Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor. Women might schedule an appointment with their gynecologists.

What you can do

Make a list of your:

• Symptoms and when they began. Describe your symptoms and note whether your sexual partner has had similar symptoms.
• Sexual history, including all recent exposures to possible sources of infection, particularly if you've had unprotected sex or sex with a new partner.
• Key medical information, including other conditions you're being treated for.
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses.

For genital warts, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What tests do I need?
• Should I also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections?
• What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
• How soon after I begin treatment can I expect to get better?
• Am I contagious? How can I reduce the risk of passing this infection to others?
• Should my partner be tested for this condition?
• When can I safely have sex again?
• Will my genital warts come back?
• Am I at risk of complications related to genital warts?
• How often should I be screened for other health conditions related to genital warts?
• Are there printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, including:

• How severe are your symptoms?
• Do you practice safe sex? Have you always done so?
• Have you recently had sex with a new partner?
• Has your partner been tested for sexually transmitted infections?
• Have you had the HPV vaccine? When?
• Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant?