Is It Genital Warts? Symptoms and Next Steps

Could you please tell me if this is a cauliflower growth? Or is it something else? What would you recommend for follow-up... should I see a urologist?

Last Wednesday, due to social obligations, I visited a massage parlor where I am 100% certain that the other party only used their hands.
After that, over the past few days, I noticed blisters appearing in the area shown in the image (https://attach.mobile01.com/attach/201906/mobile01-30e72ed3156a69f02d027b9b3a8ba511.jpg) located between the shaft and the glans of my penis.
The area is neither painful nor itchy...
(I enlarged the image to avoid scaring anyone).
On June 25, I visited a dermatologist.
The doctor was very conservative and mentioned that it could possibly be pearly penile papules (but I know for sure that these two blisters were not there before).
I would like to ask if, after cryotherapy, if they fall off, does that indicate a virus? The doctor said they would first perform cryotherapy and then prescribed me with imiquimod to apply.
The dermatologist asked if this was something that was originally there or if it was a virus, and suggested to observe for two weeks before making any conclusions.
Could this be genital warts? Or something else? Do you have any further recommendations...
should I see a urologist? This is my first experience with something like this, so I am quite anxious.
😓 How should I monitor this moving forward? If it gets larger, does that indicate a problem? Or what should I look out for?

monbrak, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/25

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

The photo does not appear to show typical cauliflower-like changes.
If there is no recurrence after the initial treatment, it is sufficient to continue monitoring.

Reply Date: 2019/06/25

More Info

Genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They typically appear as small, flesh-colored or gray growths in the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, and anus. In some cases, they can also appear in the mouth or throat if oral sex is involved.
Based on your description, the water-filled bumps you noticed could potentially be genital warts, especially since they appeared after a sexual encounter. However, it is essential to keep in mind that not all bumps or lesions in the genital area are warts. Other conditions, such as pearly penile papules, folliculitis, or even herpes, can present similarly. The fact that your dermatologist mentioned the possibility of pearly penile papules suggests that they may not be warts, as these are harmless and common anatomical variations.

The treatment you received, which included cryotherapy (freezing the lesions) and a topical medication (likely imiquimod or another antiviral), is a standard approach for managing genital warts. Cryotherapy can help remove visible warts, while topical treatments can stimulate the immune response to help clear the virus. It’s important to note that while these treatments can remove warts, they do not eliminate the HPV virus from your body. The virus can remain dormant and may cause warts to recur in the future.

In terms of observation, here are some guidelines:
1. Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the bumps. If they grow larger, multiply, or change in appearance (e.g., color, shape), this could indicate a need for further evaluation.

2. Watch for Symptoms: Although you mentioned that the bumps are not painful or itchy, if you start experiencing discomfort, itching, or any unusual discharge, it’s crucial to seek medical advice promptly.

3. Follow-Up: Since your dermatologist suggested observing the lesions for two weeks, it’s important to follow up with them as recommended. If the bumps do not resolve or if you have concerns, consider returning for further evaluation or discussing the possibility of seeing a urologist, especially if you have any urinary symptoms or if the lesions are located on the penis.

4. Safe Practices: Regardless of the outcome, it’s essential to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of transmitting HPV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to partners. Using condoms can lower the risk, although they do not provide complete protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.

5. Consider Vaccination: If you haven’t already, consider discussing the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. The vaccine can protect against the most common strains of HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

In conclusion, while the bumps you observed could potentially be genital warts, it’s essential to follow your dermatologist's advice and monitor the situation closely. If you have any further concerns or if the condition changes, do not hesitate to seek additional medical advice. Remember that early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission to others.

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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

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Not like.