Treatment Options for HPV/Genital warts

By kristinnoelle February 1, 2015 - 8:24pm

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I was diagnosed with HPV/Genital warts in September 2014. It has taken a serious toll on me, both mentally and physically. I have gone through 2 months of treatment with Aldara with no improvement, one application of TCA, with little to no improvement, and one round of cryotherapy which left me in debilitating pain for days. I feel as though I have nowhere else to turn. This disfiguring disease has made me feel like I am less of a woman, put me through bouts of depression and heightened anxiety (I have already been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety).

My warts are extensive with both clusters and individual warts. One gynecologist suggested laser therapy which is both out of my price range (parents are not willing to help in covering treatment costs and very high deductible to meet) and seems to require a lengthy, painful recovery.

Is there any treatment option for HPV that doesn't seem like it falls into the category of genital mutilation? I feel as though I am doomed. I feel as though something needs to be done due to my level of discomfort (very severe and embarrassing itching).

Also, is the level of pain I experienced during and after cryotherapy normal? It was nonstop pain for over 4 hours that left me nauseated and in tears. I could hardly walk, sitting was painful, laying was painful, everything was painful. The only way I could "manage" the pain was by taking Mobic and using EMLA cream to numb the area. Urination was unbearable, which caused great anxiety and reduced beverage consumption to avoid it at any cost. I have a job that requires me to be active (bending, squatting, etc.), and this treatment made that extremely difficult. 2 weeks later, I still have red irritated skin surrounding some of the warts. I did notice that small parts of the warts broke off following cryotherapy, but I am FAR from being clear.

Any suggestions on your part would be greatly appreciated. I don't know how much longer I can go on like this.