HPV and Genital Warts: My Journey Through Diagnosis and Treatment

Regarding the origin of cauliflower and normal HPV testing?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
It sounds quite distressing.
You mentioned that you have been experiencing recurrent vaginal yeast infections and fungal infections, visiting the gynecologist almost every month.
Yesterday, you felt itchy again and went to see the gynecologist, where you also inquired about a small growth in the perineal area that seemed to be getting larger.
The doctor informed you that it was a "wart," which left you in shock.
Although you had suspected it, you thought it was just a small growth.
The doctor indicated that it was caused by HPV types 6 and 11 and suggested that you may need to undergo a cervical examination.
You mentioned that on June 28, you had a Pap smear and paid for an HPV test at another clinic, and on July 7, you received a text message from that clinic stating that your cervical smear showed inflammation (without cancerous cells) and that the HPV virus report was normal, recommending a follow-up with a new ThinPrep Pap test.
The doctor expressed disbelief, stating that it was impossible for the results to be normal in July and for you to discover warts on August 16, suggesting that this indicates a significant presence of the virus.
You found it hard to believe that after having a normal HPV test, you would suddenly have this issue just over a month later.
You recalled that shortly after your visit to the previous clinic, you noticed a small growth after applying medication, and it became uncomfortable while wiping after using the restroom.
You are understandably upset about the growth increasing in size.
You are questioning the source of the infection, especially since your partner discovered three small bumps on the glans of their penis in mid-July.
Initially, they thought it was nothing, but after the doctor confirmed your warts, you advised them to see a doctor, and they were diagnosed with warts today.
You are wondering if you transmitted the infection to your partner or if they transmitted it to you.
You also questioned whether it could be possible that the gynecological examination was conducted with unclean instruments, considering you haven't visited a bathhouse or pool or shared towels in the past two months.
Additionally, you are curious if there could be errors in the HPV testing.
You want to know how long it will take for the warts to heal and whether getting vaccinated in the future would prevent transmission to your partner, assuming they have not been infected before.

Jane, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/17

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I previously experienced recurrent vaginal infections caused by Candida and fungi, almost having to visit the gynecologist every month.
Yesterday, I felt itchy again and went to see a gynecologist.
I also wanted to inquire about a small growth in the perineal area that seemed to be getting larger.
The doctor said it was "warts." I was taken aback; although I had suspected it, I thought it was just a small growth.
The doctor explained that it was caused by HPV types 6 and 11 and recommended that I undergo a cervical examination.
I mentioned that I had previously gone to another clinic on June 28 for a Pap smear and paid for an HPV test.
On July 7, that clinic texted me to inform me that the Pap smear showed inflammation (no cancer cells) and that the HPV virus report was normal, recommending a follow-up visit for a new ThinPrep Pap test.
The doctor said it was impossible for the results to be normal in July and then for me to find warts on August 16, suggesting that this indicates a significant presence of the virus.
I found it hard to believe when a biopsy confirmed it.
Initially, I wanted to get the HPV vaccine since the self-paid HPV test showed no issues, but just over a month later, this happened.
I recalled that shortly after visiting the previous clinic, I noticed a small growth after applying medication, and I felt discomfort while wiping after using the restroom.
Seeing that it had grown larger was really distressing.
I wondered about the source of the infection.
After mid-July, my partner noticed three small bumps on the glans.
Initially, he thought nothing of it, but after the doctor confirmed my warts, I told him to see a doctor.
He went to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner today, who also diagnosed him with warts.
Did I transmit it to him, or did he transmit it to me? Is it possible that the gynecological clinic used unclean instruments that caused the infection? (I haven't been to a bathhouse or pool in the last two months, nor have I shared towels.) Could the HPV test also have been incorrect? The source of transmission is hard to determine, and HPV tests rarely have errors.
How long does it take for these warts to heal? The answer is that electrosurgery or laser treatment can cure them immediately, while topical medication may take 1-3 months.
After getting vaccinated, will I no longer transmit it to my partner (assuming they have never been infected)? Theoretically, yes.

Reply Date: 2018/08/17

More Info

Understanding HPV and Genital Warts: My Journey Through Diagnosis and Treatment
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and cervical cancer. Your experience with recurrent vaginal infections and the recent diagnosis of genital warts (often referred to as "cauliflower" due to their appearance) can understandably be distressing. Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity on the situation.

Firstly, it's important to understand that HPV is a very common virus, and many sexually active individuals will contract it at some point in their lives. There are over 100 different types of HPV, with types 6 and 11 being responsible for the majority of genital warts. The fact that your previous HPV test was normal and that you had no cancerous cells in your cervical smear suggests that while you may have been exposed to HPV, it may not have been active or detectable at that time.

The timeline of your diagnosis raises some questions. It's possible for HPV to remain dormant in the body for an extended period before becoming active, which could explain why you had a normal HPV test in July and then developed warts in August. The virus can be unpredictable, and factors such as stress, a weakened immune system, or other infections can trigger its activation.

Regarding your partner's situation, HPV is highly contagious, and it is indeed possible that either of you could have transmitted the virus to the other. The appearance of warts on your partner's genital area suggests that they may have contracted HPV from you, but it's also possible that they had been exposed to the virus previously and it became active. The incubation period for HPV can vary, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source of infection.

As for your concerns about the cleanliness of medical instruments during your examinations, reputable medical facilities adhere to strict hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination. While it is theoretically possible to contract HPV through contaminated instruments, it is highly unlikely if proper sterilization procedures are followed.

In terms of treatment, genital warts can be managed through various methods, including topical treatments (like imiquimod or podofilox), cryotherapy (freezing the warts), or surgical removal. The choice of treatment often depends on the size and location of the warts, as well as patient preference. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Regarding the HPV vaccine, it is designed to protect against the most common high-risk and low-risk types of HPV, including types 6 and 11. If you receive the vaccine after being diagnosed with HPV, it will not treat existing infections or warts but can help prevent future infections from other HPV types. If your partner has not been vaccinated and has not been previously infected, vaccination can significantly reduce their risk of contracting HPV from you.

In conclusion, while your diagnosis may feel overwhelming, it's essential to remember that HPV is a manageable condition. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider, adherence to treatment recommendations, and open communication with your partner about sexual health are crucial steps in navigating this journey. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support your immune system in managing HPV. If you have further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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