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Genital Wart outbreaks for 7 years
Hi,
I'm a male who has been suffering with genital warts outbreaks for over 6-7 years...
I have done a ton of research on the subject of HPV. I was first diagnosed with HPV genital warts back in 2006 when I was 23/24.
When I first went to my general practitioner doctor back in 2006 when I had 1 wart on my penis shaft, the idiot said to leave it and it would go away. After about 6 months it didn't and then I had a further outbreak of more at the base of my penis.
Anyway, over the years I've gone to the free clinic near where I live and I've had numerous Podophillin/Freezing treatments and they used to get rid of the warts for a while but then they come back eventually. The longest I've been without warts is roughly about a year.
The outbreaks I have had in the last 2/3 years seem to be a lot smaller, almost hardly noticable, I only know what to look for because I use a magnifying glass and I can see the tiny more clearly. They have been confirmed at the clinic each time so I'm not being paranoid.
I've tried the full 4 month course of Aldara recently after a recent outbreak but this had no affect whatsoever, I didn't even have any skin reaction or anything, I just felt a bit tired with flu like symptoms so I don't think I will take it again.
It seems here in the UK and across most western medicine practices, they just treat the visible signs of infection without addressing the underlying immunity (or lack of) cause. I believe my problem is my body's cell-mediated response, it seems it has never really shut down this virus.
Has anyone heard of using Tagamet to boost cell-mediated activity? I hear it has helped kids overcome normal and genital warts. I've ordered some and I'm self medicating at 600mg with a view to increasing for a maximum of 2-3 months. I've read about adults who have had success and this drug can help activate cell-mediated activity to clear the virus.
I rarely get ill or allergies but I think my cell-mediated activity is malfuncitoning and I need something to boost my immune system.
I also hear Dr Ian Frazer, creator of Gardasil is also working on a therapeutic form of the Gardasil vaccine, when this will be ready and approved for use though is anyone's guess. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm 40 or something.
All the docs tell me to just persist with the normal treatments of freezing but I feel these don't address the problem of immunity.
In addition no matter what anyone says, it's very hard to start a relationship with these warts around. Over the years I've had 10 sexual partners, some casual, some gf's, always when the warts aren't around and I've been clear for a long while. Is it more likely that I have caught another strain of the virus?
Anyway, I've decided to be celibate until I meet someone I want to have a long-term relationship with I don't want to pass anything on to anyone else and I don't want to catch any other strains of the HPV virus. I feel like until I can go 6 months without an outbreak there's really no point even dating someone. The whole experience has really made me scared now of going with anyone, obviously warts aren't that serious and I'm also afraid of all the other more serious things you can catch.
If any doctor or anyone with any useful advice is reading this I'd like your opinion on whether my immune system can fight the virus. Am I the 1-2% of the rare people who will get outbreaks for the rest of their life?
I'm a male who has been suffering with genital warts outbreaks for over 6-7 years...
I have done a ton of research on the subject of HPV. I was first diagnosed with HPV genital warts back in 2006 when I was 23/24.
When I first went to my general practitioner doctor back in 2006 when I had 1 wart on my penis shaft, the idiot said to leave it and it would go away. After about 6 months it didn't and then I had a further outbreak of more at the base of my penis.
Anyway, over the years I've gone to the free clinic near where I live and I've had numerous Podophillin/Freezing treatments and they used to get rid of the warts for a while but then they come back eventually. The longest I've been without warts is roughly about a year.
The outbreaks I have had in the last 2/3 years seem to be a lot smaller, almost hardly noticable, I only know what to look for because I use a magnifying glass and I can see the tiny more clearly. They have been confirmed at the clinic each time so I'm not being paranoid.
I've tried the full 4 month course of Aldara recently after a recent outbreak but this had no affect whatsoever, I didn't even have any skin reaction or anything, I just felt a bit tired with flu like symptoms so I don't think I will take it again.
It seems here in the UK and across most western medicine practices, they just treat the visible signs of infection without addressing the underlying immunity (or lack of) cause. I believe my problem is my body's cell-mediated response, it seems it has never really shut down this virus.
Has anyone heard of using Tagamet to boost cell-mediated activity? I hear it has helped kids overcome normal and genital warts. I've ordered some and I'm self medicating at 600mg with a view to increasing for a maximum of 2-3 months. I've read about adults who have had success and this drug can help activate cell-mediated activity to clear the virus.
I rarely get ill or allergies but I think my cell-mediated activity is malfuncitoning and I need something to boost my immune system.
I also hear Dr Ian Frazer, creator of Gardasil is also working on a therapeutic form of the Gardasil vaccine, when this will be ready and approved for use though is anyone's guess. I guess I'll have to wait until I'm 40 or something.
All the docs tell me to just persist with the normal treatments of freezing but I feel these don't address the problem of immunity.
In addition no matter what anyone says, it's very hard to start a relationship with these warts around. Over the years I've had 10 sexual partners, some casual, some gf's, always when the warts aren't around and I've been clear for a long while. Is it more likely that I have caught another strain of the virus?
Anyway, I've decided to be celibate until I meet someone I want to have a long-term relationship with I don't want to pass anything on to anyone else and I don't want to catch any other strains of the HPV virus. I feel like until I can go 6 months without an outbreak there's really no point even dating someone. The whole experience has really made me scared now of going with anyone, obviously warts aren't that serious and I'm also afraid of all the other more serious things you can catch.
If any doctor or anyone with any useful advice is reading this I'd like your opinion on whether my immune system can fight the virus. Am I the 1-2% of the rare people who will get outbreaks for the rest of their life?
Please see my comment a few back,
See if your doctor can sort you out with Vyloma. Do what I did as described above and see how it works for you. I am now wart free for almost a year. From starting the treatment it took about 6 pain free weeks to get rid of them and I had around 7 or so....
Good luck
See if your doctor can sort you out with Vyloma. Do what I did as described above and see how it works for you. I am now wart free for almost a year. From starting the treatment it took about 6 pain free weeks to get rid of them and I had around 7 or so....
Good luck
First off, apologies for not having the answers to anyone's questions. I saw this post and was intrigued to read on. Like everyone that has posted, I too have dealt with, and are currently dealing with, genital warts. For the last 7 years I've had to deal with the constant worry of possible outbreaks and low self-esteem. I finally feel comfortable enough to share my experience with those of you that are willing to read on...
2007- I was having unprotected sex in a "committed" relationship. Upon finding out she had contracted HPV, her symptoms became visible in a short amount of time. I may have had a poor diet, used tobacco and drank from time-to-time, but I was very physically active. I believe being active allowed my body to keep the virus at bay for the time being.
Three years later I was not as physically active, I got a desk job, drank alcohol heavily, smoked marijuana on a daily basis, continued to use tobacco and had a very poor diet. About 7 months of living this lifestyle led to me noticing my first genital wart. Wow! Three years of dormancy before one popped up! Only weeks before noticing it, I had just got out of another relationship where I was sexually active and wore protection every time. I was also ill with a pretty intense stomach flu prior to noticing. My lifestyle was poor and my defenses were down even more.
By the time my appointment came to freeze off my genital wart, I had noticed 2 more small raised areas. The doctor told me that these were so small that that there may be a possibility that it wasn't HPV. What a load of s***! I was aware of the gravity of the situation, but the phone call a few weeks later regarding the biopsy results still felt like a punch in the gut!
After the warts were frozen off, I took a number of vitamins, one of which I believe was called Viral Free. I haven't been able to find it on the internet as of recent so I'm assuming it did not work and was discontinued. When I couldn't find a trace of anything wart-related, I quit taking the vitamins....
Ten months later, and to my knowledge wart free, I was sexually active again with a girl I ended up having a long-term relationship with. She was aware of my situation prior to us being sexually active. A few months into our relationship, she received an abnormal pap indicating she had HPV. It really took an emotional toll on me to have spread my problem to someone I love. I didn't know what to think. I hadn't had a visible outbreak since the freezing treatment. Her and I went back-and-forth between protected and unprotected sex. I also received oral sex and gave oral sex quite frequently. Not once during our relationship did she, or myself, have visible signs of a genital, or oral, wart. The only visible warts I had during our relationship appeared on the bottoms of my feet well into our relationship along with some odd bumps on my knees. Over 2 years now and the warts on the bottoms of my feet have yet to go away. Not 100% certain if these warts are due to the HPV virus.
This leads us to today - an odd correlation regarding my ongoing battle with HPV...
I have been celibate since June. Just like my first visible outbreak over four years ago, it is during my time of celibacy that I noticed a wart-like growth. A few weeks pass and I notice a couple more small areas upon shaving my genitals. Not saying by any means that celibacy incites genital warts! I'm just saying that it's odd that I only notice the visible signs of HPV when I am celibate. Could excessive masturbation incite genital warts somehow?
During my previous relationship I didn't exactly take care of my body. Rarely did I exercise, still had a desk job, still used tobacco, still drank from time-to-time. After my recent long-term relationship had ended, I began to exercise a bit in my spare time, cut down my use of tobacco and started to eat somewhat healthier. I was starting to physically feel better! But, my levels of stress were much, much higher. Just as you were saying in the previous response, frustr8ted, you are in a high stress job and raise two kids on your own. I rarely get sick and have no serious health conditions to my knowledge. Stress could be the determining factor in both of our cases.
With some help from the members of this site, and with a little research of my own, I am getting ready to start a regimen that will hopefully boost my immune system. I am still researching topical treatments. Cannot suggest one because I have yet to try one. If anyone has had success in using an over-the-counter cream or ointment of some sort, please PM me.
In no way am I saying that the regimen I'm going to share will necessarily work for me or anyone else but, damnit, it's worth a shot! Please take into consideration that this is not my department of expertise. Please consult your physician before taking any vitamins or supplements...
Currently doing -
Emergen-C in a bottle of water every morning
Multivitamin that includes Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, Folic Acid and Selenum
Apple Cider Vinegar tablets
Gingko Biloba- maintains healthy circulation and just found out it may have antioxidant properties that may help fight free radicals in the body
Will be taking soon -
Olive Leaf Extract
Plan on adding this to my regimen as well-
Activia Yogurt for breakfast (contains probiotic)
Frozen Vegetables and a low-sodium V-8 between breakfast/lunch, with lunch, or between lunch/dinner
Cut down on fast food
20 min - 1 hr of exercise, 4-7 days a week
Cut down tobacco use
Only drink alcohol on occasion and in moderation
Drink plenty of water and cut out all sugar, mainly soda. Only drink Gatorade when sweating in excess.
6-8 hrs of sleep per night
This definitely isn't the best advice for someone looking to live the healthiest lifestyle possible, but it's a start considering my current lifestyle. Hitting the ground running hasn't had much success for me and I know that approach doesn't always work well for everybody in the end. If you're as committed as I know many of you are, once you get the ball rolling a healthier lifestyle will become second nature!
Also read up on AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) and was very, very interested. Looks like there have been some success stories in people with HPV. Problem is it may lower blood sugar. I fear I may be hypoglycemic so, unfortunately for me, I can't bring myself to try it. May be worth looking into for some of you.
In doing some internet research I also found this. Like I said, I'm not a doctor by any means, but it appears to be very beneficial in boosting the body's defenses: http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1345/
^^if anyone has had success with this, please PM me.
Hopefully, in reading all of these questions/stories, one of us can come up with the answer to all of our problems. Worrying about this can only make it worse. I know the person with the answer is out there. I am going to continue to stay optimistic and say that day is coming soon where we will have a cure! Until then, let's live our lives to the fullest each day and not allow this monster to deny us true happiness!
2007- I was having unprotected sex in a "committed" relationship. Upon finding out she had contracted HPV, her symptoms became visible in a short amount of time. I may have had a poor diet, used tobacco and drank from time-to-time, but I was very physically active. I believe being active allowed my body to keep the virus at bay for the time being.
Three years later I was not as physically active, I got a desk job, drank alcohol heavily, smoked marijuana on a daily basis, continued to use tobacco and had a very poor diet. About 7 months of living this lifestyle led to me noticing my first genital wart. Wow! Three years of dormancy before one popped up! Only weeks before noticing it, I had just got out of another relationship where I was sexually active and wore protection every time. I was also ill with a pretty intense stomach flu prior to noticing. My lifestyle was poor and my defenses were down even more.
By the time my appointment came to freeze off my genital wart, I had noticed 2 more small raised areas. The doctor told me that these were so small that that there may be a possibility that it wasn't HPV. What a load of s***! I was aware of the gravity of the situation, but the phone call a few weeks later regarding the biopsy results still felt like a punch in the gut!
After the warts were frozen off, I took a number of vitamins, one of which I believe was called Viral Free. I haven't been able to find it on the internet as of recent so I'm assuming it did not work and was discontinued. When I couldn't find a trace of anything wart-related, I quit taking the vitamins....
Ten months later, and to my knowledge wart free, I was sexually active again with a girl I ended up having a long-term relationship with. She was aware of my situation prior to us being sexually active. A few months into our relationship, she received an abnormal pap indicating she had HPV. It really took an emotional toll on me to have spread my problem to someone I love. I didn't know what to think. I hadn't had a visible outbreak since the freezing treatment. Her and I went back-and-forth between protected and unprotected sex. I also received oral sex and gave oral sex quite frequently. Not once during our relationship did she, or myself, have visible signs of a genital, or oral, wart. The only visible warts I had during our relationship appeared on the bottoms of my feet well into our relationship along with some odd bumps on my knees. Over 2 years now and the warts on the bottoms of my feet have yet to go away. Not 100% certain if these warts are due to the HPV virus.
This leads us to today - an odd correlation regarding my ongoing battle with HPV...
I have been celibate since June. Just like my first visible outbreak over four years ago, it is during my time of celibacy that I noticed a wart-like growth. A few weeks pass and I notice a couple more small areas upon shaving my genitals. Not saying by any means that celibacy incites genital warts! I'm just saying that it's odd that I only notice the visible signs of HPV when I am celibate. Could excessive masturbation incite genital warts somehow?
During my previous relationship I didn't exactly take care of my body. Rarely did I exercise, still had a desk job, still used tobacco, still drank from time-to-time. After my recent long-term relationship had ended, I began to exercise a bit in my spare time, cut down my use of tobacco and started to eat somewhat healthier. I was starting to physically feel better! But, my levels of stress were much, much higher. Just as you were saying in the previous response, frustr8ted, you are in a high stress job and raise two kids on your own. I rarely get sick and have no serious health conditions to my knowledge. Stress could be the determining factor in both of our cases.
With some help from the members of this site, and with a little research of my own, I am getting ready to start a regimen that will hopefully boost my immune system. I am still researching topical treatments. Cannot suggest one because I have yet to try one. If anyone has had success in using an over-the-counter cream or ointment of some sort, please PM me.
In no way am I saying that the regimen I'm going to share will necessarily work for me or anyone else but, damnit, it's worth a shot! Please take into consideration that this is not my department of expertise. Please consult your physician before taking any vitamins or supplements...
Currently doing -
Emergen-C in a bottle of water every morning
Multivitamin that includes Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D3, E, Folic Acid and Selenum
Apple Cider Vinegar tablets
Gingko Biloba- maintains healthy circulation and just found out it may have antioxidant properties that may help fight free radicals in the body
Will be taking soon -
Olive Leaf Extract
Plan on adding this to my regimen as well-
Activia Yogurt for breakfast (contains probiotic)
Frozen Vegetables and a low-sodium V-8 between breakfast/lunch, with lunch, or between lunch/dinner
Cut down on fast food
20 min - 1 hr of exercise, 4-7 days a week
Cut down tobacco use
Only drink alcohol on occasion and in moderation
Drink plenty of water and cut out all sugar, mainly soda. Only drink Gatorade when sweating in excess.
6-8 hrs of sleep per night
This definitely isn't the best advice for someone looking to live the healthiest lifestyle possible, but it's a start considering my current lifestyle. Hitting the ground running hasn't had much success for me and I know that approach doesn't always work well for everybody in the end. If you're as committed as I know many of you are, once you get the ball rolling a healthier lifestyle will become second nature!
Also read up on AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) and was very, very interested. Looks like there have been some success stories in people with HPV. Problem is it may lower blood sugar. I fear I may be hypoglycemic so, unfortunately for me, I can't bring myself to try it. May be worth looking into for some of you.
In doing some internet research I also found this. Like I said, I'm not a doctor by any means, but it appears to be very beneficial in boosting the body's defenses: http://www.sourcenaturals.com/products/GP1345/
^^if anyone has had success with this, please PM me.
Hopefully, in reading all of these questions/stories, one of us can come up with the answer to all of our problems. Worrying about this can only make it worse. I know the person with the answer is out there. I am going to continue to stay optimistic and say that day is coming soon where we will have a cure! Until then, let's live our lives to the fullest each day and not allow this monster to deny us true happiness!
Are you still talking here? I've been dealing with outbreaks for over 7 years. I've tried all kinds of treatments. Even laser surgery. That doctor actually made it worse. The warts seem to be spreading now to other parts of my genitalia. This has got to be the most depressing thing I've ever dealt with. I've tried all kinds of vitamins and changing my diet. It seems keeping them moist then treating them has a slightly better affect but still no long term results. I rarely get sick and generaly have no other health conditions. I am in a high stress job and raise two kids on my own. I'm wondering if you have had any success and if you have any advise for me. Thank you
Hey wartman123,
I just wanted to write to you after your post was one of the most inspiring and relevant to me I found on the net after countless hours of researching HPV. I too am over 30 and have struggled with gen warts for around 5 years. I was in a long term relationship since they first appeared so wasn't overly worried about them although that ended so I've been scrambling to really tackle them head on.
I too did a lot of vitamin taking and improved my diet along with loads of exercise... I'm a pretty healthy guy in general. I was going to my GP to ask his advice and I went through the cryo freezing process a bunch of times which did absolutely nothing... they just grew back within a month. The next process I tried was Cantharone or Cantharidin (taken from the blister beetle), a fairly new remedy I believe. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT recommend this to anyone as my experience with it was terrible. It ended up making the warts turn into halo warts and grew about 4x in size each. I was pretty desperate and miserable at this stage and ended up going to a different GP.
I know you've already discussed your lack of results with Aldara but have you tried Vyloma? From what I understand, it's essentially the same thing... its main ingredient is the imiquimod 3.75% (same as Aldara). He gave me 2 boxes of this and told me to apply it to the warts sparingly every second night before I went to bed. I ended up cutting one end off a Q-tip each time which I found to be a quick/reliable applicator that you can throw away when you have put enough cream on. I also didn't use too much of each sachet and sealed it with plastic film each night and was able to make 1 sachet last approx 4-6 treatments give or take. Each box came with 4 sachets so that was somewhere in the vicinity of 20+ treatments over the course of 6 weeks'ish for 1 box.
After trying cryo, cantharone, loads of vitamins, good diet, less drinking, lots of exercise and not really having any results and finally using Vyloma I'm please to say the warts have completely disappeared!! I only needed 1 box too, still have another left.
As I was getting into the 4th - 5th week of treatment, I found the vyloma was starting to work and the warts were starting to turn reddish in colour. Eventually the just started to shrink away by themselves and have now completely vanished. I still have some slight scarring and am now applying anti-scarring cream. I found the treatment quick, easy and painless... some slight itching as the warts were starting to turn red if I recall correctly but that was it. Nothing major at all for me. The application process only took me around 2 mins before I fell asleep.
I realize you've had times where they've gone and re-appeared and understand I'm by no means in the clear yet as they've only been gone for 2 months but I have to say after 5 years with them it's a massive relief and I felt I wanted to share my story with you.
Maybe it's worth looking into imiquimod again? My experience with it was definitely a good one.
All the best and hope this story helped you in your battle. Thanks
I just wanted to write to you after your post was one of the most inspiring and relevant to me I found on the net after countless hours of researching HPV. I too am over 30 and have struggled with gen warts for around 5 years. I was in a long term relationship since they first appeared so wasn't overly worried about them although that ended so I've been scrambling to really tackle them head on.
I too did a lot of vitamin taking and improved my diet along with loads of exercise... I'm a pretty healthy guy in general. I was going to my GP to ask his advice and I went through the cryo freezing process a bunch of times which did absolutely nothing... they just grew back within a month. The next process I tried was Cantharone or Cantharidin (taken from the blister beetle), a fairly new remedy I believe. I would ABSOLUTELY NOT recommend this to anyone as my experience with it was terrible. It ended up making the warts turn into halo warts and grew about 4x in size each. I was pretty desperate and miserable at this stage and ended up going to a different GP.
I know you've already discussed your lack of results with Aldara but have you tried Vyloma? From what I understand, it's essentially the same thing... its main ingredient is the imiquimod 3.75% (same as Aldara). He gave me 2 boxes of this and told me to apply it to the warts sparingly every second night before I went to bed. I ended up cutting one end off a Q-tip each time which I found to be a quick/reliable applicator that you can throw away when you have put enough cream on. I also didn't use too much of each sachet and sealed it with plastic film each night and was able to make 1 sachet last approx 4-6 treatments give or take. Each box came with 4 sachets so that was somewhere in the vicinity of 20+ treatments over the course of 6 weeks'ish for 1 box.
After trying cryo, cantharone, loads of vitamins, good diet, less drinking, lots of exercise and not really having any results and finally using Vyloma I'm please to say the warts have completely disappeared!! I only needed 1 box too, still have another left.
As I was getting into the 4th - 5th week of treatment, I found the vyloma was starting to work and the warts were starting to turn reddish in colour. Eventually the just started to shrink away by themselves and have now completely vanished. I still have some slight scarring and am now applying anti-scarring cream. I found the treatment quick, easy and painless... some slight itching as the warts were starting to turn red if I recall correctly but that was it. Nothing major at all for me. The application process only took me around 2 mins before I fell asleep.
I realize you've had times where they've gone and re-appeared and understand I'm by no means in the clear yet as they've only been gone for 2 months but I have to say after 5 years with them it's a massive relief and I felt I wanted to share my story with you.
Maybe it's worth looking into imiquimod again? My experience with it was definitely a good one.
All the best and hope this story helped you in your battle. Thanks
Hi, I'm 36 female and have been suffering 8 years with them. Did the creams, acid, freezing you name it I did it. But to no avail. My problem is I have a very compromised immune system. I have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Had it since I was 20. When I was going to the GUM clinics every week solid for 2 years I told them I suffered with SLE and was taking immune suppressants. And I was told on several visits that didn't matter to my treatment or to my genital warts. Even when I questioned why do I still have them after 2 years of cryotherapy? I was told I'm just unlucky and may have to live with them for the rest of my life. This news devastated me. Like you I haven't been able to date because of fear I may pass on my warts OR my partner may see them. I finally got a break through 18 months ago I went to see my rheumatologist for a routine check up. And she happened to mention that I looked fed up. I told her it wasn't the lupus causing me problems but my private parts. I told her my story and she listened very well and seemed very sympathetic. I thought she was just going to tell me what the GUM clinic tell me. But to my surprise she said I am going to refer you to the gynaecology department. I went a long to this appointment not expecting too much. I saw a consultant who told me because my immune system was compromised so much I didn't have the ability to fight off the warts, he then went on to say - so I think you need a little medical help. The following week I was booked in to theatre and I had all my warts surgically removed. I was so happy and relieved those horrible nasty warts had gone. that was 18 months ago and I've just started getting them back. So bad news I've got them back but the good news is I've been in touch with my specialist again and I already have an appointment booked for feb4th 2014 with the gyne dr again. I think for me personally this is how it's going to be from now on. I get the warts, get them surgically removed and have an 18th month break then do it all again. It's not ideal BUT for me just to have those 18 months free of them and free of stress is bliss. If I were you wartman123 I would go to your gp and ask for some routine bloods, make sure all is ok. Because you have had them for so long you could have something wrong with your immune system. And also ask your gp about surgery because you have had them for so long. Good luck and don't give up the fight
Sarah
Sarah
When you have recurrences- meaning the wart is treated, goes away, and then comes back in the same spot - how long does it usually take before that wart comes back? Couple weeks? Months?
You are reading content posted in the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
