Finding a doctor to treat recalcitrant HPV in an uncomfortable location.

September 2, 2009 4:57 PM

Finding a doctor to treat recalcitrant HPV in an uncomfortable location. ("The back seat of a Volkswagen?")

Closeted gay man in Central Texas looking for a doctor to treat genital and anal warts.

I know you can only treat the symptoms. I'm not trying to hide my STD status from anyone. But the warts are ugly and uncomfortable, I'm vain and tired of having 'em — and while they're not spreading any, they're not going away on their own either. Humor me, k?

First question — what kind of doc do I see? A dermatologist? (They're not used to looking up people's butts, are they?) A proctologist? (Warts aren't really their thing though, right?) An STD clinic? (Maybe I'm sheltered, but I've only heard of Planned Parenthood — and they sort of focus on women, no?) I've got good health insurance and a GP I see occasionally, but he's not someone I'm comfortable discussing this with.

Second question — any recommendations? Austin's the closest big city. San Antonio's not too far away, and I can probably make it to Houston if I really have to. I don't care if the doc's gay or straight or what gender they are as long as they're gay-friendly and good at what they do. And, you know, okay with looking at butts.

email: [e-mail]

posted by anonymous to health & fitness (5 comments total)

STD treatment clinics in Texas.

Doctors at STD clinics are fine with looking at butts. Sorry about the warts thing, and best of luck with the treatment.
posted by Sidhedevil at 5:03 PM on September 2

This link might also help: http://yourstdhelp.com/texas.html. Austin's a good place to go in terms of a gay-friendly town, as well.
posted by questionsandanchors at 6:41 PM on September 2

I've only heard of Planned Parenthood — and they sort of focus on women, no?

Planned Parenthood also offers services for men. You might have gotten the impression they focus on women since there's more headlines about political battles over women's health services.

There are 94 Planned Parenthood health centers in Texas. Asking over the phone if they are gay-friendly should give you a good idea of whether they are.
posted by yohko at 6:53 PM on September 2

Your GP ought to know about significant parts of your health status, and any STD would certainly seem to qualify. HPV is phenomenally common and not a sign of any moral failing on your part for having it. It's fine if you go see somebody else for treatment, but you should tell your GP what you have, what treatment you are pursuing (especially any drugs you're taking), and who you're seeing for it. If you're not comfortable telling him about this at all, I would seriously consider finding a new doctor, as hiding things from your doctor tends to get in the way of effective medical care.

Also, if you haven't already, make sure you get a wide-ranging panel of STD tests performed. You're at risk and did contract HPV, and so it's certainly not out of the question that you've picked up something else as well. Be informed and get tested.

Good luck!
posted by zachlipton at 10:27 PM on September 2

Also... after working with plenty of docs... they've seen enough butts to make them not special anymore, even dermatologists and GP's. Hope for the best!
posted by razzamatazm at 11:27 PM on September 3