Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus): When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your health professional if you have not been diagnosed with genital warts and you have any of the following symptoms:

Sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts on or around your genitals or anus
Burning, pain, or severe itching while urinating
You suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
For women, an abnormal vaginal discharge that smells bad
For men, an abnormal discharge from your penis

Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined by a health professional.

Children

A child can get genital warts in several ways. Any child with genital warts needs to be evaluated by a health professional to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse.

Rarely, infants may develop warts in the larynx (laryngeal papillomas), which is in the throat, from exposure to HPV during birth.

Watchful Waiting

A health professional should evaluate any warts or other symptoms that suggest infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) or another sexually transmitted disease (STD). Avoid sexual contact until you have been examined. If you have an STD, avoid sexual contact to prevent spreading the virus.

After you are diagnosed with genital warts, if you do not have symptoms or cosmetic concerns, you and your health professional may observe your condition without using medical treatment. This is called watchful waiting. This period may vary from a few days to weeks or possibly months.

Who To See

Generally, your family doctor or any of the following health professionals can determine whether you have genital warts:

Treatment may require a specialist, such as a:

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

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Last updated:	August 17, 2006
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman

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