Concerns About Penile Growths: Is It HPV?

Q: Concerns About Penile Growths: Is It HPV?

Hello： If the doctor has already seen you, there is no need to worry. <br>However, if there is an increase, it is recommended to consult a urologist at the hospital. <br>As for the possibility of warts taking a long time to appear, it is indeed possible; on average, it takes abou

Questions about cauliflower?

Hello, doctor.
On May 15 of last year, I had sexual intercourse with an unknown woman.
During oral sex, I did not use a condom, but I did use one for vaginal intercourse.
Around March to April of this year, while showering, I accidentally discovered that there were many bumps on my penis, specifically on the foreskin and glans (I'm not sure if they had been there earlier).
As of now (October 27), there has been no change.
I am concerned about the likelihood of these being genital warts.

I visited two urology clinics.
The first doctor advised me to observe for a month, suggesting that if there were no changes, it would likely be nothing serious.
After a month of observation with no changes, I went to a second urology clinic on October 2.
The doctor there told me that this is a normal phenomenon and not to worry.
He suggested that it might be due to a long foreskin causing white bumps or pearly penile papules.
He showed me examples of pearly penile papules, but my concern is that they typically appear in the coronal sulcus, while my bumps are located at the edge of the glans, on the surface of the glans, near the urethral opening, and on the foreskin of the shaft.
I am particularly worried about genital warts because if that is the case, I want to seek treatment quickly to prevent them from spreading to the urethra.
On October 13, I examined the glans closely and noticed a white bump about 0.5 cm from the urethral opening that looks similar to the other bumps.
I am concerned that this might be genital warts, especially since there has been no change!
Since the sexual encounter on May 15, I have not engaged in any sexual activity.
I would like to know if it is possible for genital warts to take such a long time to appear and then remain unchanged for a long period.
I am unsure if the bump near the urethral opening was there before but went unnoticed.
Should I seek a second opinion at another clinic? I am genuinely worried that I might have genital warts, and if I am unfortunate enough to have them, I want to start treatment as soon as possible.
So far, I have only seen urologists and one infectious disease specialist, but they all told me not to worry.
I fear that I might have been misdiagnosed, which is why I am asking here.
I have been troubled by these bumps for a long time and regret my impulsive decision to engage in sexual activity with an unknown woman.

After reviewing my situation, do you think it could be genital warts, and should I seek further consultation?

wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/27

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If the doctor has already seen you, there is no need to worry.
However, if there is an increase, it is recommended to consult a urologist at the hospital.
As for the possibility of warts taking a long time to appear, it is indeed possible; on average, it takes about 3 months, but it can also take over a year.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/10/27

More Info

It's understandable to be concerned about any changes in your genital area, especially after a sexual encounter. Based on your description, it sounds like you have developed some growths on your penis, and you are worried that they might be genital warts (caused by HPV). Let's break down your concerns and provide some clarity.

1. Understanding HPV and Genital Warts: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, and certain strains of HPV are known to cause genital warts. The most common types associated with genital warts are HPV types 6 and 11. These warts can appear as small, flesh-colored or gray growths and can sometimes resemble cauliflower. However, not all bumps or growths in the genital area are warts; they can also be pearly penile papules, which are normal anatomical variations and not a sign of disease.

2. Duration and Appearance of Warts: Genital warts can take weeks or even months to appear after exposure to the virus. If you noticed these growths several months after your sexual encounter, it is possible that they are related to HPV. However, the fact that they have not changed in size or appearance over several months is somewhat reassuring, as warts typically grow or change over time.

3. Diagnosis and Treatment: Since you have already consulted with two different urologists who have both reassured you that these growths are not a cause for concern, it may be worth considering their opinions seriously. They may have performed visual examinations and assessed your condition based on their clinical experience. However, if you remain anxious or uncertain, seeking a third opinion from a dermatologist or a specialist in sexually transmitted infections could provide you with additional peace of mind.

4. Self-Observation: Continue to monitor the growths. If they begin to change in size, color, or if you experience any discomfort, pain, or other symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical attention promptly.
5. Preventive Measures: If you are concerned about HPV, consider discussing vaccination options with your healthcare provider. The HPV vaccine can protect against the most common strains of the virus that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
6. Communication with Partners: If you are in a relationship or plan to be sexually active again, it’s important to communicate openly with your partner about your health status and any concerns regarding STIs.
7. Mental Health: It’s normal to feel anxious about your sexual health, especially after a concerning experience. If these worries are affecting your mental well-being, consider speaking with a mental health professional who can help you process these feelings.

In conclusion, while your concerns about the growths are valid, the reassurances from medical professionals you have consulted should not be overlooked. If you remain worried, seeking further evaluation is always an option. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is important, and being proactive about it is the best approach.

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