HPV Support Group
Human papillomavirus is a diverse group of DNA-based viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. More than 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. Some HPV types cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted...
Hi all,
This forum has been incredibly helpful (but sometimes scary!) for me in the last few months. I'm a 24 year old female, and I noticed some small GW at the top and bottom of my genitals back in September, but wasn't was diagnosed with low-risk HPV until the beginning of the year. I'm working past some of the anger/frustration--I got the Gardasil vaccine when I was a teenager, and have always used condoms. In the last year I had more than 1 partner, but never had unprotected sex so I'm still not sure how I got it. But I have it and I'm trying to move forward. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories, experiences, fears, and triumphs. As awful as it is, it's so reassuring to know others are going through this too.
My OB put me on the topical cream imiquimod, and most of the warts went away for a week, but they came back and in greater number. I went back today for my follow-up and my OB recommended surgery. I thought about the other acid treatments, but at this point I just want them gone, and trust her hand to get the ones that she can see better than I could myself. But I'm scared!! I'm scheduled for surgery on May 14.
I also met someone recently who I really, really like, and I'm struggling with how to tell him. I know I need to, and if he doesn't understand then it probably would've have worked in the end anyway. But I'm struggling to find the right way to tell him, and terrified that he'll reject me. I can't imagine being more alone at this point in my life...it just feels incredibly unfair.
Sorry for the novel post--I really don't know who I can talk to about this so it's just helpful to have a place to write it all out. Any advice, suggestions, or support you all have would be much appreciated. Specifically, these are the things I'm thinking about and would really like feedback on:
1. Telling a potential partner. What research, figures, or talking points are important to have? What information does he need to know? I want to be honest and give him the complete picture, but I also don't want to disclose too much and increase the likelihood that he'll run.
2. Home treatments. I've read some posts about tea tree oil and other home remedies (apple cider vinegar, wart removers). I'm tempted to give these a try before the surgery next month; any recommendations for how much, how often, and good/bad signs to look for?
3. Surgery preparation/recovery. I have probably 6 warts now, and I know surgery will be painful. My OB said there will be an ointment to help with healing. Can i do anything beforehand to promote healing? And after, recommendations for recovery?
Thank you all again for sharing so much of yourselves on here. I'm grateful to have found this forum now.
This forum has been incredibly helpful (but sometimes scary!) for me in the last few months. I'm a 24 year old female, and I noticed some small GW at the top and bottom of my genitals back in September, but wasn't was diagnosed with low-risk HPV until the beginning of the year. I'm working past some of the anger/frustration--I got the Gardasil vaccine when I was a teenager, and have always used condoms. In the last year I had more than 1 partner, but never had unprotected sex so I'm still not sure how I got it. But I have it and I'm trying to move forward. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories, experiences, fears, and triumphs. As awful as it is, it's so reassuring to know others are going through this too.
My OB put me on the topical cream imiquimod, and most of the warts went away for a week, but they came back and in greater number. I went back today for my follow-up and my OB recommended surgery. I thought about the other acid treatments, but at this point I just want them gone, and trust her hand to get the ones that she can see better than I could myself. But I'm scared!! I'm scheduled for surgery on May 14.
I also met someone recently who I really, really like, and I'm struggling with how to tell him. I know I need to, and if he doesn't understand then it probably would've have worked in the end anyway. But I'm struggling to find the right way to tell him, and terrified that he'll reject me. I can't imagine being more alone at this point in my life...it just feels incredibly unfair.
Sorry for the novel post--I really don't know who I can talk to about this so it's just helpful to have a place to write it all out. Any advice, suggestions, or support you all have would be much appreciated. Specifically, these are the things I'm thinking about and would really like feedback on:
1. Telling a potential partner. What research, figures, or talking points are important to have? What information does he need to know? I want to be honest and give him the complete picture, but I also don't want to disclose too much and increase the likelihood that he'll run.
2. Home treatments. I've read some posts about tea tree oil and other home remedies (apple cider vinegar, wart removers). I'm tempted to give these a try before the surgery next month; any recommendations for how much, how often, and good/bad signs to look for?
3. Surgery preparation/recovery. I have probably 6 warts now, and I know surgery will be painful. My OB said there will be an ointment to help with healing. Can i do anything beforehand to promote healing? And after, recommendations for recovery?
Thank you all again for sharing so much of yourselves on here. I'm grateful to have found this forum now.
My advice. Stay away from these patient bull fixes. Yes, it is cheaper but does not work. If something goes away, It is for another reason, find a Doctor and get a proper treatment. You are worth it
I think for you StillSmiling, the man that doesn't run after you tell him....he is the one to be with your whole life. In my experience, I want to save heartache for both me and the woman I initially meet and tell her from the beginning. It's important to be a realist and optimist. Sure one may run from you, but that person doesn't prove to be a good person. I don't date often anymore. I started talking to a woman recently and told her right from the beginning and found it better to have someone "run away" before getting to know me personally. For you, I think surgery is worth a shot.