Concerns About Possible Genital Warts: Key Questions Answered

Q: Concerns About Possible Genital Warts: Key Questions Answered

Hello： <br>1. <br>If it has been about 11 months since the last sexual intercourse before the appearance of the warts, does that mean the likelihood of them being genital warts is lower? -- The key point is whether there was a pelvic examination after sexual intercourse. <br>If t

Questions regarding suspected cauliflower?

Hello, I just had an examination at the obstetrics and gynecology department, and the doctor mentioned that it might be genital warts.
However, many cases that were thought to be genital warts turned out not to be, so I need to wait for the biopsy results to know for sure.
The doctor said it would take two weeks (after the New Year) to get the results.
There are some questions I didn't get to ask the doctor, and I'm feeling quite anxious while waiting for the report, so I'm asking here.

1.
It has been about 11 months since my last sexual intercourse before the appearance of the bumps.
Does this mean that the likelihood of it being genital warts is lower?
2.
Since August of last year, the number of bumps increased for a while, but recently it has decreased significantly, and now there are almost none left (only one large bump and 3-5 small ones).
If it is indeed genital warts, is it possible for them to disappear like this?

Wendy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/21

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
If it has been about 11 months since the last sexual intercourse before the appearance of the warts, does that mean the likelihood of them being genital warts is lower? -- The key point is whether there was a pelvic examination after sexual intercourse.
If the warts are located in the vagina, they may have been present for some time.
Genital warts typically have an average incubation period of 3 months, but they can also remain dormant for over a year.
2.
Since August of last year, the frequency of occurrences has varied, and recently it has decreased significantly, with almost none left (only one large wart and 3-5 small ones).
If they are indeed genital warts, is it possible for them to disappear like this? -- No, they typically do not disappear on their own.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/01/21

More Info

When it comes to concerns about potential genital warts, also known as condylomata acuminata, it’s understandable to feel anxious while waiting for test results. Here are some insights regarding your questions:
1. Timing of Symptoms: You mentioned that it has been approximately 11 months since your last sexual encounter before the appearance of the lesions. While it is true that genital warts can appear weeks to months after exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the timing can vary significantly. Some individuals may develop warts within a few weeks, while others may not show symptoms for years. Therefore, while a longer interval since your last sexual activity might suggest a lower probability of having warts, it does not completely rule it out. HPV can remain dormant in the body, and the immune system may take time to respond to the virus.

2. Changes in Lesions: You noted that the number of lesions has decreased, with only a few remaining. Genital warts can sometimes regress on their own, especially in individuals with a robust immune response. The body’s immune system can clear HPV over time, leading to the disappearance of warts. However, this is not always the case, and some warts may persist or even multiply. If the lesions are indeed warts, they may not necessarily disappear completely without treatment. It’s also important to consider that other skin conditions can mimic the appearance of genital warts, which is why a biopsy is often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

In terms of medical knowledge, HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to the development of genital warts. There are many strains of HPV, and while some are associated with warts, others can lead to more serious conditions, such as cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV is available and recommended, as it can significantly reduce the risk of developing HPV-related diseases.

While waiting for your biopsy results, it’s crucial to avoid any further sexual activity until you have clarity on your diagnosis, as this can help prevent potential transmission of HPV to partners. If the results confirm that you have genital warts, treatment options are available, including topical treatments, cryotherapy, and surgical removal, depending on the size and number of warts.

In conclusion, while the timing of your symptoms and the changes in the lesions may provide some context, the definitive diagnosis will come from your biopsy results. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss any concerns you may have about your sexual health and the implications of an HPV diagnosis. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many individuals face similar concerns regarding HPV and genital warts.

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