Genital warts?

[grnchilegirl]

I'm a 26yo heterosexual female who has been in a monogamous relationship for almost 2 years.  In Oct 09 I started dating my current partner and started Gardasil shots.  I was finished with all Gardasil by early 2010.  A few months ago, I noticed a very small flat, white, cartalidge feeling type bump on my labia.  THere is only one.  The only thing I can think of is that it's a genital wart, but is it possible, since Gardasil should have been effective now for almost a year?  Could I have been exposed to genital warts from my boyfriend (or someone else) before it was effective and it just now show up?  

My boyfriend and I have been tested for all other STDs and all are negative.

Thanks!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

A dermatologist is perfect; they are typically the most reliable in visual diagnosis of genital warts.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.  I'll try to help.  The bottom lines are that I doubt you have a wart; but that you need to be examined to know for certain.

There are plenty of skin conditions that cause bumps like you describe, and warts do not usually show up as single lesions or "cartilege like" bumps.  And you are correct that the timing is not consistent with your sexual and immunization histories.  It can take well over a year for warts to appear after catching HPV, but considering all the information available, warts are unlikely.

But as I said to start, there is only one way to be certain.  Visit your doctor or clinic and get it checked out.  I'm betting on confirmation that the bump is not a wart.  Please return with a follow-up comment and let me know.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That makes sense.  (For other readers, a milium is a blocked sebaceous gland, a trivial condition.)  Thanks for the thanks.  Best wishes.

[grnchilegirl]

Dr. Handsfield,

Thanks so much for your input.  I just got back from the dermatologist and it is a milium.  The Dr. said nothing to worry about.

Thanks!

[grnchilegirl]

Thanks for the information Dr. Handsfield.  I have an appointment with my dermatologist for an unrelated matter tomorrow and I'll ask her to take a look.  Is that the appropriate person, or do I need to see my MD?