Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and about your sexual habits and any prior episodes of STDs. Your doctor will then examine you to look for evidence of genital warts. A vinegar-like solution placed on the skin turns the warts white and makes diagnosis easier. Other diagnostic tests may include:

• Tissue biopsy - A small piece of tissue is removed and examined in a laboratory.

• Colposcopy - An instrument called a colposcope is used to magnify and inspect possible warts in the vagina and on the cervix.

• Papanicolaou (Pap) smear

All sex partners also should be tested for the infection.

Expected Duration

Genital warts may go away on their own or with treatment, or they may last for years. It is common for genital warts to return after they are removed.