One day while bathing or using the toilet, you notice an unusual spot on your genitalia. Is it a genital wart? Here are some ways to find out.
1. Have you been celibate during the past several months? That’s the only way to guarantee that the spot is not a genital wart. Genital warts are highly contagious and spread through skin-to-skin contact, generally through sex. Therefore, if you have not been celibate, you may have contracted genital warts through your partner.
2. Is the spot moist?
3. Is the spot soft?
4. Is the spot flesh colored or gray in color?
These are the main genital warts symptoms. They can be flat or raised. You may see several in a cluster or a single wart. They may or may not itch or bleed. They may also be painful.
Genital warts can appear anywhere inside or outside your genitalia: groin, anus, cervix, vagina or vulva. If you engage in oral sex, you may also find them in your mouth.
Because their appearance varies, it is a good idea to look online for genital warts pictures or photos to aid you in your diagnosis. Unfortunately, to be 100 percent certain, you should visit your doctor. Your doctor can also recommend a course of treatment, which is necessary because genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus, which is associated with some forms of cancer.
If you suspect you have genital warts, see your doctor as soon as possible. Also, be sure to tell your sexual partner, who may not be aware that he or she has this problem.
