You can self treat if you want to. There are ways to get around the not having health insurance. For one, you can get a plan real quick and go to the doc and get a script for Aldara (a lotion that kicks your immune system into gear to fight it) (which is what I did when I went through a similar situation), or I know others who have actually bought the diluted acid they use in the office off the internet when they were desperate, but I wouldn't recommend just anyone doing that unless they do some research. Aldara is supposed to be the most successful treatment for women though I believe.

Believe it or not, it will go away, and your life will go back to normal. You just have to battle it for now. Just breathe, it happens to a lot of people. They just don't talk about it. (unless they are on the internet) (:

I've heard of that medicine and it appears to be very expensive I think?? I'm not too sure. Also I'm trying to keep this private so I don't think insurance is an option for me at this time, But I'll definitely look into it. Thanks for the kind words they're very much appreciated I'll stay positive:)

Hang in there. I have went through an almost identical story. Only had one partner over the last 5 years. She is a physician assistant, and when I told her my diagnosis she responded 'I would never sleep with you again.' Even though she has hundreds of times, and could very well be the source of my infection. She has a new bf, who she flew to Florida to visit, and clearly slept with him. I confronted her and she didn't deny it. She shows no signs of warts, or HPV. She had a pap smear and HPV test after I told her of my discovery, and left me depressed and alone. Its been hell for me. I am doing better these last few weeks. I told a new partner who I met through a dating service. She didn't care at all. Guess what, she is a nurse practioner. Strange world huh? A p.a. acted like I was a leper, and a n.p. didn't care. In case you don't know, both are mid level medical professionals, one step below a doctor.

Basically everyone has HPV. I had warts on my feet as a kid, so I've had it most of my life. The warts stopped 20 years ago. I hope the same can be said about my genital type as well. At some point I guess.

As far as treatment, organic apple cider vinegar is about the cheapest, and most private way of treating. Soak the areas, but be careful, it will irritate the skin. But it works wonders. Mine were gone in a few days. They can come back, and the real treatment is your own immune system. Eventually, in most people the virus is controlled to the point that it never shows again. No more warts, no more transmission to others. I think only 1% of carriers ever develop symptoms. Any of your girlfriends ever have HPV? Its more common to have it, than not have it. Keep in mind there are around 30 types of genital HPV, warts are low risk. I.e., they don't cause cancer. My best friend and his wife had high risk, now they are pregnant and happy as ever. Feel free to ask me anything. After 8 months of research, I feel like I know as much about HPV as any doctor.

Thank you so much hpvfisherman for the great advice it's nice to know I'm not completely alone in this, but I am a female:). Anyway, I was looking into the apple cider and I plan on using it if the doctors treatment is too expensive for me to afford. Do the warts come back often with the apple cider treatment? Also what steps can i take to boost my immune system?

I would research treatments, I think aldara takes forever and has bad side effects. I don't know that its true a person can boost an immune system, but living healthy is the key. Sleep, exercise, healthy eating habits. No smoking, heavy drinking. I took a bunch of supplements for two months, but have recently quit that.

Anyone know if I can use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar? Do they have the same effect?

Hi Lostgirl, You got some good advice here already so try and relax and not let it control you. Stress will only make it worse...it is the biggest killer to an immune system.

As HPVfisherman said, eventually your body will fight the virus and they will be gone. I can understand what it does to confidence and happiness, but just keep in mind that so many people have it. Sadly most don't even know it. I also heard that only around 1% show symptoms (Lucky us huh?!)

The point is, you are not a dirty monster at all. None of us are. We were just the unlucky bunch to have a physical reminder of it. At this point, you got to play the waiting game, I know that is hard to do but just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I truly believe that in a few months, or few years, you can move on and live a healthy normal life.

Don't let the media and internet make you feel like you are dirty or anything less. As a guy, if I had never gotten warts I never would've known and with no test no one would have been able to prove I have it. Just shows you the other 99% of men with HPV might not have a clue...

Good luck and ask as many questions as you can! We are all in this together

Thanks Newbie1. Dealing with this while having no one to talk to about it has been a huge struggle but your message has given me hope and confidence that I'll make it through. If you don't mind me asking what treatment options are you using?

Hi, you musn't feel ruined or dirty. Everyone who is sensitive feels this way but it really is no ones fault. I felt like this and I am a man but when I researched it I realised how common it is and a lot of people carry it but don't show signs which is why it gets spread around. HPV is virtually unavoidable in our lifetime.

It will go away in time. If you can afford it, get cryo (freezing treatment) or Aldara.

Otherwise you can use home treatments like Wartamine or ACV which I have used with success but these take a lot longer and you have to be careful.

It will clear up usually within 2 years. Just avoid sex if you have the genital warts, get rid of them. Your bf shouldn't worry though as he probably already carries the virus.

It's very common, really don't worry, you are a good, normal person. Be brave and have faith.

Please PM message me if you need more advice, I'm here to help.

I had cyro (freezing) after a month with the wart. Had set up an appointment with my doc for a follow up freezing...but there was nothing to freeze. I have now gone 3 months without another one. Will another one pop up? Probably but maybe not. Some people get them once and never again, while others get them almost as soon as they treat the ones they had.

I have learned to just deal with it as I go. Hopefully I never get more, but if I do, I will immediately go back to my doctor for another freezing. I could try home remedies but figure I would rather just get it done by a doctor and be sure they got it.

One thing I have heard is not to shave...I am not sure if this causes anything or not but just keep that in mind.

Sorry to hear that you're going through this. There are times I still feel dirty and folks can make you feel like a leper when you're honest with them about what you have (not knowing that they themselves may have it already but don't have the warts to show for it) but it'll get better.

I myself wound up having surgery twice (first time wart was huge...second time, really small) so I'm hoping there's no third time. It's been over three months...aside from a possible fissure, I haven't seen any evidence of mine returning.

You're in the right place definitely.