Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)

A doctor usually can diagnose visible genital warts using your medical history and a physical exam. But not all HPV infections cause visible warts. If you don't have any visible genital warts or other symptoms, it may be hard for your doctor to diagnose HPV infection. Your doctor may ask you the following questions:

• Do you think you were exposed to HPV or any Reference sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Opens New Window? How do you know? Did your partner tell you?
• What are your symptoms? If you have discharge from the vagina or penis, it is important to note any smell or color.
• Did you use condoms to protect against STIs?
• Which sexual behaviors do you or your partner engage in, including Reference high-risk behaviors such as sex with multiple partners?
• Have you had an STI in the past? How was it treated?
• Have you ever had an abnormal Reference Pap test (for women)?

For women

After your doctor takes your medical history, you will have a Reference gynecological exam, which usually includes a Pap test.

A Pap test screens for abnormal cells on the Reference cervix Opens New Window. Results of the Pap test may indicate an HPV infection even though you have no visible warts.

Women over age 30 may get a screening test for HPV at the same time as a Pap test. This Reference HPV test looks for the DNA (genetic information) of the virus. Women under 30 usually get the HPV test only if they have an Reference abnormal Pap test.^{Reference 3}

If your doctor finds areas of abnormal tissue on the cervix (which may be related to HPV infection), he or she may recommend treatment.

For men

After the medical history, you will have a Reference physical exam for genital warts.

Doctors do not recommend a screening test for HPV infection in men.

For men and women

Some experts believe that people who receive anal sex should have a screening for anal cancer, especially if they also have Reference HIV infection Opens New Window. Ask your doctor whether and how often you should be tested.

If visible warts are present, a diagnosis can usually be made without more testing.

When your doctor finds abnormal tissue but cannot make a definite diagnosis, you may have a Reference biopsy for lab tissue studies.

Testing for the type of HPV that is causing warts is not useful for diagnosis. This test is not routinely done for diagnosis or treatment of genital warts.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.