Do I have genital warts?
Only a nurse or doctor can tell you for sure if you have genital warts. If you think you have warts on your genitals or anus, see a nurse or doctor right away.
How do I know if I have genital warts?
If you think you have warts on or around your genitals or anus, get checked out by a nurse or doctor as soon as you can. Other STDs, like herpes and syphilis, can look like genital warts but need different treatment.
It’s also possible that the bump you think is a wart is actually a mole, skin tag, pearly penile papule, hemorrhoid, or other skin condition. Your doctor or nurse can often just look at the bumps and make a diagnosis — you don’t have to get a blood test or anything like that.
Once you get a checkup over with, it can really put your mind at ease. And if you DO have genital warts, the sooner you find out the better. You can talk to your doctor about treatment options and learn how to avoid spreading them to other people.
Where can I get checked for genital warts?
You can get checked for genital warts at your doctor’s office, a community health clinic, the health department, or your local Planned Parenthood health center.
STD testing isn’t usually part of your regular checkup or gynecologist exam — you have to ask for it. Be honest with your nurse or doctor so they can help you figure out which tests are best for you. Don’t be embarrassed: Your doctor is there to help you, not judge you.