Recurrent genital warts are not rare, and I understand how frustrating they can be. I'm going to assume that your recurrences have been confirmed by professional exam; or at least that some have and that other episodes are essentially identical. There are other kinds of genital skin bumps, so please do see a dermatologist (again) if there if there is anything different or atypical this time around. 

There really hasn't been much research on recurrent warts or immune system abnormalities that might explain the greater problems experienced by some persons. If you are generally healthy and without other infections that come up frequently in people with defined immune deficiencies, your immune system almost certainly is normal. It is possible, however, that some people have specific immune system characteristics that predispose them to recurrences of particular infections -- but if something like that explains recurrent warts or other HPV outcomes, it simply isn't known. Tobacco smoking increases the frequency and speed at which pre-cancerous Pap smears progress in women, so could be an issue in recurrent warts; if you're a smoker, stopping might help (and of course would have other important health benefits as well).

The good news, however, is that there is no evidence that people in your situation have any higher risk of HPV related cancer. The wart-causing types of HPV (mostly HPV-6 and 11) rarely cause malignancy; and the types with higher risk of cancer (e.g. HPV-16, 18, and several others) generally do not cause warts. That said, to maximize safety and reduce the already small risk, you definitely should see a dermatologist for any atypical appearing warts and those that respond poorly to standard treatments.

You also should consider HPV immunization. Although intended primarily to prevent new HPV infection, recent data show modest reductions in frequency of recurrent infection. Those data are mostly for Pap smears in women, but there might be benefit in your situation. Something to discuss with your dermatologist.

Finally, when recurrences happen, I would suggest trying different treatments. There is great variability in response to different therapies:  if imiquimod (Aldara) doesn't work, podofilox (Condylox), sinecatechins, or others might be more effective. Your dermatologist also can address these options with you.

I'm sorry I don't have more conclusive good news for you. But in the large majority of persons in your situation, recurrent warts eventually stop. I hope it happens soon for you.

Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

As to the recurrences, is it possible that I can reinfect myself? Perhaps by shaving, or by sending the virus back and forth to my partner (although she has no visible warts, and never has despite not having received the vaccine)? 

Transmission of HPV back and forth between sex partners ("ping pong" infection) doesn't occur. People are immune or at least very resistant to new infections with HPV types they already have (or had in the past). Local spread of warts also is uncommon for the same reason, but probably can occur in some circumstances, such as spreading them locally by shaving the area, as you suggest yourself. Shaving often is cited online by patients who have new warts near their previous ones, but there's no science on this and its frequency probably is low. Still, it makes sense to not shave a wart-involved area. Better safe than sorry!---
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