Genital Warts: Understanding, Symptoms & Risks

Question
Dear Dr.

My fiance was just told by his doctor that a bump on his penis is Genital warts.  a couple years ago 2 different navy doctors diagnosed it as a skin tack.  This was before I was with him.

Anyway, recently we stopped using condoms, just me on the pill.  So now I'm concerned for myself.

I have some very small bumps and a doctor told me she could not see anything.  This upset me because i didn't think she looked very good.  Regardless, I read on the web that applying Vinegar will make warts turn white if they are present.  I did this and had numorous dots of white, oddly enough most were where i felt bumps.

My question is ... Is this method fairly accurate?  I am not asking for a diagnosis but the bumps are still very small and I am wondering is this the best time to find treatment or should I just wait.  I also want to know if this method is accurate so i don't have to wonder if it could be anything else.

Also, if you feel this is an accurate method, I will go to another Dr again, but is there a test they can run if they are still so very small?  Is there even treatment before they become bigger or do i have to just wait.

Thanks
Jacalyn

Answer
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). They are common and usually disappear after the age of 30. Some strains of HPV are associated with the development of cervical cancer. Any time that you place vinegar (acetic acid) on your skin, certain cells will turn white. It is not a specific test and should not be used to "diagnose" HPV or warts. Unless the lesions are extensive and bothersome, you need not do anything. If they are enlarged, they can be removed using Condilex or podophilin treatments. When you get your next PAP smear, you should also be tested for HPV. If it is negative, you do not have to do anything.