Ways
to test for genital warts
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The
most common way to test if someone has genital warts is
to have a visual examination by a doctor. This method of
genital warts testing relies deeply
on physical signs of the hpv virus which can be spotted
by a professional
Genital
warts can appear anywhere on your genitals and in your mouth
as single red-white warts or appear in clusters that can
look like cauliflowers (see
genital warts pictures).
For visible signs of genital warts doctors can use acetic
acid (vinegar) to test if someone has genital warts on the
area.
However,
not all the strains of the hpv virus cause visible genital
warts. So other testing methods can be used.
If
there are any warts in the area they will turn white, and
reveal themselves. This acetic acid genital warts testing
cannot be done though if the genital warts are within the
vagina or the cervix. If they are a Pap Smear test would
be used. Pap Smear testing on woman are done regularly and
if the patient tests positive for genital warts they should
have Pap smear tests as regularly as every six months even
if their genital warts have gone due to links with cervical
cancer. This testing will go on every 6 months for a year
and a half and if there are no signs of cervical cancer
the patients regular Pap Smear test routine can continue
as normal.
These
are just the main ways of testing that can be done to test
if someone has genital warts. If you want to find out more,
you will need to consult with your local GP or visit your
local STD clinic.
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