19-year-old with warts, lump on sensitive area due to HPV asks for help from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A 19-year-old suffering from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is asking for help from the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

In a "24 Oras" report on Monday, Louie (not his real name) said he suspects it stemmed from him being sexually active with a former partner, whom he met on social media.

"Dati po akong sexually active pero nag-iisang boyfriend ko po nun. Seventeen years old lang po ako nun. 'Yung isip ko po noon, mapusok pa," he said.

("I was sexually active before with my only boyfriend. I was 17 years old. My mind was impulsive.")

"Sobrang sisi po ako kasi parang 'di ko naisip 'yung mga consequences [I regret it so much because I didn't think of the consequences]," he added.

Though they've broken up, their relationship left marks on his body. He now has warts all over his legs and a lump as huge as two fists on his behind.

Louie's mother earns just enough for their needs as a house helper while his father is already senior citizen, so he approached the GMA Kapuso Foundation for help.

The foundation visited him in their home and gave him medicine, vitamins, and a hygiene kit. He was also given medical assistance from a San Lazaro Hospital dermatologist, Dr. Dianna Sia.

"Meron siyang tinatawag na human papillomavirus infection. Based sa sensitibong parte ng katawan, ang mas tamang tawag ay condyloma acuminata. Ooperahan na para i-debulk siya," Sia said.

("He has what's called human papillomavirus infection. Based on a sensitive part of his body, it's more accurate to call it condyloma acuminata. It should be operated so it'll be debulked.")

Louie also tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), a virus that weakens the body's immune system. Dr. Sia advised everyone to stay protected when sexually active.

"Kung bagong kilala lang, gumamit s'yempre ng protection, condom, kasi ang HIV, sa sexual contact at sa injection," she said, also assuring that HIV patients can live normally.

("If you’ve just met them, use protection, a condom, because HIV, you get that from sexual contact or injection.")

"Marami na tayong HIV patient na parang normal na silang namumuhay. Mas maganda magpa check up [We have lots of HIV patients that live normally. It's better to get a checkup]."

The GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News