The worst part of having genital warts (Condylomata acuminata) is that they are not always visible. You can easily infect your partner with human papillomavirus or HPV unknowingly because you did not know that you are carrying the virus. That is why sexually active persons should undergo regular check up even though there are no visible warts. Moreover, if you by any chance have some inkling that you may be growing genital warts, do not rush out to buy those over the counter genital wart removal lotions and creams. Have it diagnosed first.

First, make sure the growths in the genital area are not Molluscum Contagiosum, Fordyce’s spots or Hirsuties papillaries genitalis. Only a qualified physician can do that. He will take into consideration other symptoms before testing it clinically. That can be done by dabbing acetic acid on the area. However, you should not feel adventurous enough to try it your self.  In general, you can recognize them by the following symptoms:
1.    Genital warts have different hues. Generally, they are red, pink, whitish or grey.
2.    They are usually soft, flat and irregularly shaped mounds.
3.    Unless they are irritated by contact, they can be painless.
4.    If the warts are irritated, they start itching and burning.
5.    If left untreated, the warts may become enlarged, raised and they may multiply into cauliflower-shaped clusters or ulcerate. However, they sometimes retreat on their own.
6.    Enlarged genital warts naturally cause more discomfort.
7.    Ulcerate warts may bleed, itch or produce foul smelling discharge.
8.    Depending upon the location of the warts one might find it difficult to urinate. Defecation and intercourse may also become painful.
9.    If the warts are in the throat one might find it hard to swallow.

Yes, genital warts do not come out only in the genital area. It can come out inside the mouth and the throat if you have oral sex with an infected partner, or near the anus, if you have anal sex with one. Other places where genital warts can come out are in and out side the vagina, in the mouth of the uterus, in the tip as well as the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum etc.

Genital warts treatment partially depends on the location and the condition of the warts. It is easier if the warts come out in places where you can put in creams and lotions yourself. On the other hand, if they come out deep inside the vagina or in the mouth of the uterus you have to depend on the doctor-applied treatment procedure. However, none of the doctor-applied procedure is without side effects and 100% effective.

The liquid nitrogen cryosurgery is safe even for a pregnant woman, but is successful only in 71% to 79% cases. Recurrence of wart is reported in 38% to 73% cases in six months time. Local infections have also been reported after the surgery. Applying Trichloroacetic acid is also another method, which is less effective than cryosurgery. Moreover, you cannot apply Trichloroacetic acid in the vagina, cervix or urinary meatus. Surgical excision is successful if the warts are big in size. Laser ablation, in spite of being very expensive, does not seem to be more effective than surgical excision. Interferon is another tool in the hands of the doctors. It is expensive, but safe, though not very consistent.

Many however, prefer self-applied genital warts medication to those applied by the doctors. In fact, many genital wart patients do not want to see a doctor out of embarrassments. Others find the treatment too harsh. For them there are many lotions and creams to be used in the privacy of their homes. Even those who would rather depend on online creams and lotions should at least visit the doctor once.

Before embarking on any genital warts treatments on your own, keep two things in mind:
1.    There are some prescription lotions and creams that you can use in the privacy of your home. Imiquimod, podofilox and Polyphenon E ointment made from green tea leaves extraction are some examples of such prescription drugs.
2.     Watrol, Dermisil or Heal Warts are some homeopathic drugs that you can buy on line. They claim to be more effective than prescription medications because they take out warts from the roots. Therefore, there is no recurrence of the same wart.

There are many genital warts treatment review websites. These websites not only give a list of all the FDA approved medications, but also post comparative studies of different types of genital wart creams and oils. Go through them before you come to any conclusion.