Genital warts or just normal skin

[mgs66]

Hi Doctor,

I'm sorry to sound like a crazy person, but after reading all this information on HPV, I'm extremely worried!
Recently, I visited my Gynecologist for a pap smear.  I do understand you should receive your PAP's every year, but I don't have insurance so the visits started to diminish.  My visit was on Friday, but I'm a nervous wreck.  The Doctor was worried about my pap smear results since I haven't had one in such a long time.  Here is my problem:
I noticed some whitish/skin colored (slightly raised) bumps in my inner labia.  I could almost swear that I mentioned these bumps three years ago and was told they were sebaceous glands or hair follicles?  I wax or shave my bikini area regularly so at times I do get ingrown hairs.  At that time 3 yrs ago, I asked the doctor to test me for STD, I was in a 7yr so-called monogamous relationship, which ended, so I wanted to be sure.  The tests were negative, but I'm not even sure exactly what I was tested for.
At my recent visit I also asked to be tested for STD's which she gave me a blood test.  I'm in a new relationship (we've used condoms, all but once) for a year.  I would never want to transmit or possibly spread warts to my partner.  He's a wonderful person, and I'm worried.  I haven't had sex with him, since I'm unsure about these bumps.
The doctor (on Friday) said it looked like my anatomy, and if I've had them for a while, chances are they are not warts.  I did hear that warts can show up yrs later or even last years, so how could she be sure?  She looked closer after I was in tears and practically begging her to do so.  She only used a light and touched them, than said she still thought they were my anatomy and probably sebaceous glands.  But than she said, Oh they can be warts, but a biopsy would be very painful! That just sounds strange to me.  I was thinking of seeing a Dermatologist and possibly getting the vinegar solution put on them, but I read in your posts that it's not always accurate.  The Gyno, thinks it's best to wait for the Pap results, since if they came out abnormal, she would do a coloscopy.  I can't eat, sleep, and am constantly feeling dirty about this problem.  I pray this is my anatomy, but what if it's not.  The bumps seem to be clustered together on the one side, yet not as bad and spread apart on the other side.  I was thinking it might be from nair or possibly some skin damage due to shaving, is that possible?  If they are warts, I would like to be treated ASAP, so it's important to me to receive proper diagnosis.  Have you seen any situations similar to mine?  My sister mentioned to me that her inner labia feels rough to the touch and she noticed some bumps, but not as clustered together as mine.  The doctor told her it was normal, but I mean how do they know if they don't biopsy?  Since warts can show up differently on everyone, how can you be sure?  I'm sorry for this long message, but I am so scared!  Please advise me on what to do next.

[Ang437737]

Ask your doctor if you can have the HPV DNA added to the pap test. Good luck and hope you get to the bottom of it soon.

Sincerely,

Angela Stevens

[mgs66]

Thanks for your helpful information.  I seem to be driving myself insane now, searching and checking to see if I notice anymore bumps.  It almost looks like there are some smaller pinkish bumps too, but it's probably due to the fact that my skin is pinker in that area.  Yes, I would like the proper diagnosis, so if the Dr. is not sure, I might go ahead and get a biopsy to play it safe.
It would be wonderful if they weren't GW's!  I'm going to be positive and hope for the best.

Have a good night and thanks again.

[mgs66]

I also noticed a whitish bump by my clitoris, I'm not sure what that is as well.  The Doctor did examine that in the visit and never mentioned anything.  I'm very scared.  Sorry to be such a bother.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I advise you to see a dermatologist for another opinion.  It is rarely necessary to do a biopsy to tell whether bumps are warts.  These sound like sebaceous glands rather than warts.  If you see a dermatologist, please tell him or her that your level of concern is such that you want an absolute diagnosis, even if a biopsy is needed.  If they are sure that these are glands or some other non-wart condition, I would take them at their word and leave them alone.  Vinegar is unreliable, and just confuse the issue further.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff