the Risk of HPV Infection and Skin Growths

The probability of cauliflower infection?

The skin in the pubic area has developed a protruding polyp, measuring up to 2 cm, which has not grown for a year.
However, three smaller 1 cm growths have appeared in the vicinity over the past six months, which also have not increased in size.
In August, I visited a major hospital where the doctor diagnosed it as genital warts and performed a biopsy on the largest and longest-standing polyp.
Prior to this, my sexual relationships had been normal.
After being told it was genital warts, I took my girlfriend to see a gynecologist the same day.
We had been in a relationship for half a month, during which we had unprotected sexual intercourse.
After nine months, when I took her to the gynecologist, the doctor said she did not have genital warts and advised us to return for a follow-up in a month if we were still concerned.
A month later, during the follow-up, the doctor confirmed there were no new growths and mentioned that if there were an actual infection, it would have progressed rapidly.
In October, after reviewing the biopsy report, the doctor stated that the pathology results did not indicate genital warts and suggested it might simply be skin polyps.
I was puzzled and asked about the smaller growths, to which he replied that the larger one was not genital warts, and the others could just be benign skin growths.
Throughout this period, I have had a fixed partner.
The smaller growths underwent cryotherapy, and for the past two months, there have been no new developments.
My girlfriend has also had follow-up appointments, and everything has been normal.
I even asked my ex-girlfriend to see a gynecologist at a major hospital, and the doctor confirmed she had no new growths.
Based on this information, can I rule out an infection with the HPV virus that causes genital warts?

Niming 95, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/15

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology

1.
Does this rule out infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)? A: If by "rule out" you mean 100%, then the answer is no.

Reply Date: 2020/12/15

More Info

Understanding the risk of HPV infection and the nature of skin growths can be complex, especially when it comes to distinguishing between benign conditions and those that may indicate an infection. Based on the information provided, it seems you have undergone a thorough evaluation regarding the growths on your skin and the potential implications for HPV (human papillomavirus) infection.

Firstly, it’s important to clarify that HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, with many strains. Some strains are associated with benign conditions like warts (also known as condyloma or "cauliflower" growths), while others are linked to more serious conditions, including various cancers. The fact that you had a growth that was initially suspected to be a wart but was later determined not to be one is a positive outcome. The pathology report indicating that the larger growth is not HPV-related suggests that you may not have been infected with the strains of HPV that cause warts.

Regarding your concerns about the smaller growths, it’s reassuring to hear that they have not changed in size and that your girlfriend has also been evaluated without any findings of warts. The stability of these growths over time, particularly if they have not changed in size or appearance, is a good sign. Warts typically grow and can spread if they are indeed caused by HPV. The fact that your girlfriend has been checked and found to be free of warts further reduces the likelihood that you have transmitted HPV to her.

In terms of risk factors, HPV is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sexual activity. The use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, but it is not 100% effective because HPV can be present on areas not covered by a condom. Since you mentioned having a fixed partner and that both of you have been evaluated, it seems that you have taken appropriate steps to manage your sexual health.

It’s also worth noting that many people who are infected with HPV do not develop any symptoms or visible signs, as the immune system often clears the virus naturally within a couple of years. This is why regular check-ups and screenings are essential, especially for sexually active individuals.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of HPV infection or the nature of the skin growths, it may be beneficial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation or testing. They may recommend periodic monitoring of the skin growths or additional HPV testing if deemed necessary.

In summary, based on the information provided, it seems that the risk of having transmitted HPV to your girlfriend is low, especially given the negative evaluations from healthcare professionals. Continuing to maintain open communication with your partner about sexual health, practicing safe sex, and attending regular medical check-ups will help ensure both of your health and peace of mind. If any new symptoms arise or if there are changes in the growths, do not hesitate to seek medical advice promptly.

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