HPV genital warts appear in a variety of forms. They may be flat lesions or small, cauliflower-like bumps.
Genital warts usually appear around the penis or scrotum in men. In women, genital warts usually appear on the vulva but may also appear near the anus, on the cervix, or inside the vagina. While these are the most common areas of appearance, HPV warts can appear anywhere on the body including non-genital areas.
Your doctor will ask about your history of exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomoniasis. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source She may also do a biopsy or scrapping of the warts if needed to confirm their etiology. She will check for genital discharges and other symptoms. The doctor may ask about the color and smell of the vaginal or penis discharge. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Your doctor will also ask about your sex practices and sexual behavior. Do you use condoms with your partner? Do you have more than one sex partner?[7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The doctor may also ask if you have heterosexual intercourse, homosexual intercourse, or both, as risk factors are different. Your doctor will perform a physical assessment to determine abnormalities in the affected areas. Inform the doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Your doctor will ask about your history of exposure to sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or trichomoniasis. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source She may also do a biopsy or scrapping of the warts if needed to confirm their etiology. She will check for genital discharges and other symptoms. The doctor may ask about the color and smell of the vaginal or penis discharge. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Your doctor will also ask about your sex practices and sexual behavior. Do you use condoms with your partner? Do you have more than one sex partner?[7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source The doctor may also ask if you have heterosexual intercourse, homosexual intercourse, or both, as risk factors are different. Your doctor will perform a physical assessment to determine abnormalities in the affected areas. Inform the doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Over-the-counter creams like salicylic acid can be effective in treating genital warts. Your doctor may prescribe certain creams to enhance your immune system to fight off the warts. Your doctor can also remove a wart surgically or freeze it off using liquid nitrogen. Laser surgery can also be used to remove warts. Your doctor may also prescribe you an immune response modifier, such as Aldara (Imiquimod) cream. While this won’t cure your genial warts, it is very affective in making cosmetic improvements. [10] X Research source
Having multiple sex partners and engaging in risky sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex, can increase your risk for developing HPV. If your skin is damaged, you’re more likely to contract HPV during sex. If you’ve had sex with someone with genital warts, this also increases your risk. People with immunodeficiencies, such as people with AIDS or cancer, are also more at risk of developing this condition.
