I have been looking for information on clearance rates & timing for older women. For context, I'm a 45 year old  healthy woman with genital warts. I was infected 19 months ago, with symptoms emerging 15 months ago. I've had a  papsmear- tested negative for all HPV. I believe my strain is low risk, but not confirmed I've had a full STD panel and tested negative for all STD's.  I have had full physicals and blood work, and I appear to be healthy. I exercise, sleep and eat well, and take daily supplements- Zinc, immune support, vitamin C, Vitamin D, Fish oil, Turkey tail, beta glucans, liquorice root, methylated b complex & folate. I completed all 3 doses of Gardisil 9,  the last in September. My 1stt wart misdiagnosed as a polyp by a colorectal doctor. I developed another 2 (which I thought were more polyps) and then my wart development was stagnant for months until I had the flu leading to widespread warts and proper diagnosis by a dermatologist. I have treated with 1 round of 5% imiquimod for with partial clearance  I've had 7 cryo sessions, and I've treated very small warts with TCA. I was free of warts for 90 days when a new one surfaced recently and I decided to try Veregen due to higher clearance and low recurrence. This appears to have exasperated the issue. Between 50-60 non-visible lesions surfaced, crusted, and fallen off following 2 1/2 weeks of treatment. I paused treatment due to intolerable pain, oozing, and inflammation. Pausing has left lesions which have surfaced and not fully resolved leaving the lesions visible, itching, and anal discharge/bleeding for the warts around the rectum. First, is this a normal effect of the medication? My doctor didn't even know what the medication was so she is unsure. Second, any ideas around why I have been unable to clear? Does my age play a role and if so, how much? Thank you so much for your insights

Welcome to the Forum.  I'm sorry to hear of what you are going through.  Is all of your treatment being supervised by a dermatologist.  Part of what you describe sounds as though some of your treatment has become secondarily infected (hence the pain, oozing and inflammation).  Both imiquimod and Veregen (sinecatechins) cause inflammation which can lead skin breakdown leading to inflammation.  I doubt that your age is playing a role here but I worry that vigorous treatment has led to  infection.  If you are still applying local treatment I would stop and see a dermatologist who you are committed to follow-up with.  ---

Firstly, thank you for your compassion and, moreover, your help. This has been an unnerving experience to say the least. Yes, I have been supervised by the same dermatologist. Although she was unaware of Veregen, she looked it up and prescribed it after I requested the prescription. She, too, requested an updated STD panel and blood work with her special interest in my blood counts, among other things. She has wondered why I am "struggling with the virus". My first panel was done upon diagnosis, 4 months following the isolated sexual exposure. Regrettably, I saw the wart on my partner and was oblivious to HPV, genital warts, or anything related to the virus. Prior to that encounter, I was in a monogamous relationship for several decades. Second panel was done about 6 months ago. Tested for HIV, HSV1 & 2, Hep B&C, Trich, Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea. She prescribed mupirocin ointment, and oral antibiotics, to combat any infection which have had little effect. I seem to bounce back to normal pretty quickly with no more pain or swelling after a couple of days once I stop treatment. I am glad to hear my age is an unlikely factor. Should I seek out a different type of doctor to see if there are any other underlying issues? What do you recommend? Thank you again. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. 

Thanks for the additional information.  Dr. Handsfield and I have discussed your situation as it is atypical and unlike the response to HPV therapy that we have personally seen in literally thousands of patients.  ---

Thank you, Doctor. I’m extraordinarily grateful for your input and advice. Thank you both for the service you provide here. I will seek a second opinion.