I have a question about genital warts. I have them and have not yet sought treatment. I have heard about a new medication that you apply at home. Do you know of this treatment? What other problems are associated with having these warts? How long does treatment last? What are my other treatment options? -- L

Dear L:

First, if you really think that you have a possibility of having contracted genital warts, or any other sexually transmitted disease, march yourself to the nearest clinic or gynecologist's office and get an exam. Don't fool around with questionable medical conditions, especially concerning the vulva, vagina or anus, EVER.

That said, there are topical treatments for many types of warts, but there is no safe, reliable medical cream, jelly or tincture to be found over the counter for the delicate tissue affected by genital warts, which is specifically the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV occurs at staggering rates in the United States, at 500,000 to 1 million new cases each year.

The virus stays in your body for life; only the symptoms abate with intervention. HPV has a variety of properties and can resemble tiny cauliflowers, dots or miniature fingerlike structures; the warts can be flat, round, smooth, bumpy, pink, brown, white or gray. Get the idea? They are hard to identify. And certainly, when they grow inside the vagina or anus or around the cervix, they are impossible to see with the human eye.

According to scientific research on this complex little devil, in 8 out of 10 cases those warts will eventually reappear. That's important to know if you are in more than one sexual relationship over time. A dude of long ago can be the donor for this month's love affair. One of the best resources for up-to-date information on sexually transmissible diseases is the American Social Health Association (ASHA ).

Direct skin contact with HPV is the most common way to get it. And as with any non-monogamous sexual encounter, even with a reliable method of contraception in place, use protection, such as latex condoms to avoid STDs. Oddly enough, HPV is often found in women and men with a history of early first sexual intercourse and can be a risk factor for cervical cancer.

The most common methods for treatment are freezing them out with cryosurgery or laser surgery. Your health care provider also can apply chemicals to treat the areas. I always advocate that prevention is the best treatment. So if you discover that you are NOT infected with HPV, then find out what's ailing your body. Be sure to use protection in the future, and become as informed as you can before you launch into new sexual experiences that might lead to harm.