HPV/Genital Warts Aldara - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

djriot · 01-27-2006, 12:47 AM

Well I have tons of questions about this and my doctor doesn't seem to want to talk about it too much. He simply diagnosed me and said slap some Aldara on the area and if that doesn't work come back and see me about laser surgery, and the sad thing is that I think I might get more answers on this board than my own doctor. My first question is how contagious are gential warts? Secondly, how long is the incubation period? Can anyone give me their personal experience with Aldara and with laser surgery. Since my last visit to my doctor my insurance has expired and I know Aldara is very costly, can anyone sugest a place that has decent prices? How much is it without insurance and also how much is laser surgery without insurance. My policy will be renewed in a month but I'm not sure I want to wait on this issue. ANY feedback on this subject will be greatly appreciated.

ChrissyBU · 01-27-2006, 01:35 AM

Hey,

Yes it is common that doctors give limited info and that is because many of them only know a few things, if anything. Very little is known about HPV and that is why 80% of the population carries it, misdiagnosis and false information. Ok, if you have aldera that is good. I recently started on it but I am awaiting results, so I will let you know how it comes out for me. Before that, I had a few burned off with acid but, that was not working. Aldera has a component in it that triggers your immune system to fight the virus.

Incubation period? I am not sure what you are asking? Is this is reference to how long the warts last?

Warts are EXTREMELY contagious and this is usually when you have a visible wart(s). If you do not that means that your body is in remission. Most people clear the virus from their body 6 months to two years after their first outbreak. Do some research online and read the new tests and findings that are out about this disease. Condoms are your best bet if you are sexually active. Though they are not fool proof because warts can be where condoms do not cover. Even skin on skin contact with the warts can spread them and this is another reason why this virus is so common. If you touch down there, wash your hands. Use clean towels every time you shower. If you have a sexual partner it is likely that they also have the virus if they were not the one that gave it to you but, there is no use in pointing fingers cause you will never really know whom gave it to whom... so move on from that.. if you were even thinking about it

Ok, yes there are options for you if you cannot afford insurance. Planned parenthood provides free health care to persons with low income or no insurance. Go to their website and make an appointment. I go there and I got my aldera perscription for free as well as testing and condoms.

I hope this helps you, I know that HPV can be confusing but, the more that you learn, the more comfortable you will become. Remember only 30% of people with this virus EVER develop the warts so many people have this and will never know. You get the warts when your immune system is low. Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and don't smoke

. All of these things could delay your recovery. Stay positive.

Good Luck,
CBU

Jt7054 · 01-27-2006, 07:35 AM

Hi. Sorry to hear your doc wasnt helpful with your situation. Ive dealt with doctors on two occasions for std issues and both times they were very unhelpful with info. One of the doctors was quite unprofessional with the whole thing. He made me feel as though I had done something wrong. I actually filed a formal complaint to the clinic about him. Ive read that about 75% of the sexually active people out there have the virus (whether they have warts or not) so thats probably why doctors are so casual about it, but they should really be more concerned about giving the patient a little concern and info when diagnosed.

As far as an incubation period, it can be anywhere from a week to several years before the warts show up after youve been infected. I noticed mine at a point when I hadnt been sexual with anyone for over 6 months. You can be infected and the virus can lay dormant for a long time before it causes any warts.

Sorry to disagree with you Chrissy, but humans do not clear the virus from thier systems after 6 months. Its a virus. You cannot get it out of your system. In cases, it can become dormant and not cause any more issues but you will always have it (at least until they come up with a way to kill the virus). For me, I just had one wart, I had it surgically removed over 4 years ago and I havent had any issues since. None of the women Ive dated have had any issues (to my knowledge) either.

I have read that after a long period of time, you can get to a point that the virus is no longer contagious to others, but it seems opinions on that are pretty varied.

mk333 · 01-29-2006, 05:53 PM

i suggest u wait until u get insurance. im only 18 years old and my parents dont know im sexually active so i couldnt put it on my insurance and i had to pay 270 dollars. trust me, you dont want to spend that kind of money if you can use ur insurance to pay for it.

ChrissyBU · 01-31-2006, 01:39 AM

Hey JT7054,

Hey .. yeah I was misdignosed after my pap came back normal and I was told that I did not have HPV. I then had to get a second opinion.

I must also disagree with you. Studies have been done on this virus because it is so prevalant in both the UK and the USA and it has been found to be a transient virus, meaning that it is eventually cleared from the body. I have read several studies on it. In fact, it is so new that many doctors will not even acknowledge it. Most people clear the virus from their body 6months to two years after their initial break out. This is not all people. Each person is different. There are so many different strains and many times people that clear their warts and have another break out many years later, are often times attributing that outbreak to the original virus when in fact, they have contracted a new strain. I found a lot more info from some of the vetrans on this board. Check out the new info on HPV and
you will see. If you have not had an outbreak in four years, you have cleared the virus from your body. Check out the FDA website as well as the CDC website to read a little about it. I believe my claims are well educated and researched. I would not state them otherwise.

CBU