I havent stopped thinking about this for over a year. It takes over your life .... and Im so tired of it.

You won't be able to totally stop thinking about it. It's important to occupy your time. I spent time with friends yesterday (lunch, movie, hanging out) and thought of it very little. It's roughest at first. Like I said, you're not going to forget, but you'll think about it less. As I repeatedly see on this site, the low-risk kind can typically clear itself within a couple of years.

Thank you for your post... I have been struggling with this a few months as well. I was told in March that I had a couple of "flat warts" on my lips. Luckily they're not noticible unless you get like an inch away from my face, and I have some small "mystery bumps" under my tongue, which my ENT said he didn't think it looks like warts - but I'm getting a second opinion from an oral surgeon in 2 weeks (I don't care what they are, I want them gone!).

A few days ago, I noticed 3 to 5 very small bumps that resemble the ones on my lips on the inside of my inner labia. I was devestated. I have an appointment with my gyne on Tuesday to confirm.

I feel like I can't tell my friends about any of this. I have only told my boyfriend (who I had just started dating when I noticed the bumps on my lips, we had not yet had any sexual contact) and my mom (who has been extremely supportive). I was so worried when I first told my boyfriend about the ones on my lips, and he's been extremely supportive since the first discovery of the virus, which he didn't give to me. It's been a bit of a strain on our relationship because I've been so depressed. He has an extremely positive outlook on life, says that life is too short. I know that's the kind of outlook that I need to have.

I've had a struggle with depression since my teenage years, even before any of this happened. I feel so foolish now for taking my health and my wonderful family and friends for granted. Truth is, I have a great life - except for this one thing that I didn't want to happen to me, and what I don't feel I deserve.

Like you, I feel that I've tried to do everything "right" in life. Carefully selected who I became intimate with, though there were times when I was not as careful during the actual act of intimacy - which is probably why I'm in my current position. I feel that I am a good person, and I treat others with the same sort of respect and compassion that I would like to receive. What's more, I'm very health conscious and I had the Gardisil vaccine 4 years ago!

A year ago, if you would've told me I'd be in the position I'd be in today - I probably wouldn't believe you. But, such is life and I'm trying to have the best outlook as possible, get out this weekend for Memorial Day, enjoy myself, and know that this isn't the end of the world. I found this support group online and it has been extremely helpful to share my story and read others. We all have our down days, but we can be here for each other, right?

I'm also going to start seeing a therapist to help build my coping skills. That may be something for you to consider as well.

Take care and keep us posted.

Thanks everyone who has replied. I believe we will all make it through this and learn some strong lessions. I have my ups and downs, my tears and fortunately a very supportive group of friends and families... I have only just recently found out that I have HPV, but I have to say that it actually seems that I am becoming closer with my sisters because of it. I am not an overly private person, so although i wont be shouting this from the roof tops, I did tell all of my close female friends, my family and my signifigant other. EVERYONE has been super supportive, and no one has judged me. If anything, I have found out that several of my friends have similar skeletons in their closets and only after me telling them that i have HPV, they are comfortable mentioning their STI/STDs. My biggest complaint about HPV (and I am still new to this) is the horrible idea that my vaginal area will look like cauliflower and/or the pain that is associated with the removal of the warts.

I had one wart at first, had it removed for biopsy where they used a scapal (sp?) that hurt to heal because it was exactly where the panty lines was. The second set (this week) was further back, the removal wasnt anything because I was numb, but the healing is really a pain in the ass (literally and figuratively). My only suggestion for anyone that had perianal or further back vaginal warts, the worst pain is when you take a bowel movement, so suggestion, get some neosprin pain relief, q-tips and babywipes. Trust me, the wipes will be the BEST product because otherwise, you might want to cry. Because of the healing it truely is a CONSTENT reminder that they are there... Its bad enough that I feel like my mind is clogged with this topic, but every movement reminds me too. My doctor also called me in a numbing cream, she is my hero.

The more I talk to people about it, the less shocking it is to me, but I feel like I can now be a spokeswoman on HOW important it is to get tested, be selective, get the vaccine and more so, KNOW your body.

One motto that I have truely adopted with this is IT IS WHAT IT IS TODAY, but in a year or two, this will be HISTORY and then I can lend support to others....

I'm sorry I rambled, but I do hope the best of luck for everyone.

And Dizzzzy, don't let this make you overly worrisome, I am sure if your friends knew they would hug you and cry with you and support you... i will prey (which I don't know how much it is do since I preyed for days for my one to be a skin tag, obviously it didnt work) tht the ones on your labia are simple skin tags and that you DONT have HPV. I am right there with you when I went to the Dr. I said, I don't know what they are, but they need to be OFF of my body, I want nothing to do with it.

sincerely,

Heather

I've had warts since last November. At first it controlled my life and I would not stop researching and worrying. You only get one life. Don't waste it worrying about stupid stuff like HPV, everyone has it. Good luck.