HPV Questions

[puzzled789]

Hi Doctors, I know there's a million HPV questions on here, but I have a few that I haven't been able to find answers for elsewhere.  I'm a male, 24 years old, and in the past 6-12 months I've developed four warts in my pubic region.  I was a little surprised, since I hadn't been sexually active for quite some time, and the few involvements I've had over the past several years were with low-risk partners with no visible symptoms (I know this doesn't guarantee anything, as there's always the chance for being asymptomatic or dishonest).  What puzzles me, however, is that these don't look anything like the pictures I've seen in awareness classes or health classes for genital warts.  They vary in size, from 2-3 mm, aren't spreading, and remind me more of flat or common warts.  I will be seeing a doctor in person in the very near future to pursue an actual diagnosis.  The thought of HPV doesn't really freak me out, but just like any ailment, I like to be informed about what's going on, what my options are, and what the best roads to recovery are.

So my questions are:
1) Is it possible to contract common warts (or another form of HPV) in the genital area, even if they technically aren't what would be considered 'genital warts'?  It just seems odd that have warts there, but to have none on any part of my penis.

2) In the same line of thought as the first question, how would I have contracted these in my pubic region without contracting them on my genitalia? (given that through intercourse I would have certainly had more direct contact with my penis rather than the skin behind my pubic hair).

3) Is there a benefit to having these removed and/or having a biopsy done?

4) Is there a benefit for me to pursue the Gardasil vaccine, even though it would seem that I've already contracted and shown symptoms of one of the types HPV?

Thanks and best regards.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. It appears that the "diagnosis" of warts you mention is due to your own diagnosis. Thus the only really question here is, are the lesions you describe warts. They may not be as there are many other genital rashes that can take the appearance you describe.  If they are warts, then treatment is easy an if the lesions trouble you, therapy can be carried out with little consequence.

Finally, as far as the HPV vaccine is concerned, we recommend it for most men.   Your insurance will probably not cover it but it has very few side effects and is highly effective for HPV prevention.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks. If these are warts, on't hesitate to follow-up.  EWH

[puzzled789]

Thank you very much for the quick response!  You do bring up a very good point...I did make a quick assumption about them being warts without considering too many other possibilities.  I'll get myself scheduled with a dermatologist.  Thanks again.