Gynecological exam for genital warts (human papillomavirus)

Exam Overview

A gynecological exam for genital warts includes:

• Visual exam of the vulva.
• Speculum exam.
• Bimanual pelvic exam.
• Rectal exam.
• Rectovaginal exam.

The visual exam and the speculum exam are the most important for diagnosing genital warts.

Some health professionals may use an acetowhite test to make the warts more visible. A vinegar solution (weak acetic acid) may be applied to the skin to show the difference between normal and abnormal tissue. A slight burning sensation may occur when the acetic acid is applied. The acetowhite test is not routinely recommended to confirm genital warts.

The size, position, and appearance of the rectum, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries are determined during these exams.

Why It Is Done

A gynecological exam may be done as part of a routine checkup or to determine whether you have genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Results

Findings of a gynecological exam may include the following.

Normal

Genital warts are not seen during the exam. HPV may be present even if the exam is normal and no genital warts are seen. Many women infected with HPV do not have visible genital warts.

Abnormal

Genital warts are seen during the exam. Treatment is based on:

• The number, size, and location of visible warts.
• Your symptoms.
• Your preferences.

An HPV infection that causes an abnormal Pap test will be treated differently than HPV that causes visible genital warts.

What To Think About

Genital warts may be discovered during a routine gynecological exam. Many women do not notice genital warts if the warts are small or are on the vagina or cervix.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: August 17, 2006
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
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