Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely start by seeing your primary care provider. Depending on where your warts are located, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the skin (dermatologist), feet (podiatrist) or reproductive organs (gynecologist or urologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment
• Key personal information, including major stresses, recent life changes and your sexual history
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

For HPV infection, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes?
• Do I need to have any tests?
• How can I prevent HPV infection in the future?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that 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, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• Are you in a monogamous sexual relationship? Is your partner?
• Where have you found lesions?
• Are the lesions painful or itchy?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?