear like this in a new location weeks after the first
2. Am I continuing to infect myslef by remaining active with my partner if she is the source
3. I read in a recent response that you estimate a 6 month period between exposure and symptoms. Does this mean that my relationship that started in April wouldn't be the source

I live in a rural area in the midwest and follow up dermatology appointments take months. I appreciate your comments

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No, there is no problem with "watchful waiting" -- except for the anxiety factor.  But surely you can suck it up for a couple of weeks and recheck with the dermatologist.  When you do, be sure to ask about molluscum contagiosum.

[confusedforcertain]

I respect that this thread must end and I appreciate your time and assistance

Perhaps you could see fit to respond to the inquiry above regarding not treating or removing the "possible wart".  The dermatologist saw no reason to remove or treat as she wasn't certain it was a wart. Kindly comment on whether there is any problem with this approach from an STD specialist perspective. Much appreciated

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I continue to be skeptical this is a genital wart, but a dermatologist's opinion has be be respected.  Although a new wart could show up as early as 2-3 months, recent research shows that this is quite early; 3-12 months is more typical.  I suggest you ask the dermatologist whether she thinks molluscum contagiosum is a possibility.  At this point, all I can suggest is that you follow her advice.  

In any case, "getting scared" is inappropriate and I think you indeed are overreacting.  Even if it's a wart, that should be considered a someone unpleasant inconvenience, not a serious health threat.  It's really a trivial health problem.

That will have to end this thread.  Good luck.

[confusedforcertain]

Back from dermatologist appointment.  She said it could be a wart, however, not definite. She explained that there is no test to determine. She said the diagnosis is a visual one. She looked under magnifying lense and said she had mixed thoughts. She explained it isn't a usual appearance because it is pinkinsh to red and very round. She said it is larger than typical and it is only one. On the other hand she said the sexual history could make it a wart likely from partner 2 within the last 3 months. She didn't want to remove it today because it appears smaller than the last few days. She suggested I watch it and return in 2 weeks if it isn't gone

I am now more confused.

Should I treat it as a wart and avoid all physical contact for an extended period

Is it dangerous to not treat a wart and let it run its course

If it is a wart will partner 2 and I keep passing it back and forth if we remain intimate

Am I at risk of of spreading it to other parts of my body. What precautions should I take to not spread over my body

How long am I contagious if it is a wart

This dermatologist said warts typically have a cauliflower type group appearance. She didn't offer a definitive diagnosis and I am not confident of my next move. Thus I am getting scared and perhaps overracting

Thanks for your response in advance

[confusedforcertain]

It now looks like a red base surronding an enlarged follicule. When the skin is stretched the redness fades and the hair follicule dot on the shaft is visible and kind of looks shiny. Perhaps this updated description will assit in responding. I continue to self diagnose HPV at this point. Your comments and input are most appreciated

[confusedforcertain]

One follow up as I await an appointment with a dermatologist.  The "pimple" is unchanged for going on 3 weeks with the possible exception of a tiny bit smaller and darker close to purple looking. It iswhere the shaft and pubic hair meet. As noted above I self diagnosed HPV. My question is whether there are non STD conditions that would explain these symptoms

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Even if the lesion is a wart, it has no implications for cancer.  Warts and cancer are caused by different HPV types.  Most people with HPV are no longer contagious after several months, as discussed above.

That will be all unless and until you report the results of your doctor/clinic visit.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.  I'll go straigh to your questions.

1,2,6) Your description does not suggest a genital wart or any other HPV infection.  Its unchanging nature for 2 weeks doesn't make much difference one way or the other.  Warts don't cause pimple-like lesions.  One possibility might be molluscum contagiosum, a minor viral infection -- especially if the lesion is shiny pink, perhaps with a dimple in the center.  Mouth symptoms don't mean anything either; HPV/warts of the mouth are rare, even in people with genital warts.

3) It takes an average of 6-12 months for most HPV infections to clear up spontaneously.  Since that's the average and some infections last a couple of years, it certainly is possible she could have HPV transmissible to you or other sex partners.  However, you don't provide enough information to judge the likelihood she is infected.  Her age, pap smear history, and the nature of her sexual partnerships up until several months ago might give some clues.

4) The large majority of HPV infections remain asymptomatic.  Whether or not this partner's husband has symptoms says nothing about whether or not she might have HPV.

5) Your next step should be to see a health professional for proper diagnosis.  As I said, I doubt your pubic area bump is a wart.

Please return with a follow-up comment to let me know the diagnosis after you have been professionally evaluated.  There's nothing more I can suggest or advise until then.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[confusedforcertain]

2 other issues

Am I now at an increased risk of cancer or spreading a cancer causing condition to others

Am I forever contagious