[Question #8180] Genital wart
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47 months ago
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I was reading about genital warts on the internet after having one, and I am confused about the fact that could HPV goes away permanently or not. Some websites say so, others say it is life long virus. I have read a quotation of Dr Hunter Handsfield saying that if the wart did not come back six months after treatment, that means the infection went away Permenantly. Is it true? and why do some websites say that it could stay for years?
I am 32 years old male
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
47 months ago
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Welcome to our four of them thanks for your question. Your question addresses a complex issue, reflecting the continued scientific understanding of the natural history of HPV infections and genital warts as well as the person to person variability in the course of HPV infection’s. Before I get to your specific question, please let me urge you to not seek information regarding medical topics including HPV infections and their management on unsponsored Internet sites. While the information there is well intended, it is often incorrect either because it is out of date, because it is taken out of context, because scientific data is being misinterpreted, or simply because it reflects urban myths which are widespread and do more harm than good.
In most people visible gentle warts and HPV infection detected on Pap smears or using commercial tests resolves over time, with or without therapy. This process of resolution reflects the host immune response controlling the infection. On the other hand, recent scientific data show that while evidence of active HPV infection most often resolves in infected persons, with the use of highly sophisticated scientific methods, the genetic material (DNA) of HPV can still be detected in some proportion of persons in whom other evidence of infection has resolved overtime. Precisely how large this proportion of people is remains unclear. Importantly, following resolution of detectable HPV using the usual clinical tests and methods, an individuals risk for recurrence of HPV goes down dramatically. Im a small proportion of persons, the residual DNA of resolved HPV infection appears to occasionally be a source of recurrence. Once again precisely how often this occurs is not yet well known but he’s probably relatively uncommon.
I’m sorry, that I cannot provide a simple yes – no answer to your question. I hope the information that I have provided is helpful. It is important for me to once again emphasize however that in most persons HPV infections are transient processes which very rarely go on to complications such as cancer. We urge our clients who are concerned about HPV to get vaccinated against the infection and to do their best to not worry about the rear consequences of this virtually ubiquitous infection. EWH
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47 months ago
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Thank you doctor, but let me ask the question in a different way.
How to know that I am not contagious after the wart resolve? Is there anyway to assume so?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
47 months ago
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Unfortunately, on this topic there are no absolutes. However, if you had a genital wart which has resolved on its own or has been treated and has not been present for at least 3 to 6 months, the likelihood that you are contagious to others is very low. More importantly, let me point out that over 80% of sexually active adults have or have had HPV. Thus there is almost no way, If a person is diagnosed with HPV, to determine where or home the infection came from. EWH ---
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47 months ago
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Thank you doctor. So in the case of no recurrence for 6 months, you don’t recommend I tell future monogamous partner about it?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
47 months ago
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Correct. While disclosure is alwathe best way forward, given the high rates of misunderstanding, disclosure is not necessary. EWH ---
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47 months ago
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Another question please. Sometimes I feel urge to urinate with dull burning sensation not while urinating but just in the genital area. Could the wart do that too?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
47 months ago
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We provide up to three responses to each clients questions. This is your fourth question. Therefore this response will be brief and then the thread will be closed.
Genital warts and HPV infection are typically asymptomatic, even when visible. They do not cause urinary frequency or discomfort. Urinary frequency is not a sign of any STI but instead may be a result of a urinary tract infection or anxiety.
This completes this thread. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. Take care. EWH
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