Hi. Around the time when I get my period, I get vaginal irritation and itchiness, so after a few months, I went to see my gynaecologist and he diagnosed HPV. I don't have warts - nothing like any of the descriptions I've read about. I just have irritation and swelling. He says the virus causes discomfort during menstruation because the immune system is weaker at this time.
He also said I shouldn't worry about cancer, because pap smears have been normal, but prescribed aldara. I've read the treatment can be very uncomfortable, and I'm wondering if it's worth it, seeing as I have no warts, and the crean might make the irritation worse (at the moment, it's not really too much of a problem). My question is; should I try to have a healthy diet and use natural topical treatment (aloe works ok) and let my body fight the virus, or am I at risk of developing the warts if I don't use aldara now? And also, will aldara help get rid of the periodic irritation?
I also wonder if I could have been misdiagnosed. How is the virus diagnosed normally? My doctor seemed convinced I had the virus as soon as I said I'm sexually active and have been itching, which seemed strange to me!
Thanks for any help!
He also said I shouldn't worry about cancer, because pap smears have been normal, but prescribed aldara. I've read the treatment can be very uncomfortable, and I'm wondering if it's worth it, seeing as I have no warts, and the crean might make the irritation worse (at the moment, it's not really too much of a problem). My question is; should I try to have a healthy diet and use natural topical treatment (aloe works ok) and let my body fight the virus, or am I at risk of developing the warts if I don't use aldara now? And also, will aldara help get rid of the periodic irritation?
I also wonder if I could have been misdiagnosed. How is the virus diagnosed normally? My doctor seemed convinced I had the virus as soon as I said I'm sexually active and have been itching, which seemed strange to me!
Thanks for any help!
I suppose a second opinion is what you should get. Do not mention anything to the second doctor and see what s/he has to say and then you could ask all the questions you need to know and compare the answers.
That is at least what I should do....Aldara does seem a little harsh, so why use it if it's not necessary.
That is at least what I should do....Aldara does seem a little harsh, so why use it if it's not necessary.
thank you for replying. have you ever heard of hpv having these symptoms though? of causing irritation only during menstruation?
I've been looking for similar complaints on different forums, but haven't found anything like this mentioned. Has anybody ever heard of anything else that would cause this?
again, thanks!
I've been looking for similar complaints on different forums, but haven't found anything like this mentioned. Has anybody ever heard of anything else that would cause this?
again, thanks!
I have been diagnosed with HPV, and having bad cramps. Is this normal? And could anyone tell me anything else about this?