I had a single episode of hpv warts when I was a teenager. Then I never had another issue with them, ever. Until now. I have a bump that has surfaced between my labia majora and my labia minora. It definitely looks like a wart. I have an appt tomorrow to confirm. But I am confused as to why this is showing up now when nothing has been present for the last 22 years? Am I right in assuming this is from the virus I contracted years ago and not a new infection? Is it common for warts to clear themselves and then come back decades later?
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HPV warts 22 years after infection
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Welcome to A2A, anonyme. It is possible for warts to clear and come back decades later, though it is not common. The wart virus, like some other viruses, can insert itself into the DNA of some of your cells and stay there indefinitely. Usually it seems the immune system prevents the virus from reappearing, but if the immune system is weakened (perhaps by stress?) it is possible that warts may return.
More often a new wart indicates a new infection. Can that be ruled out? The latency period between infection and warts appearing is very variable, and can be months or years.
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I wish I could rule out a new infection... I have been married for over a decade and have been with no other partners. I did find some concerning online activity by my husband last year but he swore to me it was only online and he had done nothing physical with anyone. I want to believe that, but it is hard to say after the types of messages I found in his phone.
I have definitely been under stress- but it is much better than it was say last year or the year before and I didn't turn up with anything then.
Ughh... so frustrating!
First thing's first. Off to the doc tomorrow to confirm.
Thank you for welcoming me to the community and for your quick response. -
Just wanted to update. Doc said "that doesn't look like a wart to me. Most likely inflamed follicle/ folliculitis." Super relieving! Had full STI panel ordered just in case.
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@anonyme Thanks for the update! That is good news!
(And good news for your husband, too!)