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Step 1
Upon noticing an unusual bump or abrasion in the genital area, use a mirror to get a better view of it. This can best be done by laying down on a light colored towel and exposing the supposed infected area. The view is important as external warts can appear on the anus, vulva, shaft, and within the genital area. If oral sex has been performed, they may also appear in the throat or inside the mouth.
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Step 2
While warts look differently on nearly everyone, they can range in appearance from resembling a cauliflower on a male's penis to a large mis-shaped mole near the anus. Warts can also be flat and invisible to the naked-eye. Doctors often apply vinegar to the area which in turn changes the warts white, making them easier to see. Warts can also appear in "schools" and it is rare that only one will appear, so note if there are multiple spread throughout the genital area that were not previously there. Unlike herpes breakouts however, they do not appear like sores or blisters unless they have been irritated, in which case they may bleed. Razor bumps and other irritations in the area can be mistaken for warts as well.
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Step 3
If the mysterious bump in your genital area resembles genital wart photos, look at the symptoms, such as any itching, bleeding or irritation. Ask yourself how long they wart has been in appearance and if you've had any encounters which could result in genital warts. Do not worry if you cannot immediately remember an encounter as HPV can have large incubation period between infection and an initial breakout. Although HPV has various strands, strands 6 and 11 produce genital warts while many others can eventually cause cervical cancer.
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Step 4
If the bump appears to be a wart and fits all of the descriptions described in the previous steps, make an appointment with a medical professional immediately and mention that you have found a bump that may be the result of a sexually transmitted disease outbreak. The medical professional may diagnose you officially and you may be given medical treatment to get rid of the topical warts. However, HPV will not be cured by the treatment alone as there is currently no medical cure. The virus can however go away on its own. The only sure way to know if you have genital warts caused by HPV is to visit a medical professional who can let you know if the abrasion is caused by another environmental factor or an actual sexually transmitted disease.
