ask: I have only had one outbreak of genital warts. They went away and I haven't seen them again. Am I still a risk for spreading? And if so, what kind of things should I say to my partner? We haven't had sex yet because I don't want to spread anything...
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Anonymous
April 4, 2011 - 12:34am
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Hi Anon,
Genital Warts are caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus. HPV can go away on its own if left untreated or you can go to the doctor to have it treated with medication. In your case, you've had one outbreak and not seen them again-- this could mean that it resolved on its own. However, just because it resolves on its own and isn't seen, doesn't mean you can't pass it on to your partner.
It is important that you are honest with your boyfriend and explain that at least half of all sexually active people will become infected with the virus that causes genital warts at some point during their lives. HPV is a lot more common than people think it is-- unfortunately, being uneducated about STD is mainly because they are considered so "taboo". The use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of spreading an STD. Keep in mind that just because you had an outbreak, doesn't mean you still have it as HPV has a tendency to go away on its own. However, it is best to be safe than sorry.
Best Wishes!
April 4, 2011 - 6:03amThis Comment
Thank you Rosa! I thought that with HPV once you got it, you had it for life, so I didn't even think about going back to the doctor to be checked to see if it's still there. She diagnosed me visually, but I've never had another type of test... this might be a stupid question, but how do you test for that strain of HPV if you don't have an outbreak?
April 4, 2011 - 10:40amNot a stupid question at all! In your case, visually is the only way to determine whether you have it or not-- so the genital wart outbreak is why your doctor diagnosed you. The only other test out there is for cervical cancer, where it is done through a Pap Smear. If you were to go back to your doctor today, with no outbreak-- she would only be able to test you for cervical cancer.
April 5, 2011 - 7:01amUnless you've been tested, how do you know if it is HPV? You can't diagnosis a virus based on symptoms. This could easily have been herpes, HSV2 or HSV1, but most commonly HSV2 in the US. You can have herpes, be asymptomatic and still be shedding virus. Regardless, this patient should get tested for both HPV and herpes.
April 7, 2011 - 8:21amYou are right-- she should be tested for both. She did say warts (seeing as she had already visited her doctor) that's why I thought HPV, not herpes. She also did not mention any flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. I do think that based on her concern and the fact that she has already seen her doctor once before, she will return for a follow up.
April 7, 2011 - 9:23amwhy would a doctor diagnose you with one std if she wasn't sure? i didn't have flu-like symptoms associated with the outbreak. is there any other std i should be tested for concerning the "warts"?
April 7, 2011 - 9:44amIf your doctor diagnosed you-- it's because she was sure. The other reader suggested it may be Herpes because they have similar outbreaks. Go with whatever your doctor told you, if you still have doubts I would give her a call and clarify.
April 7, 2011 - 9:58ami'm sorry, i just am completely freaked out... i've been researching hpv for a while now and to think it could possibly be herpes... holy cow. i don't live where i used to anymore, but i guess i'm going to have to go to the doctor now. i'm just unsure what i should be asking for now...
April 7, 2011 - 10:02amAnon, on your original post you said "Genital Warts" is that what your doctor diagnosed you with or is it what it looked like to you? If your doctor diagnosed you with Genital Warts-- then it is not herpes. Herpes and Genital Warts are two different STD's. Genital Warts are caused by HPV, Herpes is caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Did your doctor swab you at any point? or perform a pap smear? Remember you can call her office to verify your diagnosis.
April 7, 2011 - 10:08amHere's a video you may find helpful-- http://www.empowher.com/genital-warts/content/genital-warts-what-are-the...
Hope this helps ease you a bit.
April 7, 2011 - 10:17am