QUESTION
I recently contracted HPV from my partner. I had the genital warts removed, went through the process of treatment, and received all three Gardasil shots. Even though we use protection, the warts have resurfaced. How can I get rid of the warts for good?

ANSWER
HPV is very, very common and unfortunately not curable. That said, some infections do go away on their own. Condoms greatly reduce the chance of getting HPV, but once you have it, the best doctors can do is treat the symptoms. The Gardasil shots are meant to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. The shots have no role in treatment.

But as you know, there are many ways for warts to be removed. Your doctor might treat warts by freezing them or using a small amount of acid or medicine to break down the wart. There are also take-home creams available with a prescription. To learn more, check out http://www.sfcityclinic.org/stdbasics/hpv.asp and visit City Clinic or your local doctor.

Even once your warts are gone, it is important that you continue to use condoms. You can get HPV again and can share it with others even after the warts have disappeared. Condoms will help you prevent infecting a new partner.

To your health,
Dr. K