Genital warts usually begin as small bumps that may grow to form large, fungating or cauliflower-like lesions in the vulva, which include the external genital organs between the vagina and anus in women and the scrotum and anus in men. In women, vaginal mucosa, as well as the urethra, may also be affected. Although uncommon, men can also have genital warts in the head and shaft of the penis, the scrotum and the urethra.

The human papilloma virus or HPV is the causative agent of genital warts. Most commonly, it is transmitted through sexual contacts, and it affects both men and women. The lesions are much larger and more resembling a cauliflower in patients who are diabetic, are pregnant, who are taking oral contraceptives, or are immunocompromised.

Once you observe any of these, the following guidelines would be most helpful if one suspects that he or she might have genital warts:

1. The first thing to do is not to touch it! Autoinoculation or self-infection can happen. Bear in mind that the human papilloma virus can thrive anywhere in the body. Thus, any part can become infected.
2. Be sure that it is a wart. Several people misdiagnose a common mole as a wart. One way to differentiate the two is that a wart is involves thickening of the outer skin layer but a mole does not.
3. Consult your doctor. True, every woman dreads the feeling of the speculum inside her, but, better to be safe than sorry! The diagnosis of genital warts is usually made by visual inspection and is confirmed by a biopsy. A biopsy usually is indicated if the diagnosis is not certain, the lesions do not respond or worsens during therapy, the patient is immunocompromised or if there is a change in the color, size and the character of the lesion. The acetic acid application test is the test most gynecologists use to identify flat, genital warts. A 3%-5% acetic acid solution is applied on the suspected infected genital mucosal whitish tissue. If positive for the test, the genital mucosal tissue will turn to whitish color.
4. Be celibate or practice safe sex. If you love your partner, you wouldn't want him/her to be infected. Sexual intercourse is the primary mode of transmission of the human papilloma virus. There is still a considerable debate on the effectiveness of condoms in the prevention of HPV-related infections. But, as it is, condoms can still provide a barrier between the genital mucosa and the virus, thus decreasing the chances of acquiring the infection.
5. Give Wartrol a try. Wartrol, a homeopathic remedy, can alleviate symptoms associated to genital warts. Composed of natural herbs and minerals, Wartol is both effective and safe in destroying the warts. Be sure to follow the instructions on the labels carefully before you apply it, and be compliant in its application.
6. Pregnant? DON'T TRY PODOPHYLLIN. Podophyllin has been proven to be teratogenic and can cause abnormal defects in the newborn. If you are pregnant, or suspects that you are pregnant, consult your doctor immediately for institution of appropriate medical treatment as well as proper timing and mode of delivery of your baby.

For most patients, genital warts usually respond within 3 months of therapy. If no improvement has been observed within this period, it is better to again consult your doctor for evaluation of the course of your therapy and change your treatment regimen.

If the treatment regimen is done properly, complications rarely occur, although there can be the persistence of hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation.