HPV growth Question.

[xanders5]

Hello, I am a gay male who has had anal sex and I was wondering how far into the anus can HPV Warts grow? I have no visible symptoms other than some itching and as embaressing as this is to say, I tried feeling around and I did feel a bump. However, have had hemorroids and a fissue. Thank you.

[Mags370]

I agree, search through the forums (this one and the doctor answered STD forum) on this site by different words such as gay+hpv, warts, anal..ect. If you know anyone who has had HPV talk to them and make a doc appt. I would think that being a gay male you will need more reg. check ups, like me a woman. At least a yearly exam with a doc who has experience with any issues you might need help with. Really anything you find on your own you can't determine what it is on your own. Self exam is very good in that I found my own warts after my yearly exam and then a week later when I had my biopsy the docs missed them (in my vaginal opening). Third visit confirmed, they are small and I start treatment on Monday. If you are very sexually active and have mulit partners (not a judgement! :) ) I would suggest you do a few things. Always wear or use protection, your risks are higher than with hetro sex. Go for STD testing based on your activity, meaning every 3, 6 mos or once a year. I have also had a  hemorroid, I have never had anal sex so that is just a normal thing that happens. Mine with meds comes and goes so I do not think it is anything more than a hemorroid.

[SkaterDave]

I'm not too knowledgeable on this one here.  From what I understand,perhaps, is that HPV warts can be far enough in where you'd need your finger to discover them.  I also understand that that the issues with them are fairly rare but my roommates friend has had some tough issues regarding this subject.  I think the best advice is to find a doctor who specializes in this sort of thing and semi-regularly pay him/her visits to keep an eye on this subject.  I liken it to women going in for paps and stuff.  As a straight male, I can focus my worry on what I see, but with women and gay males it's not that easy and so I'd recommend the right doctor.  It'll allay some fears which is a key component of this whole HPV thing.