Have a few questions about HPV

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Hi, i was recently diagnosed with HPV and have been trying to do a lot of research on it. My doctor also told me that it might be Molluscum but it has been treated as HPV as far as i know.

a)i've been hearing mixed stories about whether or not the virus can actually leave your system. From what my doctors tell me, it is there to stay. But a few posted messages say that it might actually leave your system, and as far as i understand, as fast as 1 or 2 years. I was wondering what the truth about this matter actually is.

b)if it is indeed Molluscum, do i need to worry about it being a virus? Does Molluscum stay in your system forever (questionably) and once the warts (or whatever Molluscum produces) are gone, do i have to worry about spreading it to my sexual partners? what does Molluscum look like in comparison to HPV?

c) what is the most effective treatment for HPV warts? i keep using mulitple treatments, all which only work incompletely. I have gotten the warts frozen off twice, and have used aldara cream (which only got rid of SOME of the warts, not all)

d) what is the safest sex i can have? I understand that condoms do not completely protect against HPV, but what precautions can i take to make sure that the possibility of spreading the virus is lowered?

I have been absolutely devastated over the fact that i have gotten this virus. Any advice or help that anyone can give me would greatly apprecaited. Thanks!

[DazedandConfused23]

Here is a web site that might help you:
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Molluscum

Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin causing small skin-colored bumps. With the exception of not looking like normal skin, molluscum is not particularly harmful or painful. Some skin cancers may look like molluscum, so it is important to let your doctor examine you if you find any abnormal lumps or bumps. Molluscum is caused by a poxvirus. 2 to 7 weeks after being exposed, one may develop the classical skin rash

Molluscum causes normal skin to grow into bumps. These are painless small bumps that often have a central divot (umbilication). There is no pain or discharge from these unless they are accidentally cut, and then they may bleed a bit. Molluscum is spread by direct contact with infected skin and can be spread to oneself and/or other people

Molluscum is treated by destroying the infected skin. Destruction of the abnormal area can be done by freezing the growths with liquid nitrogen. Other techniques include destroying the tissue with laser surgery, using a blistering agent (such as podophyllin - made from rain forest beetles), or burning them off with a potent acid (trichloracetic acid). A doctor trained in one of these techniques should be seen to prevent damaging the normal surrounding tissue.

Genital Warts

HPV is known by many names including venereal, anogenital, or genital warts, and condylomata acuminata. It is a viral infection of skin causing the growth of skin-colored, cauliflower-like masses of various sizes and shapes. It has become very common over the last two decades infecting anywhere from 3% to 28% of the population.

Several weeks to months after being exposed to a sexual partner with HPV, these painless growths occur on damp or moist surfaces in either sex. Common locations include the genital and paerianal areas. They often begin as tiny red spots and can grow quickly into cauliflower-like masses. Infection of a woman's cervix with certain strains of this virus can lead to cervical cancer. It is crucial, therefore, for all women who have this disease to have regular pap smears. (Actually, all women who are sexually active need to have regular pap smears to look for cervical problems.)

Like most viral infections, there is no cure for Human Papillomavirus. Treatment consists of destroying the infected cells, but it often comes back due to infection of normal-appearing nearby skin. If left untreated, genital warts may go away on their own. One study showed that nearly 1/3 of all patients had spontaneous resolution of the growths.

For those not wanting to wait to see if they disappear on their own (e.g., most people), destruction of the abnormal cells can be done via a number of methods such as freezing the growths with liquid nitrogen, destroying the tissue with laser surgery, using a blistering agent (such as podophyllin - made from rain forest beetles), or burning them off with a potent acid (e.g., trichloracetic acid). A doctor trained in one of these techniques should be seen to prevent damaging the normal surrounding tissue.

A novel approach is to enhance ones own immune system to fight off the genital warts. One such "immune-enhancer" is a cream called imiquimod (Aldara). Imiquimod is currently available by a doctor's prescription only, but unlike the other treatments that require a health professional to apply, Aldara is applied by the patient themselves, in the privacy of their own home. The patient puts a small amount of the cream on the warts three times a week. Aldara is for the treatment of visible warts on the genitals and perianal area. It is not for treatment of cervical or intravaginal warts. Cervical or intravaginal warts are usually treated with freezing or by surgically removing the infected area.

I hope this information helped you!! ;-)

[DazedandConfused23]

How do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?

Genital Warts

Abstinence, and perhaps correct condom use may prevent transmission of this virus from one person to the next. It is crucial that all infected skin be covered to prevent skin to skin transmission. Since multiple areas of skin touch during intimate encounters, condom use is not terribly effective.

Molluscum

How do I avoid Getting It (Prevention)?

Abstinence or correct condom use may prevent transmission of this viral infection from one person to the next if the lesion is on the penis. Molluscum is not limited to the genital area and this disease is not necessarily sexually transmitted, so direct contact with anybody who has it can lead to infection.


I forgot to answer your last question, sorry, one thing to keep in mind that because you have this virus, it does not mean you can't live a perfectly healthy life, it means that extra precautions should be taken. Think of it this way, people develop warts on thier hands and feet, some people receive treatment and they do not reappear, on the other hand some people receive the treatment and they have a harder time in eliminating the problem. It all depends on the individual, stress, nutrition, immune disorders, lifestyle all are factors in different people. People feel dirty or believe that because they have this desease they can not lead a normal life. People have stigmas on Stds, and why not? These are not deseases that people usually talk about around the dinner table!!;-) There, in my opinion, is not enough education about these deseases, just because they are sexually transmitted deseases, people are embaressed to talk about them. Now if you said you had a wart on your finger, you would not feel as embarressed to talk about it, than if you had one "down there".
My advice is to got to your doctor, ask all the questions that might be going to your mind, and don't leave until you are satisfied in the doctors answers. This is why so many people have so many questions on Std's, they don't usually get through answers to their questions when at the doctor's office, and don't rely on the internet alone, some of the sites on here are not credited and might give you wrong info, and NEVER self diagnose on what you read, always see a physician!!

So chin up!!! It will be ok, go to the Doc, get treatment and take care of yourself!!;-)