How to remove genital warts?

😢 This whole thing is a complete disaster. I just tested positive for HPV—"low risk," they tell me. Low risk for women, sure, but for me? It feels like my entire world just collapsed. I’m 29, I stay active, I’ve always used protection—but apparently, it wasn't enough. I’ve spent the last two months spiraling down internet rabbit holes about this virus. Honestly, I could have picked this up years ago and never even known. To top it all off, finding out that condoms aren't some magic shield against HPV is a bitter pill to swallow. I’ve fallen into a deep depression over this. My head is spinning with questions—did I pass this on to someone else? Will I ever be able to date again? Who is actually going to want to be with me once they know? This is genuinely horrific; I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I’ve had some pretty dark thoughts about just ending it all, though I know that's the dumbest way out. Just... please, if anyone has anything to say, write something.

Take a look into using Aldar cream (imiquimod).

Look, I’ve already been through the freezing process and picked up some cream, but here’s the kicker—the virus just stays in your system. It feels like a life sentence of celibacy. Honestly, fuck HPV. I’m also losing sleep wondering if I passed it to someone during the incubation period. I just want my old life back; this whole thing is a total nightmare. 🙂

HPV is highly infectious, with an incubation period lasting anywhere from three to eight weeks. Spontaneous regression occurs in about 10-30% of cases within three months, depending entirely on your immune system. Even after the symptoms clear, you might carry a subclinical infection for life. It can resurface in people with perfectly healthy immune systems just as easily as those who are immunocompromised.

Condylomas often recur even after successful treatment because of latent HPV hiding in the skin cells—cells that look completely normal under a microscope. Recurrence is more frequently caused by the existing latent virus than by actual reinfection through sexual contact. If left untreated, the condition stays the same or gets worse.

It’s important to note that flat condyloma are oncogenic, meaning they have the potential to turn into cancer. Specifically, types 16, 18, 31, and 33 carry the highest risk for malignancy.

Condylomata acuminata (the spiked variety) aren't nearly as oncogenic.

The idea that condoms provide zero protection against infection is simply false.

There is no "cure" for condylomas. Treatment only manages the symptoms.
Treatment is most effective when the lesions are small and have been present for less than a year.

Bottom line: Most Americans are carrying an HPV infection that hasn't manifested as visible condylomas. It sucks if you have them, but whatever. Shit happens. Treat the issue and don't lose sleep over passing it on. Get them removed if you want to for aesthetic reasons. It isn't the end of the world; like I said, most people are dealing with this.

Same as before.

Best,

🙂

Look, the truth is you just can't fully protect yourself from that virus...

I guess I might have to stay on the sidelines when it comes to sex for a while. Apparently, condoms only protect whatever area they actually cover—it’s not a total shield. Since HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact rather than just bodily fluids, the risk is still there. You can even catch it orally, though that's pretty rare. Honestly, I'll just have to figure out how to live with this mess.👎

My sister was diagnosed with Condylomata acuminata the other day, and honestly, our whole family is in total shock right now!
We’re currently waiting on her Pap smear results to come back... in the meantime, I was wondering, is it possible for this virus to spread to others—we're three sisters living together—just through sharing things like laundry or underwear?

darkbison63 said:Man, I’ve already been through the whole freezing treatment process and picked up some cream, but honestly? It feels like a total joke. The thing is, the virus just stays tucked away in your skin, so it feels like I'm basically sentenced to life on the sidelines. Total celibacy, man. Seriously, fuck HPV. I’m also losing my mind wondering if I accidentally passed this thing to someone during the incubation period. I just want my life back, you know? This whole situation is a straight-up nightmare. 🙂

You should totally reach out to Johnson & Johnson! They’ve really carved out a niche specializing in male HPV and getting all that specific typing done right. Might be worth a shout to them!
Man, you are seriously living that monk life lately! Seriously, get out there already! 🙂

And what about women?

silentscout34 said:What about women?

Oh, totally! I was just calling out the guys specifically because it’s not the norm... My sister actually went through the absolute wringer before she finally got treated, and now? She's totally clear. A year and a half later and zero warts. Zero. Zilch.🙂
Look, if it helps cheer you up, those warts are usually just caused by the lowest level of Cin-
As for stuff like underwear or towels—I mean, girls are basically grown adults at this point, they should really be using their own gear. We still don't know every single way HPV spreads, but honestly? I wouldn't rule out sharing laundry. Especially those colorful pieces that you wash on a low heat setting.

I mean, I know, but honestly, ever since I can remember, my sisters have been raiding my entire wardrobe—they even snatch up my underwear...

So, where exactly is this clinic located?

silentscout34 said:Ugh, I know, right? But honestly, ever since I can remember, my sisters have been raiding my entire closet—they take everything, even my underwear!

So, where exactly is this clinic located?

http://www.jnj.com/

And hey, tell your sister she seriously needs to jump on this forum! We have an awesome thread dedicated to Cin- and HPV. There are tons of women here sharing their own stories, giving great advice, and just being super supportive. It makes such a difference.. 👍

Good luck! 🙂

Is there a forum on that site? If so, I'll be sure to tell her—thank you so much, seriously!!!!

Honey, I just can't seem to track down that forum...

silentscout34 said:Girl, I seriously can't find that forum anywhere...

It's this forum 🙂 , here's the thread..http://www.forum.com/showthread.php?t=219334

Honestly, these ladies are absolute gems. Even if you don't have an official diagnosis yet, just reading through shows how much support they offer. They are so incredibly patient when walking newcomers through everything... such a vibe!🙂

Awesome, thank you so much!!! 😁

darkbison63 said:I’ve already been through the freezing process and picked up some cream, but honestly? It feels like a waste of time. The problem is that the virus just stays lodged in your skin, which basically means I’m sentenced to a life of celibacy. Fuck HPV. On top of that, I can't stop spiraling about whether I accidentally passed it to someone during the incubation period. I just want my life back... this whole thing is a total nightmare. 🙂

Do you have any idea how many sexually active people actually carry HPV? My partner and I are both in that boat, and honestly, it’s impossible to pinpoint who passed what to whom, so what are we supposed to do now? Just go out and end it all? And I can't believe someone written this is only 29 years old! Acting like you're somehow sentenced to a lifetime of celibacy... please. You've basically just condemned yourself.😬

Hannah Scott69 said:HPV is incredibly infectious (incubation is about 3 to 8 weeks). Spontaneous regression—basically the body clearing it out—happens in 10-30% of cases within three months, depending entirely on how your immune system handles business. Even after it clears, you might carry a subclinical infection for life. It can flare up again in people with perfectly healthy immune systems or those who are immunocompromised.

Condylomata keep coming back even after solid treatment because of latent HPV hiding in the skin cells that look totally normal. Recurrence (meaning they pop back up) usually comes from that existing, latent version of the virus rather than a fresh reinfection through sexual contact. If you DON'T treat it, it’ll either stay the same or get worse.

The big deal is that flat condylomata are oncogenic (meaning they can turn into CANCER). Types like HPV 16, 18, 31, and 33 have the highest potential for malignancy.

Condylomata acuminata (the spiked ones) aren't nearly as oncogenic (prone to turning into cancer).

It is NOT true that condoms don't protect against infection!!!

There is no "cure" for condylomata. Treatment just manages the symptoms!
Treatment works way better if the growths are small and have been there for less than a year.

So, here's the bottom line: Most of us are carrying an HPV infection that maybe hasn't shown up as visible condylomata yet. Yeah, it sucks if you have them, but whatever. Shit happens. Treat it and stop stressing about passing it on. Go get them removed just for peace of mind and aesthetics. It’s not the end of the world, because like I said, most of us are dealing with this...

Same as always.

Peace

🙂

Unfortunately, it's true; they only protect the covered parts.

But they told you that you aren't even in the high-risk group!!!
Most people end up fighting off HPV infections at some point in their lives, often without ever even realizing they were exposed.
As long as we aren't talking about those specific HPV strains that can lead to cancer, there's no reason to panic. Honestly, just focus on boosting your immune system; eventually, your body will take care of the rest on its own.

Hey there. So, I’ve been sitting here wondering about something and figured I’d just throw it out there to see what you all think. If these warts finally clear up—meaning, once they actually heal and the skin looks completely normal again—is there still a chance I could pass them on to my partner? Is that even a thing? Honestly, I’ve been treating mine with this 20% Podophyllin stuff, and man, I feel like I’ve gone through six different rounds of applying it already. And look, I’ll admit it’s definitely looking better than when it first started, but it’s still hanging on there, stubbornly refusing to leave. It makes me wonder, how much longer am I going to be stuck doing this? Does anyone actually know what the average timeline is for this kind of therapy to actually work its magic and get rid of them for good? I'd really appreciate some insight if anyone has dealt with this before. Thanks.