HPV present - but now ulceration too! - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Message Board

veryworriednow · 04-16-2009, 11:16 PM

I have had HPV for over 3 years. I had an incredibly painful experience having SIN3 cells cut away at a specialists a few years ago but have not had a normal papsmear result since.
A few days ago I noticed a tiny lump on my labia, just near my vulva as the skin was very red & itchy. Today I had a more careful look and noticed ulceration of the skin of my vulva. The itchiness is madening!
I am really scared now because I have not had any outward symptoms of HPV before (apart from thrush, which this most certainly is not).
What can I do?

Drafly · 04-17-2009, 08:32 AM

I take it you meant you had CIN3 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) several years ago. HPV can affect anywhere along the cervix, vagina, labia, vulva, peroneum, and anus (and even the rectum and can be transmitted to the mouth). If you've got the nerve, you can take a cotton ball and dab the area with some white vinegar. If it turns white (acetowhitening) then you'd better get yourself to a doctor for a colposcopy. Warning that this may burn but this is what they use during colposcopy to visualize the lesions. You can do it at home, I have for years just to confirm when I thought I was getting another lesions. Yes the itching is maddening and often the prodrom for an HPV lesion forming.

I'm also very concerned that you say you haven't had a normal pap in 3 years but you never mentioned that a colposcopy was done or not. I certainly would hope so with this many abnormal paps. If not maybe you need to find another doctor. With your history it shouldn't have been let go this long without at least a colposcopy.

veryworriednow · 04-19-2009, 12:06 AM

Sorry, forgot to mention that I have had a colposcopy and had some lesions removed in the past. I had just never had any visible ulceration before. Yes they were CIN3 cells.

What is the prognosis for this kind of thing? Will it be a matter of having to have lesions removed every few years?
Should I be as worried as I am right now???

Drafly · 04-19-2009, 09:59 PM

I know this ambiguity doesn' t help but frankly no one can really say. I had recurrent vulvar lesions (VIN2/3) for 4 years and had multiple laser ablations, cryosurgery, therapeutic biopsies (removing the entire lesion at time of biopsy) and not until I finally had to have a vulvectomy did they stop recurring. On the other hand, if you have gone for a significant period without any symptoms, perhaps these can be removed and you will not have any additional lesions or they may return at some point in the future.

Yes the itching can be maddening - wanting to scratch it raw at times. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I know how uncomfortable it can be.

You need to see a gynecologist about this, seriously! You need an updated Pap and HPV test and hopefully based upon a visual on this lesion he will do a colposcopy (with possible biopsy) at the same time. Dysplasia can be addressed if caught early, so don't wait.

veryworriednow · 04-22-2009, 08:13 PM

A few new ulcers started to develop so I went to see my GP yesterday. She told me I have HSV. This is a terrible place to be! I feel so ashamed and guilty - both fairly illogical but nevertheless overwhelming emotions!
My mum advised I use a salt bath - 500g cooking salt dissolved in boiling water in a tepid bath. This takes away the itchiness straight away. I have heard that no bacteria can survive in clean salty water.
My GP prescribed Valtrex (Valaciclovir) which I am to take for 10 days. But I am told there is every likelihood the symptoms will return. I now face a lifelong sentence of not only worrying about whether my current CIN1 cells will develop into cervical cancer but also of passing on herpes to my partner!
I have had 11 sexual partners in my pursuit for love. I wish I hadn't. I think back to the people I was with when I was a teenager and still so unsure of my place in the world. Of those 11 there are a few I wish I had never been with at all. At least that would have decreased my chances of contracting HPV and/or HSV. I keep thinking about each of those partners and the kind of people they were and how each partner increases your risk exponentially. Why wasn't I strong enough to say no?!
I know regrets are pointless and I'm sure this dark cloud will lift but for now I feel hurt and angry.
If my relationship does not last with my current partner (it has been under considerable stress lately!), that means that I will inevitably spread the viruses my body now carries with any future partners doesn't it? There is nothing I can do to stop that except never have any other partners.
I have never felt so powerless