HPV: Concerns About Indirect Infection and Symptoms - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Cauliflower problem


Hello doctor, I would like to ask if I am worried about indirectly contracting genital warts because about a month ago I had a small abrasion on my penis.
I am concerned that when I use the restroom, if I touch the faucet or the toilet handle and then touch the abrasion, I might get infected with genital warts.
Is it unlikely to get infected this way? I have been worried about this issue for over a month now, and three days ago I had a doctor examine me.
The doctor only visually inspected my penis and said everything looked normal.
I would like to know if it is possible to develop genital warts three days after the examination.

Last time, I noticed some blood streaks under the corona of my penis, and there was a slightly noticeable redness.
The doctor said that was all normal and that I just hadn't noticed it before.
Seeing the redness made me worry that it could be an early sign of genital warts, but it feels smooth to the touch.
So I am asking if it is possible for genital warts to develop three days after the examination.
If genital warts do develop, do they feel raised to the touch, or can they also be smooth? If I choose to observe, how many days would it take for them to grow or become raised if they are genital warts? How long should I wait before I can stop worrying about developing genital warts? Has the doctor encountered cases where someone contracted genital warts through indirect contact? Are there many such cases?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/14

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


I am concerned about the possibility of indirectly contracting genital warts because I had a small abrasion on my penis about a month ago.
I worry that when I use the restroom and touch the faucet or the toilet handle, I might transfer the virus to the abrasion and become infected with genital warts.
Is this a likely scenario, or is it unlikely to happen? I have been worried about this issue for over a month now.
Three days ago, I had my penis examined by a doctor, who only visually inspected it and said everything looked normal.
I would like to know if it is possible for genital warts to develop three days after the examination.

Previously, I noticed some blood streaks when I carefully examined the area beneath my corona, along with some slight redness.
The doctor mentioned that these findings were normal and that I had just not noticed them before.
Seeing the redness made me anxious about whether it could be an early sign of genital warts, especially since the skin feels smooth to the touch.

Is it possible for genital warts to appear three days after an examination? If they do develop, will they feel raised, or could they still be smooth? If I choose to observe the situation, how many days would it take for genital warts to grow or become raised? How long should I wait before I can stop worrying about the possibility of developing genital warts?
As a general principle, when it comes to genital warts in men, should I consult a urologist? Have there been cases of individuals contracting genital warts through indirect contact? How common is this?

Reply Date: 2019/06/14

More Info


Your concerns about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and the potential for indirect infection are quite common, and it's important to address them with accurate information.
Firstly, HPV is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activities. The types of HPV that cause genital warts (such as HPV types 6 and 11) are not typically transmitted through indirect contact, such as touching surfaces like faucets or doorknobs. The virus does not survive long outside the human body, making it highly unlikely that you could contract HPV from touching a contaminated surface and then touching an open wound.
Regarding your specific situation, if you had a small abrasion on your penis, the risk of infection from indirect contact is minimal. The primary concern would be if you had direct sexual contact with someone who is infected. If your doctor performed a visual examination and found everything to be normal, it is unlikely that you would develop genital warts just three days after the examination. HPV can take weeks, months, or even years to manifest symptoms after infection, and the appearance of warts is not immediate.

If you are worried about the possibility of developing genital warts, it's important to know that they typically present as small, raised bumps that can be smooth or cauliflower-like in texture. They may vary in size and can appear in clusters. If you were to develop warts, they would not appear overnight; rather, they would gradually become more noticeable over time.

In terms of your concerns about the red spots and blood you observed, it is essential to differentiate between normal anatomical variations and potential signs of infection. If your doctor has reassured you that these findings are normal, it is likely that there is no cause for concern. However, if you notice any changes, such as the development of new growths or changes in the appearance of your skin, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider.

As for the question of whether indirect contact can lead to HPV infection, it is exceedingly rare. Most cases of HPV transmission occur through intimate contact, and while there are anecdotal reports of indirect transmission, they are not well-documented in medical literature. The majority of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within two years, and many individuals remain asymptomatic.

To alleviate your worries, it may be helpful to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your genital area with unwashed hands. If you continue to have concerns about your risk for HPV or any symptoms you may be experiencing, consider discussing them further with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with personalized advice and may recommend HPV vaccination, which can protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus.

In summary, while your concerns are valid, the likelihood of contracting HPV through indirect contact is very low. If you have any new symptoms or changes in your condition, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to managing your health and addressing any concerns you may have.

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