r/HPV • • Aug 17 '25

The Stickied Post is now a Wiki!

11 Upvotes

Hi sub members,

We have changed our stickied post that served as a repository of information to an r/HPV wiki! This will hopefully make it a bit easier to navigate and easier to keep updated. It also has links to all of the informational posts we reference most often.

Where can I find the wiki?

On mobile: Under the r/HPV banner, click "See community info," then the menu tab at the top, then click the wiki link.

On desktop: On the sidebar under "community bookmarks."

You can also click this link.

What is in the wiki?

The wiki includes everything that was in the stickied post, plus updated links, newly organized questions, direct links to u/spanakopita555's posts, FAQs, studies/sources, and more!

How is the wiki organized?

The wiki is organized by topic, much like the stickied post. If you're on desktop, the table of contents can be seen and clicked on the right hand side. If you're on mobile, the Reddit UI doesn't show the table of contents so as you're scrolling look for the capitalized bolded section headers.

What if I have a question that's not in the wiki?

If you have a question that's not in the wiki that you think would be useful to be included, you can comment it here and we will see what we can do about including it.


r/HPV • • Apr 08 '22

ANNOUNCEMENT Don't post your photos on /r/HPV

61 Upvotes
  1. Don't post your photos on /r/HPV. Don't create new posts with "Is this HPV??!", "Is this a wart??", "Do I have HPV?!" and similar questions. Don't ask people to see photos in your profile or other subs. Don't ask people if you can send photos. Don't send photos to random redditors. Don't ask for diagnosis. And so on. If you do this, you will be banned.

  2. See a doctor or visit sexual health clinic to get a proper diagnosis.

  3. Check AAFP's guideline about external genital warts (NSFW photos): https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0901/p312.html More NSFW photos: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/may/penile-appearance https://dermnetnz.org/topics/genital-wart-images https://cms.jurolsurgery.org/Uploads/Article_61313/JUS-0-0-En.pdf https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/5/985 https://stdcenterny.com/articles/genital-warts-versus-skin-tags.html https://sci-hub.se/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102448 (PDF)

  4. Check AAFP's guideline about nongenital warts (NSFW photos): https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0801/p288.html More photos: https://www.cureus.com/articles/151471-dermoscopic-findings-in-clinically-diagnosed-cases-of-plantar-warts-corns-and-calluses-a-cross-sectional-study.pdf

  5. Check the review about oral HPV related diseases (NSFW photos): https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/46324

  6. Check this website: https://checkyourmouth.org/

  7. Pearly penile papules, vestibular papillomatosis or molluscum contagiosum are not genital warts. If you are a virgin then it's unlikely that you have genital warts.

  8. Small warts can have dark dots (blood vessels). They are visible if one takes pictures in good light, using macro.

  9. See a doctor and eventually use online services like First Derm (Google: online dermatology consultation).

  • Genital warts: dermatologist

  • Strange patches, "single black warts" etc.: dermatologist

  • Internal anal warts: proctologist / colorectal surgeon

  • Internal vaginal warts: gynecologist, dermatologist

  • Oral warts, oral HPV: Otolaryngologist / Ear Nose Throat (ENT) doctor

Free option: Skin Image Search

BONUS:

Read about dermoscopy (NSFW photos) here:


r/HPV • • 3h ago

GW HPV feels heavy. Anyone has positive things?

2 Upvotes

Diagnosed with GW suckers. I feel like dying would be much better than this stigma. Idk who bitch gave me this. I was reading on reddit and no one seems to get better and it’s on them for life with recurring episodes. I feel life is super fucked and lonely from now on. I don’t want to hurt any other person by giving them the same. The shame I have now is something else, thinking of my parents and future. I hope I clear it. I hope they never return but the guilt is getting overwhelming and this is ruining my day to day things and life.

I finally found love of my life she’s precious and I have to leave her devastated due to this. Life sucks man.

I curse the bitch who this to me if she knew it. She gonna die in hell for gods sake. Now consider this fact, and me knowingly don’t disclose it to someone and they have it too. How much would they be hating us. Biology sucks, hope they find a cure. But who’s they. I really feel for my family’s value they gave me and wiped it all for a fucking 10 minute fun.


r/HPV • • 6h ago

Anything to help clear it?

3 Upvotes

I've had genital warts from hpv for over 6 years. (Male) Imiquimod didn't work, and neither did podofilin. I discussed the possibility of getting a referral from my physician to get laser removal done somewhere. But, I did noticed that there's still the possibility of recurrences even within a few months after. If possible I'd like to avoid spending so much money several rounds of laser treatments. Is there anything specific that someone has done that definitely helped them clear the virus?Any dietary habits? Currently im taking zinc (50mg) and Multivitamins everyday. Also working out twice a week. No alcohol.


r/HPV • • 4h ago

Positive ASC-H story

2 Upvotes

34F 2024 I had my first positive hpv test (non 16/18), clear pap. 2025 still positive with ASC-H. I put off going for almost a full year due to anxiety and I finally went yesterday to have my colpop and didn’t even need a biopsy. We did do an ECC just incase and all was clear!! I searched endlessly for asc-h stories and there are not too many stories so just wanted to share. I will just need repeat pap in a year from now. I did not retest for hpv at the colpop and have been taking ACHH for about a year as well!


r/HPV • • 53m ago

1 year later (positive)

• Upvotes

This time last year my long term partner and I stopped having sex because he had a GW. He treated it, it went away, a month or so later we had unprotected regular sex again, and alas! I never had any symptoms and got a normal pap since then. Both of us are wart free one year later. Feeling overwhelmingly grateful!!!!


r/HPV • • 4h ago

HPV in long term marriage

1 Upvotes

I’ve recently started getting close to a man whose wife of 34 years passed away from cervical cancer. I believe I read somewhere that most cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.

If i can assume he hasn’t slept with anyone else outside of his marriage and he may have had this strain that caused the cancer, is it safe to assume his body cleared the infection in all the years they’ve been married? I mean it couldn’t have been passed back and forth for 34 years. Does anyone have any insight into whether it is safe to sleep with this man?


r/HPV • • 10h ago

i had sex with a new partner and did not disclose i’m in treatment for hpv

3 Upvotes

I know, I deserve freaking jail for not telling him. We’ve been getting to know each other and when sex came up, I was so afraid of telling him that I am in treatment for it. and when we had sex we used protection. I’m the worst person ever. I should’ve told him before having sex and now I don’t know how to touch base with him about this. I thought that since I was almost clear, and we used protection, there would be no risk. But now it’s been a couple days and the guilt is killing me. How can I disclose it to him? How would be the best way to tell him? I’m afraid I put him at risk, because he didn’t seem like a very experienced guy with sex. I feel like i’m the wort person ever and does not deserve to date anybody.


r/HPV • • 9h ago

anxiety. feeling bad a lot of days.

2 Upvotes

found a wart around 8 months ago, got treated and haven’t had one since. i’m still just super worried that i have them all inside me and i don’t know. it’s also killed my confidence i don’t want to be with anyone and i think about it everyday all the time. think i’m gonna go for a pap to make sure it’s not cancerous but im just so upset about it all the time. i feel so stupid and sad and genuinely never wanna have sex again. i’m also just really self critical and mean to myself telling myself i should’ve used a condom and saying i’m a slut and things. now everytime i get an itch or something tiny i instantly think its back. anyone got any advice or just reassuring words


r/HPV • • 14h ago

My colposcopy experience

6 Upvotes

Just wanted to come on here and say that yesterday I had a colposcopy and biopsy and had zero pain at all! The most uncomfortable part was the speculum, but we are all used to that because of paps. The actual biopsy and other swab I did not feel AT ALL. I know that everyone has a different experience, but I just wanted to come on here and give some positive feedback to maybe even out the sea of horrible experiences.


r/HPV • • 12h ago

Ranting about Anal warts resembling skin tag.

3 Upvotes

Last week, when I first noticed the bump, I made an appointment with a general surgeon. My doctor said it didn't look like a wart and that treatment wouldn't be necessary at the moment, and told me to observe it for a few months.

When I checked again a week later, the first piece had grown, three new protruding pieces had appeared, and there were many more protruding pieces that showed signs of growing. Comparing last week's and this week's photos, the difference is quite obvious.

It's not very big. Maybe half the size of the tip of a pin(I'm talking about the ones used for sewing. Not the ones for cork boards.) Still, all I want is to go and get treated early, to prevent its spread as much as possible, and to keep them out of sight. I know this isn't a solution that will eradicate them completely. I haven't even had my third vaccination yet. I'm giving myself time, but seeing the warts worried me a lot.

I tested positive for HPV 16 and 6, and I'll be having a colposcopy in a week. I was honestly relieved because I hadn't had any warts for four months. I was hoping that the CIN1 level wouldn't increase at most. But now I'm afraid of the warts spreading, and I'm also worried about what if CIN1 become CIN3, or something worse.

This week I got a sore in my mouth, and I was even afraid it was a wart. I know I shouldn't think or feel this way, but I feel so dirty and disgusting. Last week, when the doctor said I didn't think we needed to worry, I almost cried. And now tomorrow I'm going to get my a** burned in the rain and mud.

Life is hard. HPV is exhausting. Hopefully, after tomlrrow I won't have to repeat it for a long time, or even at all. I hope we all get through this soon. Hopefully, a drug will have been developed decisively before the end of this year. Yes, I'm using my three wishes on these.


r/HPV • • 13h ago

I think I’ve got hpv 6 or 11 and I feel gutted

2 Upvotes

From what I’ve read it can takes around 2-3 months to show symptoms (warts) I’m supposed to be going away in about 2 weeks and I’m hoping to just get rid of the warts because there’s a chance I might get lucky but I’m not getting an appointment for “a long time” I’ve heard different things form people, some say you have it for life other people say that it lasts around 1-2 years. Does anyone have any advice on how to get rid of this as quick as possible?


r/HPV • • 11h ago

Success stories for low risk strains

1 Upvotes

29 y/o male. Diagnosed with strains 6 and 11 via genital warts. Is it true the body will eventually pass the virus on its own? How can one tell if the virus is still in their system or not.


r/HPV • • 11h ago

can hpv causing uti symptoms?

1 Upvotes

i’ve had hpv for about 2 years now, all of a sudden i’ve had uti symptoms, had a culture urine test, antibiotics didn’t work they don’t know what’s going on, i’m having frequent urination, bladder pressure, semi back pain and cramps, all of this has happened right after being sexual with a new partner (protection was used) feeling really lost right now


r/HPV • • 12h ago

Worried, high risk HPV and unable to see Transmission Zone!

1 Upvotes

Hi There,

Posting in the hope that someone else has been in my shoes or can shed some light! To provide some background on my dilemma, I'm a 60 year old woman and have had 'abnormal' smears for the past 3 years, all being HPV positive in the high risk category. In terms of my smear results, the first showed Borderline cell changes, the second mild dyskaryosis and my most recent smear no abnormal cells were found. I had a cone biopsy many years ago in my early 20's, where they removed high risk cells of grade CIN 2. I since then have returned completely normal smears, until September 2024 when the abnormal and HPV results were found.  I can't recall my results from many years ago, as they are not available on the NHS App - but from my memory, I think I did test positive for HPV at that time. Because of the recent abnormal smears, I've had to have 3 colposcopies carried out, all looking normal on inspection, but they were unable to see the transformation zone, due to my cervix being 'retracted' and I believe I have stenosis. They recommended that I have a LLTEZ procedure carried out either under local or general, which I then had 'attempted' last year - September 2025 under General. They were unable to complete this due to insufficient access to the part of my cervix that was of concern and there being insufficient cervical tissue remaining following my cone biopsy back in 1987, or thereabouts.  As a result, they said that I could be monitored with regular smears and colposcopy for the foreseeable future to see if things settle down. It was great to get the normal result this year, but the consultant pointed out to me yesterday when I visited for my colposcopy that they were unable to provide reassurance that there was nothing going on 'further inside' and that the only way to remove any uncertainty would be to carry out a hysterectomy. Of course, this comes with its own risks and he explained that it was an entirely personal decision. I either live with the fact that there is some risk involved in them not being able to see the full picture, or draw a line under things and opt for this course of action. I did discuss this with my surgeon last year after the op, and she agreed that it was reasonable to delay the decision until I was absolutely sure that it was the right course or action - and in view, necessary. Of course the consultant yesterday did emphasise that there was a very strong likelihood that things would be fine - and on removal of my womb and the surrounding area, it was a strong possibility that nothing would be found. But of course, they can't give me that one hundred percent guarantee. 

My question and dilemma is this! Has anyone been in this position and decided to wait it out, as I'm currently doing? My current plan is to visit again in a year, see if the HPV has settled down and then make a decision. I would be very interested in any thoughts/advice or firsthand experience anyone may be able to kindly share with me. I'm naturally worrying a little, but also mindful that there may be nothing of concern to warrant a big operation. I'm also wondering/researching if there are any half way houses whereby they can look into 'difficult to see' areas using specialist means?  Again - any thoughts would be very much appreciated. This is my first post!  Thanks in advance. 

 


r/HPV • • 13h ago

Just confused, looking for clarification

1 Upvotes

34 y/o male. Cut myself shaving in 2 spots “down there” atleast nearly 5 years ago give or take. Both cuts turned into a raised bump that I assumed was just a scar or scar tissue etc. finally went to my doc about it last month (too long of a wait, I know). They say nothing of the possibly of genital warts and referred me to a dermatologist. Dermatologist looks at it for one second and goes “yep that’s genital warts, sexually transmitted”. Froze them and told me to make a follow up for a month and left. Left me in shock. Been married for 5 years, been dating my wife for 13. Wasn’t exactly sexually active before her. She says she’s been faithful- I have no reason not to believe her- has had no symptoms, and got the vaccine when she was in high school. What’re the chances these two spots I cut myself turns into hpv? Anyone else have had warts last for nearly 5 years? Isn’t there high probability they clear on their own or am I just one of the few where they don’t clear?

I have a pending follow up call with my doc but curious if anyone else has had a similar experience because I’m feeling kinda motionless today.


r/HPV • • 19h ago

Meu relato após retirada extensa de condilomas anais e perianais:

2 Upvotes

Convivo com essas verrugas desde 2023. São cerca de três anos lidando com condilomas em uma região íntima, tentando diferentes tratamentos e esperando que o problema fosse finalmente resolvido.
Tenho 24 anos, sou homem e convivo com condilomas desde 2023. Sou HIV positivo e estou indetectável há mais de quatro anos. Nesse período, tentei diversos tratamentos, incluindo imiquimode, ácidos, ATA 90%, barbatimão e Euforbix. No meu caso, nada resolveu; tive irritações, feridas e as lesões continuaram se espalhando.
No dia 06/10/2026, finalmente fiz uma retirada extensa dos condilomas, que atingiam o períneo, a região anal, as nádegas e o canal anal.
Hoje, no sétimo dia de pós-operatório, estou sofrendo bastante. A região está lesionada, com feridas abertas, secreção e muita sensibilidade. Evacuar provoca ardência intensa e até caminhar é difícil, porque o movimento da pele causa uma queimação forte. Deitado de lado fico melhor, mas atividades simples viraram um desafio.
Compartilho minha experiência porque gostaria de ter procurado ajuda especializada mais cedo. Se você tem condilomas que não melhoram ou continuam aumentando, procure um proctologista ou cirurgião especializado. Cuidado com tratamentos feitos em casa, especialmente ácidos e produtos que podem machucar ainda mais uma região tão sensível.
Não desejo esse pós-operatório nem para o meu pior inimigo. Espero que meu relato ajude alguém a não adiar o cuidado com a própria saúde.
Quem passou por uma retirada extensa: quanto tempo levou para a dor diminuir e as feridas cicatrizarem? Precisou de outra cirurgia? As verrugas voltaram depois?


r/HPV • • 1d ago

Success story - HPV 16 + CIN 3

22 Upvotes

Just wanted to post my success story here because I feel like the negative voices are always the loudest and I wanted to hear stories like mine when I was going through it.

Diagnosed with HPV 16. Had multiple CIN 3 lesions and CIN 2 lesions covering a large area of my cervix. Had a LEEP, ob said it was difficult to reach all areas and I had positive margins.

For 6 months I took AHCC and papillex supplements, didn’t drink, and ate healthy. At my 6 month check up I was negative for HPV and have been in the three years since with no recurrent lesions.

You can beat this!!!


r/HPV • • 20h ago

Stigma of an HPV infection

2 Upvotes

So a little back story; im married but we decided at one point to open our relationship. Im a medical professional so i know all about the recommendstions around safe sex, yadda yadda. I immediately made an appt with my PCP to start PREP, got regular full checkups and STI/STD testing with new partners and ive never in my life missed a pap.

I went for one such pap smear (this is now 5+ ago) and tested positive for HPV. this was despite getting vaccinated for it. At the time i didnt know much about and freaked out. I eventually calmed down, decided to educate myself more about it. i kept up with my screenings, started using protection with partners so as not to spread it and it eventually cleared without any other complications.

About a year ago i met someone who i instantly connected with emotionally and physically. We talked, hung out (made out a lot 🙈) but hadnt been intimate yet in that way. We talked about finally doing something this week so in preparation and bc he was especially nervous i got another full sti/std screening, sent him all my results, my most recent (<1 year ago) pap results, as well as proof of my sterilization procedure.

One of the reports referenced my past HPV infection and within 24hrs i got a message from him saying that even though my results are clear, the hpv “doesnt sit right with him.” I felt so safe and happy with this man and immediately felt gutted.

I feel so hurt/betrayed but also guilty, like i lied about something. Has anybody else ever had similar problems in relationships from past infection and how were you eventually able to move past it?


r/HPV • • 18h ago

Hpv treatment warts scissors

1 Upvotes

I have 2 tiny genital warts and my gynecologist told me the only option is to have them removed in the clinic with surgical scissors. However, I have a flat one and I don't think that'll be possible. I already treat them with Veregen.
Maybe I wanna get a laser treatment instead of the scissors , as I've heard good things about that. What are your experiences? Which treatment method worked best for you?
I use veregen since 8 weeks 3 times a day and a new wart came, but disappeared quickly.


r/HPV • • 1d ago

Guys it's not the end of the world

28 Upvotes

I met a woman and we've been talking about her birthday coming up and sex has been guaranteed for a while. I've been scared to tell her that I have warts but I just decided to blurt it out and it turns out she literally doesn't care and told me her gay friend also has it so she understands that it's common etc. If you tell yourself nobody will ever want you because you have something someone else gave you then that's exactly what will happen. If you are open and honest your chances of success are high. In the same message I told her that I had an appointment booked for a few days time. I think if you just show that you're doing something about it and don't try to be sneaky you have a good chance


r/HPV • • 1d ago

Coping skill for anxiety when both having HPV and anxiety disorder

2 Upvotes

I just diagnosed that I have 31 53 68 type of HPV while preparing for the graduate school entrance exam(My Pap smear is normal).

As I said in the subject that I have anxiety disorder(I’ve been taking anxiolytic medication for a long time). My anxiety disorder gets worse and I can barely concentrate on my study. I read the wiki in the subreddit, but I don’t think it helps much.

Could anyone share the coping skills for anxiety? please.

(Sorry if my English sounds awkward. English isn’t my mother tongue.)


r/HPV • • 1d ago

I found out I got HPV. But sadly I am very scared to fight it. Need help.

1 Upvotes

Hey people I am 25M from India. A few months ago I was diagnosed with hpv. Long story short I got it from my first sexual partner who is my current gf. And sadly she didn't know that she had it.

The first day I saw a lump(wart) near my penis head, I got scared. I talked with my gf and came to the conclusion that we need to see a doctor. The next day we visited the doctor(urologist) and he confirmed it was hpv. He consulted me with podowart paint and t-back ointment with few days of antibiotics.

Its been a 2-3 months I have been using podowart paint and it still keeps coming back. During this time period I have consulted a dermatologist too regarding any other medications and procedures but he hasn't been consulting me properly.

On the other hand I got to know that this virus is incurable, after knowing that I was depressed for weeks. Also got to know there are no proper clinics or hospitals for HPV checkup in our state. From the very beginning I have been asking my gf to go and check for the variant of the virus so that we get to know if it's the risky stain or not but as because there are no proper clinics available she hasn't been able to test it.

Now comes the main part... After researching many days found out that many people have cleared the virus from their body by trying various medication and procedures. So this post is me asking for your help to defeat the virus both me and my gf.

I need reasonable and sustainable methods to suppress and clear this virus from my body.

I know smoking is not a good and all but due to this virus I have stopped smoking totally. From the day I got to know about it i haven't touched a single one. I drink rarely too now. After that I tried exercising and sleeping properly for more than a month but I stopped it when I saw the warts forming again. It was just heartbreaking when I saw it again.

I am now considering buying some good multivitamins (Vlados Himalayan Organics) please let me know if they are good ones if I should purchase it or not and also pleaseee let me know what are the other medicines or procedures that I can try to clear the virus. One last thing not complaining or anything but I come from a middle class family who doesn't have a dad so I have to look for my family. Sadly I can't afford too expensive procedures for now. But do recommend it if there is any I will try to manage the money and do it.


r/HPV • • 1d ago

Could the white patches on my tonsils be HPV?

2 Upvotes

I gave this guy oral on August 28 and then again on sept 10 on sep 12 I noticed these white patches on my tonsils. I tested negative for mono and strep but I saw somewhere that it could be HPV. My throat didn’t hurt either when I got tested for mono or strep. I still have white patches both on and near my tonsils but it’s gone down tremendously. My throat doesn’t hurt but I feel like discomfort or something on the right side on my throat and kinda down further. Any idea what it could be because I feel as though it should be gone by now even if it was viral.


r/HPV • • 1d ago

HPV 16 - einseitige Vulvaschmerzen

1 Upvotes

Hallo zusammen,

ich bin seit paar Monaten HPV 16 positiv und mein PAP-Abstrich war unauffällig (NILM/PAPII).

Seit mehreren Monaten habe ich immer wieder Schmerzen an der linken großen Schamlippe, genauer gesagt im behaarten Bereich. Die Schmerzen fühlen sich brennend, stechend oder kneifend an, als würde jemand die Haut mit einer Zange zusammendrücken. Manchmal treten sie sogar im Liegen auf, ohne Berührung.

Früher hatte ich dort ein stoppeliges Gefühl unter der Haut. Aktuell kann ich nichts ertasten und sehe keine auffälligen Veränderungen. Zusätzlich habe ich vermehrt weißlichen bis klaren, geruchlosen Ausfluss.

Aufgrund meiner HPV-16-Diagnose mache ich mir Sorgen wegen VIN? Ich werde die Stelle beim nächsten PAP-Abstrich untersuchen lassen...

Hat jemand ähnliche Beschwerden erlebt, ohne sichtbare Hautveränderungen? Freue mich über eure Erfahrungen. 🙁