hpv and pap smears

Hi, i recently noticed some bumps on my vagina, so i went to the doctor afraid i had warts. she did my annual pap smear, and a test for herpes. she said she didnt think it was herpes that it looked more like a wart when she looked under a microscope. so she perscribed aldara which i still havent gotten filled. however i the dr.s office called today to tell me my pap came back normal with no herpes and no hpv. does this mean the bumps arent warts or can i still have warts with no hpv detected? the nurse just said the dr didnt need to see me again. im confused. thank you.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Pap smears are not designed to detect warts or herpes.  Your negative results don't prove or disprove that you don't have HPV, warts, or herpes.

Clarify with your doctor whether or not she made a definite diagnosis of warts.  That diagnosis is based on visual inspection, not a lab test.  If so, fill the Aldara prescription and use it as directed.  If not, or if she wasn't sure, using Aldara might just confuse things:  If the bumps persist, they could still be warts (because Aldara works only 60-70% of the time); and if they go away, they might not be warts.

If your doctor is uncertain, consider getting a second opinion, e.g. from your local health department STD clinic or perhaps a family planning clinic like Planned Parenthood.  In the meantime, please read up on both herpes and HPV, which have been covered in great detail on this forum.  A good starting point is the link "STD Quick Facts and Articles" at the top of the STD Forum home page.

Good luck--  HHH, MD