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...

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Women's Health
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Hpv and poverty

lifewontstop
lifewontstop
I'm unemployed and almost homeless. I'm so worried, I was to have laser surgery to remove the genital warts but am unable to afford it, I'm in so much pain and discomfort to the point where I'm just thinking about suicide.
chr0nicling
chr0nicling
I remember feeling this way, and I'm terribly sorry that you find yourself feeling like it. Genital warts are a horrible thing to have, and is just a result of plain bad luck. HPV is such a complex virus and everybody's body responds to it differently - therefore there's no one way of treating it. I'm from the UK, and healthcare is free here. I couldn't even begin to imagine living with a country where healthcare isn't free. Until you can afford treatment, there ARE things that you can do to help your body fight the infection. You need to boost your immune system from the inside out. This means eating well, exercising regularly, drinking lots of water and getting a good amount of sleep each night. Supplements such as Vitamin A (or Beta Carotene), Vitamin C, Zinc and AHCC are good to take too, but if money is short I understand that they may be difficult to obtain. Since my diagnosis of HPV/genital warts, I've become pescaterian (so only eating fish, no red meat or poultry) and have been for 6 months now, and I don't consume any dairy. I avoid gluten and opt for grains such as spelt or rye as opposed to wheat. If I do eat wheat, though, it's only every brown/wholemeal - never white. I also eat a lot of fruit and veg! I urge you to change your diet for the better. I know having the warts on your body are painful and uncomfortable (they were for me, too), but this is a starting point until your circumstances hopefully improve. I do hope you don't lose your home. What you need right now is a strong support system. Don't shy away from friends of family - you need them right now. I know with difficulties such as these, it's tempting to become a recluse due to shame/embarrassment, but you need to accept any support that comes your way. Please know that you are not alone in fighting this battle. Hopefully this site comes to reassure you that there a whole community of people, from all walks of life, sharing this unfortunate experience.

Good luck and do try to stay positive! As annoying as a saying as it is, it's really what you need to do right now. You need to be on your own side - your body needs it!

A fellow HPV/genital warts victim.