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Genital Warts

How are genital warts diagnosed?

Only your health care provider can properly diagnose genital warts. Genital warts can be seen during a routine pelvic exam or diagnosis can be based on results from an abnormal Pap smear. There is also a test that can be used which detect the HPV DNA, possibly indicating infection.

Often, however, genital warts cause no symptoms. To identify warts or other abnormal tissue, your health care provider may apply acetic acid (vinegar) to the genital area. This will cause infected areas to turn white, making them more visible. Then, he or she may view them through a special microscope called a colposcope. The acetic acid, itself, should not be used as a diagnostic tool by itself, due to the fact that it can falsely highlight other normal bumps.

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