Aldara - question about a possible side effect

[TeeLandry]

I'm a male in my early thirties.  I've recently started to use Aldara on some HPV warts that I've developed over the last few months (what a pain).  My dermatologist at the time gave me a sample and a prescription, and at first, I didn't feel anything.  I wasn't sure if I was using too little, but I don't think so.  I'm on my 6th treatment, and a few days ago when I masturbated, I found small tinges of blood in my semen.  This naturally freaked me out, but a Google search later, and it seemed like a freak one-time occurrence like that isn't that big a deal.  And it didn't happen for a few days, and then it just happened again.  Very small amount but something.

I don't have insurance anymore so I can't just go to the doctor, but could this be related to the Aldara, as in, should I stop? Or is this a separate health problem that needs to be checked out?  I know I'll be advised to check with a professional regardless, but I just want to understand if this is a reported side effect of Aldara for some men.  

Thank you,
Landry

[empathy60]

I have read much about Aldara, as well as used it first hand.

I've just read A LOT of information about the "apple cider vinegar method", including doctor's opinions on it and it doesn't seem best for long-term.  Dr. HHH in the expert forums has even written some stuff about this treatment.  I have no problems with holistic medicine, but don't think we need to neglect western medicine.  I could say more, but I won't on this subject.  My main objective is to help the original poster, not to debate holistic treatment.

[joedirt]

"I wouldn't recommend the apple cider vinegar treatment and would stick to FDA approved methods"

To each his own I guess.

Seeing as though the FDA would never approve anything that would harm you, correct?  Ever read the numerous side effects listed on a package of Aldara?

[empathy60]

I wouldn't recommend the apple cider vinegar treatment and would stick to FDA approved methods.  If you don't have insurance, there are a lot of ways to get free or low cost treatment.  I would also recommend going to a doctor for the blood in semen troubles.  Lots of people are discussing skin bleeding from a local reaction, but the bleeding you described is going on internally and different and needs to be evaluated by a medical professional.

[joedirt]

Hey man,

You can try Apple Cider Vinegar to treat your warts.  Take a little peice of cotton, from a cotton ball, and dip it in ACV.  Put that on the wart and cover it with a band aid.  Do this a couple times a day.

I did this, and it works to dissolve them.  It worked better on my penis than it has for my girlfriend however.  After about 2 or 3 days of this mine were gone.  I then put hydrogen peroxide on it a few times a day to keep it clean.  

Worth a shot if you no longer have insurance.

[TeeLandry]

Gosh, this is so embarassing, but thank you all for your comments.  Very very appreciated.  I'm going to stop the Aldara for a while and see if that changes anything and look to deal with the warts another way, I suppose.  Will they just go away on their own?

Thanks again!

[confused5656]

I'm using aldara right now too, I am a female but my skin has started burning and bleeding too, I talked to my doctor and he said it's normal.

[Charlie616]

I have used aldara for awhile.. (i'm female)for me its only made my skin more sensitive and once it gave me a blister which made me bleed. Maybe you shoulod just call and ask your doc about whats going on..I only thought aldara caused local skin reactions.

[empathy60]

I have personally used Aldara (though I am a woman) and it caused no abnormal bleeding in me.  The worst I experienced was some blistering, red skin, itching, ulcerations, etc.  While I'd have to reference it again, I saw nothing mentioned in the pamphlet included with the medication regarding blood in semen as a side effect.  This doesn't sound normal, I'd see a doctor promptly just to be safe as this could be something quite serious.  If you don't have insurance, I'd recommend a free clinic such as Planned Parenthood.

[mayflowers]

I have never used Aldara but I know it's pretty powerful stuff so I could see that it would cause some bleeding.  Why don't you wait until after you through with treatments and then see what happens.  If it continues, see a dr.