Genital warts testing procedure

Genital warts testing can be done in many different ways, although the most common method is that of a visual examination.

This method of genital warts testing relies heavily on the fact that there  will be physical signs

visible to the naked eye of the genital warts infection.

However, as this isn't always the case and not all people who have the genital warts HPV infection display any visible signs, other genital warts testing methods may also need to be utilized.

Genital warts can also show up as small lesions on the skin, and can at times be red. They can also be large and gathered in clusters or have a cauliflower like appearance to them. Some warts however, can be flat and almost invisible to the naked eye.

In this case, the physician will take into account the other symptoms that the patient displays and will look into further genital warts testing methods. For one of these genital warts testing methods the physician will daub a small amount of acetic acid (vinegar) on the suspected area.

If there are any warts in the area they will turn white, thereby revealing themselves. This acetic acid genital warts testing method can of course only be accomplished if the warts are on the outside genital area. If the warts are found in the vagina or the cervix the genital warts testing methods will differ.

One such genital warts testing method is a pap smear. Pap smear tests should be conducted on a regular basis, and if the patient tests positive for genital HPV, they should have Pap smear tests as regularly as every three to six months even after the infection has cleared up.

This state of genital warts testing should continue until three consecutive good results are obtained. After that the patient may go back to her normal routine of Pap smear testing.

Another such genital warts testing method is called a colposcopic exam. In this genital warts testing method, a speculum is used to part the walls of the vagina. An acetic acid solution is then applied to the cervix and the walls of the vagina.

If there is a difference in shading readily apparent after the application of the acid solution, a special dye will then be applied to these suspect areas. If the dye does not take, then a sample of cells is taken. This is done by using a small swab or a wooden spatula. This sample is then sent off for genital warts testing.

These are but a few examples of available genital warts testing methods which are available, and if you want to find out more, you will need to consult with your physician or primary caregiver.