[Question #13646] HPV (genital warts) questions

18 hours ago

Hi Experts,

Firstly, a massive thank you for what you do. I know this must provide knowledge and some relief to a lot of people including myself.

I am a 26 yr old female. I was in a 2 year relationship until April this year. Since then I have had no sexual contact.

I was diagnosed with genital warts in early November 2025 (I had a bump in one of the same areas last year, but never had it examined and I believe it went away).

I had my first dose of Gaurdisl9 vaccine two weeks ago, and I am due to have my second and final dose in the summer.

1. What can I expect long term with this diagnosis? I have heard/read various things (e.g., I’ll have it forever and have recurrences through life, or that the virus will eventually clear and be immune controlled in a couple of years. I have been quite stressed about having recurrences through life. Essentially is this likely a forever thing?

2. I had two rounds of cryo on the warts through November. I felt like there was still some raised bumps/wart tissue but the nurse couldn’t see anything. Could cryo have caused skin change or is it likely more treatment is required?

3.Are there any lifestyle changes I could make to help clear the virus or gain immune control and stop recurrences? I have stopped smoking and drinking and I mostly eat a wholefood, low sugar diet. I am working on managing stress.

Again, thank you for all the work that you do.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 hours ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your thanks and for your confidence in our service. I'll be glad to comment. First a few general comments about HPV and genital warts. HPV is very common- about 80% of sexually active persons have or have had HPV infections, often infection by more than one HPV type. Over 60% of sexually active women will have acquired HPV within the 1rst 6 months after becoming sexually active, Thus, persons who have not had the vaccine likely have already been infected. Most HPV infections go away without treatment over a year or two after being detected- treatment hastens that resolution. Congratulations on having gotten the vaccine- this will prevent future new infections and research suggests that vaccination may reduce the risk for recurrence of treated warts. Having warts/HV is not a reason for panic- most people have the infection and it causes no long term problems. In fewer than 5% of persons with the infection, the infection may persist but regular GYN monitoring allows management if needed. HPV is not something to get too worried about as long as you take care of yourself and get regularly recommended check ups. With these general facts, let's look at your questions:

Sophisticated research tools can detect residual HPV DNA long after evidence of infection is gone- in some persons this may lead to recurrence but this is uncommon. It is not something to worry about.

Following your diagnosis and treatment I suspect you have been examining yourself more closely than in the past. Although warts recur about one-third of the time after treatment, the genital region also has many normal bumps and irregularities that can be mistaken for HPV. The diagnosis is best made by a trained professional. I suggest that you ask your GYN at your next regularly scheduled reproductive health check. If they are warts they can be treated. .

You are taking good care of yourself. There are many benefits to not smoking, to drinking less and watching your diet. You are doing all the right things to stay healthy. Try to not worry

I hope this information is helpful. More information is available on the ASHA website (the sponsors of this service) and we make past questions and answers available so that clients can see other persons' questions and our responses. There are hundreds of other questions and response about HPV available for your review- take a look. You are doing things right. If there are further questions please use your up to 2 follow ups for clarification. EWH

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16 hours ago

Thank you so much for these answers. I just have a couple of follow up questions:

1. So genital wart recurrences are not necessarily like herpes recurrences where they can be expected to occur throughout life?

2. Is there a point in time where you can likely consider yourself non-contagious and unlikely to have further recurrences?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 hours ago

1. The majority of genital wart recurrences occur 3-4 months following treatment. As a generalization, the longer it’s been since resolution/treatment the less likely recurrence is to occur.

2. Most unvaccinated partners will have already been infected. In the absence of visible warts transmission of previously treated warts is unlikely.

EWH

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15 hours ago

Thank you very much for your prompt and informative answers. This has helped soothe my concerns about it being something to deal / watch out for forever.

After hours of scrolling through stories on Reddit, this has really helped me to get some perspective.