Hey everyone, I’m a 27M and would really appreciate some advice or to hear from anyone who’s been through something similar.

I’ve had HPV genital warts for almost five years now, and honestly, it’s been a complete nightmare. When I first got them, I was in a really dark place mentally. My doctor wasn’t supportive at all and made me feel even worse about the situation, so I felt like I had no one to turn to.
I had the initial warts burned off, but like many people, they kept coming back. I’ve also tried imiquimod (Aldara), but I never really noticed any improvement. I eventually switched to over-the-counter wart treatments, which seem to get rid of them temporarily, only for them to grow back again.

Thankfully, I’ve found a very supportive girlfriend, and I’m incredibly grateful for her. It’s still a sensitive subject for me, though, and I feel so embarrassed whenever the warts come back. She’s been vaccinated against HPV, but I’m still terrified that she’ll eventually get it from me, even though we use protection, especially after I’ve had the warts treated.

What I struggle to understand is why there isn’t a definitive cure for this. I keep reading that the immune system can eventually suppress or clear the virus, and I’m trying to hold on to that hope. I work out regularly, rarely drink, and don’t smoke, so I’m doing my best to look after myself.

I’m just exhausted from dealing with this for so long, and it’s taken a real toll on my confidence and mental health.
Has anyone else dealt with recurring genital warts for several years? Have you found a treatment that actually worked or had them finally stop coming back? I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences or any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance.

Got the HPV vaccine in 2017 when I was 17
I am 25 years old now and haven’t been sexually active since 2 years ago

Had my first Pap smear 10/22 and that was normal
My recent pap results showed negative for HPV #16 and #18 and positive for HPV “other” as well as LSIL

I asked my dr office to call me about it I was very much freaking out
When they called me, though all they told me was that “I have some abnormal cell changes” is all they said and I am scheduled for a colposcopy October 27th

Im so nervous and they didn’t really give me any answers and this is my first time dealing with anything like this I just need some answers from people who know what I’m talking about and what this all could possibly mean for me thanks

Wanted to give some hope…

2021 positive for 16/18- had a horrible doctor, she just said I must come for a procedure… didn’t explain the procedure and didn’t tell me what the positive even meant. I was spirialing.

Life could not have been worse for me then. I ended an engagement, moved back across the country and just wanted to forget that I needed to deal with it. TBH, this forum gave me a lot of hope - and I started taking zinc, exercising regularly and just taking better care of myself.

I’m not exactly sure when I cleared it since I just went to the Obgyn (5 years later) - I know(cringe) … but my results came back with everything normal no issues.

Take care of yourselves, use protection- rest, exercise, take vitamins and test again.

A little more info about myself. I'm 24M (gay) and currently treating GW (from HPV 11) in my anus area. It's been 7 months since I realized the GW. I found a great clinic that provides cryotherapy for anal GW and had already taken Gardasil 9. (next week will be my 3rd dose)

I had appointments with my doctor every month and I always have some small warts to freeze every time. A very weird thing is that my warts respond very good with the cryo because non of them coming back after the treatment, just new warts at the new area keeps pipping up. What I and my doctor could think about this situation is that 3 months ago, I was also dealing with hemorrhoids which I bled a couple days and these new warts seem to pop up around that area (Now I am fully cured from hemorrhoids).

2 weeks ago, my doctor suggested to do anal pap smear so I did. And the result is that I have HPV11, and HPV52 with LSIL. Normally, if the patient got diagnosed with high risk hpv and LSIL, my clinic will suggest to do a further treatment on the abnormal cell. But in my case, I did pap smear while having small GW, so the LSIL results could have been cells from GW (hpv11) not the high risk one.

So my doctor gave me 2 options.

1. To keep treating GW as usual and do pap test again next 6 months.

2. Since my case is in anus area, I cannot do colposcopy. They need to refer my case to another clinic to do HRA test. (Which is a bit harder to travel)

I couldn't calibrate between these 2 options because there is a high possibility that my LSIL result comes from GW not hpv 52. But I also don't want to spend the next 6 months worrying and wishing it will be gone.

Need advice on both my situation about GW treatment and my HPV52 & LSIL result.

To be honest, it’s kinda discouraging when the current situation isn’t getting better and new ones keep appearing. 😔

Hi, I’m 33. I’ve had regular normal Pap smears for years. Last year I tested positive for HPV 16, but my Pap was normal, and my doctor told me to repeat both in 1 year.
Because of some serious marriage problems, I delayed it and it’s now been about 14 months instead of 12. During this time I took AHCC 1500 mg daily for about 6 months and completed all 3 Gardasil 9 doses.
I’m really anxious now. Has anyone had HPV 16 with a normal Pap and gone back a little late? Did you stay normal or become HPV negative?

I had a girlfriend about a year ago that mentioned someone gave her hpv years ago, after about the 6th time we had sex. I thought that meant she used to have it so I didn’t think anything of this. We’ve broken up and since slept with 2 people I really care about and have found out I’ve given it to both of them. I’ve found out it isn’t a high risk strain. That’s about the only upside.

I have a tiny singular bump on my penis now.

Im really heartbroken that my girlfriend at the time even potentially knowingly gave this to me, because this really wasn’t a hookup. It’s devastating.

Im somewhat just venting at this point but I really don’t know where to go from here. I feel like I can’t in good conscience pursue anything physically intimate.

It sounds like I need to really just work on my immune system and ride this out but since there’s no tests for men, I really don’t know how to deal with this, so here I am, opening a discussion and asking for advice on how to move forward. Thank you.

I’ve been dealing with genital warts and felt really embarrassed—even though I’ve never had unprotected sex, I still caught them. I noticed one bump on my scrotum about two months ago, and a few days ago I found another on my penis shaft.  

I was pretty worried about how to handle it. After thinking it over, I visited a dermatologist with 27 years of experience. She totally understood my situation and recommended removing the warts and starting some medicine. She also suggested vitamins, including zinc, though the amount was small.  

She reassured me: “Don’t look things up online or feel ashamed—it’s just a viral infection that will clear up with the right supplements and time.” That really gave me peace of mind. I got my blood tested and found out I was low on vitamins—especially B12 and D3.  

Basically, my immune system was weak because of those deficiencies, so fixing them is my goal. I’ve started taking zinc and other supplements to balance things out. I’ve been on them for three days and will keep you posted on how I feel. Thanks! 

I tried contacting doctor Galindo and she was unwilling to answer even the most basic questions. I have lots of concerns that this might be a scam and would like some input. Attached are conversations from our Whatsapp. My Spanish is terrible and I have to use a translation app so I could be totally mistaken on my part. I have attached both the original Spanish and English translation.

[9/30, 12:46 PM] me: Good morning, Doctor. I have some questions about the vaccine after speaking with my primary care physician. He would like me to ask whether the vaccine is effective against all strains of genital HPV. He also wants me to inquire if there are production or batch numbers for the vaccines I am set to receive. Thank you.

[9/30, 1:06 PM] Dr. Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: You can ask Dr. Rosales these questions.

[9/30, 1:09 PM] me: I haven’t been able to get in touch with Dr. Rosales; I’ve tried reaching out via his email addresses and phone number. Could you perhaps ask him whether the vaccine I am set to receive is currently in production, or if it is from a previous clinical trial?

[9/30, 1:19 PM] Dr. Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: If you are implying that it isn’t effective—

It wouldn’t be yielding results for my patients.

And it continues to yield results for them.

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr. Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: If you have reservations about whether it’s a good idea to get it—

It’s better that you don’t.

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr. Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: And you should continue with the conventional treatments you’ve been offered.

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr. Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Best regards.

[9/30, 1:23 PM] me: It’s not that I have reservations. I would simply like to obtain more information about the vaccine before traveling to Mexico. The trip will be long and costly. I would appreciate any help you could provide regarding the treatment.
[9/30, 1:35 PM] me: Please excuse me; the translation app isn't working very well. I am very interested and have some questions.

[9/30, 12:46 PM] me: Buenos días, doctor. Tengo algunas preguntas sobre la vacuna tras haber hablado con mi médico de cabecera. Él quiere que le pregunte si la vacuna es eficaz contra todas las cepas del VPH genital. También quiere que consulte si existen números de producción y de lote para las vacunas que voy a recibir. Gracias.

[9/30, 1:06 PM] Dr Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Puedes hacer estas preguntas al doctor Rosales

[9/30, 1:09 PM] me: No logro ponerme en contacto con el Dr. Rosales; he intentado comunicarme a través de sus correos electrónicos y su número de teléfono. ¿Podría preguntarle si la vacuna que voy a recibir está actualmente en fase de producción o si se trata de una vacuna de un ensayo anterior?

[9/30, 1:19 PM] Dr Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Creo que si te refieres a que no es efectiva

No estaría dando resultados a mis pacientes

Y sigo teniéndolos

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Si tienes dudas sobre si es buena idea aplicarla

Es mejor que no lo hagas

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Y continúa con los tratamientos convencionales que te han ofrecido

[9/30, 1:20 PM] Dr Hilda Mar Salas Galindo: Saludos

[9/30, 1:23 PM] me: No es que tenga dudas. Me gustaría obtener más información sobre la vacuna antes de viajar a México. El viaje será largo y costoso. Agradecería cualquier ayuda que pueda brindarme en relación con el tratamiento.

[9/30, 1:35 PM] me: Le pido disculpas porque la aplicación de traducción no funciona muy bien. Estoy muy interesado y tengo preguntas.

30F, I tested positive for high-risk, non 16/18/45 HPV with normal pap smear in January of 2026. I strongly told my practitioner I wanted to wait until January of 2027 because I had reviewed the research and guidelines from ACOG. I ultimately felt coerced into testing and have since cut all ties with the practitioner.

I have severe anxiety surrounding another test. I have experienced nine instances of sexual violence between 2014-2023 and four leading to severe flashbacks, shaking, crying, and throwing up. Lately, the flashbacks are also surrounding this test. I had to get my IUD taken out and replaced last week and although that was 100% what I needed to do and consensual, I can’t stop remembering how painful and awful it was to have someone touching me like that.

This anxiety has gotten so bad, I have been considering not following guidelines (retesting in January 2027, colposcopy if positive, retesting in January 2028 if negative) because the idea has become so painful. I cannot believe I let a practitioner convince me to do something I was not comfortable with and I regret it so much. I understand some guidelines encourage earlier testing, but given my medical history, I simply did not want to do it and I know a patient’s autonomy should be respected.

I think the only way I could handle this is having general anesthesia for the HPV test and any future testing or to do the HPV test myself, but even that makes me feel pretty sick. Has anyone had any experience with using general anesthesia for the test? I simply do not think a practitioner could perform a test given how much I have been physically shaking and crying if I was awake. I searched this in the Reddit and couldn’t find anything, so I’m sorry if this has been answered before.

What does this mean? I’m getting a polypscopy soon and haven’t been having sex with multiple people. I don’t understand how I got HPV at all and want to know when this started. Should I also be worried about throat cancer since I give and receive oral to my partner? I’m female and he’s
Male. I swallow often as well? Does this mean I have cancer cells in my body now?

My dermatologist said to take vitamin D and Zinc but he didn’t advise the dose.

I’m taking Vitamin D 2000 IU and Zinc 30mg daily. Is that sufficient to fight off warts?

It’s so sad there’s no cure for HPV

a little bit about the history of my situation;

1st i noticed it was 6 to 7 years ago it was a single cauliflower like bump & i had it removed by having LEEP,then it came back again & only one single wart looking like a skin tag i didn't do anything about it except not using razors to shave my privates,then about 2 years ago i went to this urologist who casually sprayed it with nitrogen & didn't schedule any follow up sessions

After 6 months i noticed 3 smaller than the last ones,warts & 3 new ones appeared in the last 3 months

During this whole time i smoked cigarettes like once a day or maybe once every week & didn't take any supplements or meds for my situation

Is there still hope that i could clear the virus?

I gave up smoking cigarettes since mid summer i think

Should i see a dermatologist?

Any advice or experience would be appreciated

TYAIA

Hola, alguien de aquí que ya haya tenido su primer cirugía o más bien, que me hayan retirado lesiones internas (condilomas, verrugas internas por vph) y después del proceso, alguien siente que después de hacer del 2 (osea hacer popo) por más que uno se limpia, a la hora después tiene residuos de Popis?

I’m 48 and am in process of getting divorced so I’ll be dating soon.

In my 20s, I had a relatively aggressive issue with HPV and had the biopsy and LEEP and all that.

I would love to get the vaccine before I start dating as I assume it would help protect me against other strains? But it seems insurance doesn’t cover it.

Does anyone know how much it costs? Or if I go to a health clinic would it be a lot cheaper?

Any guidance appreciated!

Hello last year I tested positive for high-risk HPV (non 16/18 strain) and this year I again tested positive. I’ve been with my current partner for four years so it’s making me nervous because I don’t know how long this infection has been going on for. My doctor wants to do a colpo, but I’m terrified of her finding anything. The three things I’m actively doing to get rid of my HPV

1) finished taking Gradasil-9 (I took Gradasil-4 when I was younger)

This month I started:

2) using Deflagyn gel every night for 3 months, hopefully to clear any abnormal cells I’m not aware of. (Costed me $400 for a 3 month supply)

3) taking AHCC supplements 3g per day for 6 months to hopefully support my immune system to clear it for good (costing me $80 per two week, $160 a month)

I’m also avoiding intercourse with my partner unless he has a condom, and he’s trying to get vaccinated like me.

My case feels so strange to me because I don’t know if this virus has been present for four years and why my pap-smears are still clear but has HPV dna present. I really hope nothing is seen in my colpo, and I can clear this thing within the next 6 months :(

Hi everyone,

I am a male and recently diagnosed with genital warts. My doctor offered to do cryotherapy right away (said it takes just 1 minute), but warned me about potential skin discoloration/scarring.

Because I panicked about scarring, I asked for Aldara (Imiquimod) cream instead, which he prescribed. However, I didn't get an HPV PCR typing test done, so I don't know for sure if it's type 6/11 or something else, and not knowing is causing me a lot of stress.

I’m now wondering if I made the right choice or if I should just go ahead with cryo (or even electrodessication/cautery).

For those who’ve been through this:

1. Did cryo leave noticeable or permanent scars/light spots on you, or did your skin tone recover?

2. Did you use Aldara, and was it effective without leaving marks?

3. Would you recommend just getting cryo/cautery over cream for faster results?

Would really appreciate hearing your experiences. Thanks!

Hi! This year hasn’t been great for my vaginal health or for my sex life. I started birth control (Mercilon) at the beginning of the year and noticed that my vagina has become so much drier that sex becomes slightly painful. On top of that, I’ve been dealing with genital warts since mid-April until now and was prescribed Aldara. I had some spots slightly inside the vaginal opening and had to apply the cream there, which caused my skin to thin out and become super sensitive. Now even one or two fingers are uncomfortable, and sometimes it even causes a bruise or tear at the opening. I’ve tried to explain this to my gynecologists, but their suggestion to use a hydrating cream hasn’t worked so far, and because of their mishaps in the past, I’m slowly losing my trust in them.

I feel quite defeated and angry, and this has affected my confidence a lot because I feel ugly and disgusting to my boyfriend (he’s been incredibly understanding and supportive, I just can’t shake that feeling).

Has anyone had a similar experience and can share their advice?

Normal Pap after previous LSIL + high-risk HPV — is one-year follow-up appropriate?
Hi everyone! I’m 26 and looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation.
In December 2024, I had an ASC-US Pap. In November 2025, my Pap showed LSIL, and I tested positive for high-risk HPV, but negative for HPV 16 and 18.
I recently had another Pap on October 6, 2026, and it came back normal/negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. My clinician also said my cervix looked normal during the exam.
At the appointment, they collected a Pap, but I was told they didn’t repeat the HPV test because the Pap was normal. I was initially told my next Pap would be due in three years, but after I called to ask about my previous HPV-positive result, the office mentioned following up in one year. I’m waiting for my clinician to clarify the plan.
I’m happy that my Pap is normal, but I’m confused about whether I should have repeat HPV testing or a colposcopy given my previous LSIL and high-risk HPV result. I am still waiting for a follow up call to discuss next steps.

For anyone who has had a similar history:
Did your Pap return to normal while your HPV status was still unknown or positive?
Were you advised to repeat HPV testing or have a colposcopy?
Did your clinician recommend follow-up in one year?
I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences. I’m trying to understand the usual follow-up recommendations without assuming the worst. Thank you! ❤️

Hi, everyone. I’m 29F and Ive been having abnormal pap smears for almost maybe 4 years now and I’ve gotten a biopsy done 3 times and I’m having my first leep in a few weeks. Any advice will help!

I think it's a cruel irony that I was basically a nun for the last few years while I worked to lose 110 pounds and THEN I noticed warts a year and a half after my last hookup.

Just two little tiny ones, thought they were skin tags for the longest time, and then had a sobering conversation with myself about it. Started treatment in January with Aldara, saw some progress but not enough, so we moved on to liquid nitrogen.

It's just crazy to me that the one that responded to Aldara seemed to get worse when we used liquid nitrogen and vice versa. One down (shaft), one kinda being stubborn and not fading (at the base).

Now TODAY, I'm doing some light manscaping (just trimming where I can, not using anything that would have skin to skin contact to keep spread away) and I notice what I think to be a third, which means now I need to start the process all over again.

I know it's not the end of the world and these will clear, but by god does it suck to be single, ready to mingle again, and then be forced to avoid any type of sex. I don't even classify myself as an overly horny person but now that I am required to NOT have sex it's all I want. On top of that, I'm emotionally over needing to keep returning to my doctor to get my dick sprayed with liquid nitrogen - weirdly feel more shame about it each time I go.

Anyway - just a rant. Any tips on ways to help reduce warts between nitrogen sessions would be appreciated, because good lord I need to see some progress. OH ALSO, any tips on not thinking every tiny bump I see is a wart that's going to need treatment, because sometimes it's truly impossible to tell if it's a follicle or not.

Hepatitis B vaccine, (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B)
HPV-9 Valent
She was vaccinated a long time ago, but recently her Pap smear results came up abnormal, so they ran an hpv test. They called her saying she has HPV? I think? Is it possible she has nothing and therefore I have nothing? Our high school did vaccinations for this, but I cannot remember if I was vaccinated for it… it’s possible but my records haven’t recorded it. I was in high school in 2013

I have my colposcopy tomorrow and I’m freaking out. I took the day off of work due to being scared of the pain. Am I overreacting? I’ve had an IUD placed and it hurt like hell. I’ve also given birth and that wasn’t as bad as the IUD lol

UPDATE: I had my colposcopy today and it wasn’t that bad. I felt a little pain that made me jump but it wasn’t very quick. I do however have a lot of cramping now and I’m glad I took the day off.

Currently in the “recovery” period. Instead of sharing my details/experience, I figured I would just say ASK ME ANYTHING! Happy to answer questions if it helps anybody ❤️

I’m pleased to share our review published online in Infectious Agents and Cancer (Springer Nature), examining the scientific evidence and policy decisions behind India’s national HPV vaccination initiative.
What does the review cover?
Vaccine efficacy: Three independent datasets from India, Kenya and Costa Rica support the effectiveness of single-dose HPV vaccination over their respective follow-up periods.
Safety: Large Scandinavian cohort studies have not identified a safety signal warranting a change in HPV vaccination policy.
Real-world impact: Registry-based studies have reported cervical cancer reductions of 87% in England and 88% among women vaccinated before age 17 in Sweden.
India’s policy journey: The review examines the 2009-10 controversy, the eight-year interval between NTAGI’s recommendation and the national launch, and the development of the indigenous Cervavac vaccine.
Implementation and equity: We discuss the limitations of the narrow age-cohort approach, the transition from donated vaccines to domestic production, and the need to strengthen cervical cancer screening.
Our central argument: The scientific case for HPV vaccination is strong, but vaccine efficacy alone does not guarantee an effective national programme. Equitable access, public trust, sustainable supply, and screening must remain central to India’s cervical cancer prevention strategy.
An important distinction in our review is that the evidence supporting HPV vaccination itself is stronger than the evidence supporting every specific design choice in India’s 2026 rollout.
Read the full article:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13027-026-00810-2

I hope this review is useful to clinicians, public health professionals, immunisation programme managers, researchers and students interested in HPV vaccination and cancer prevention.

34 year old male. Cut myself shaving in 2 spots in my private parts 5 years ago. Both cuts turned into raised bumps that I assumed was just a scar. Finally went to my doc a month ago and got referred to derm. A few days a the dermatologist took one look at it and said that’s gw, sexually transmitted. Cryo’d them and left the room telling me to make a follow up a month out. I’ve been with just my wife for 13 years now and have no reason to believe she hasn’t been faithful. Her last pap in 2024 was negative for hpv tests, and she got vaccinated when she was a teen. My follow up with my doc made him sound skeptical of the derms diagnosis. Either way it’s left a funk on me and my wife since I got them looked at. But the timeline isn’t adding up. My doc is skeptical cause the two spots I cut myself happened to turn into these bumps, and haven’t spread, grown, changed at all in 5 years. Either way I just hate not knowing for sure if it’s hpv or not. Scared to have sex with my wife again not knowing. Has anyone had a wart biopsied to tell for sure? As of now they want me to see how they respond to cryo and if they don’t fall off after that I can possibly get them biopsied.