Kinsey Confidential

QUESTION: Hi, this may be a terribly awkward e-mail to read but here goes. Well, first off I have had these small bumps on the tip of my penis, or just under it I should say. I am not circumcised if that matters. Anyways I have had these bumps for as long as I can remember, at least since my first sexual contact. They don't cause me pain, however they are sensitive, but I'm not sure if they are genital warts. I have read so many articles and looked at the pictures. Mine seem too small to be warts, but I want to know for sure, and I am way too shy to see a doctor in person. I was wondering if there was anyway that I could send a picture or something and the doctor or whoever knows about the warts could let me know what I should do and if they are in fact warts. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks. \nANSWER: Thanks for your question. It's not at all an awkward question to read - we get these kinds of questions all the time at KISISS (that's what we're here for!). \nUnfortunately it is impossible to diagnose genital warts from a picture. While some are large and shaped like cauliflower, more often they look like little pimples. However, it is also very common to have random lumps and bumps (that can also look like little pimples) on men's or women's genitals. Not all these bumps are problematic. Some just come and go like other bumps on the skin, some are infected hair follicles or ingrown hairs, and some do indicate a sexually transmitted infection. \nEven though we're talking about men's genitals here instead of women's, "The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health" by Dr. Elizabeth Stewart has an excellent chapter about the various lumps and bumps that can show up on women's genitals -- and many of the same kind can show up on men's genitals. After all, it's still just skin.\nPlease consider checking in with a healthcare provider; they commonly get asked questions about various genital things (genitals with bumps, genitals that itch, genitals that feel uncomfortable, genitals that have reddened areas or a rash, etc). Many men and women wonder about their genitals and genital health, or if they have infections -- and no wonder, infections like herpes, the human papillomavirus (HPV, which can cause genital warts) and chlamydia are VERY common, especially among teenagers and men and women who are in their 20s. \nIn the case of HPV, it is estimated that about 60 to 80 percent of sexually active adults will have had HPV at some point so, trust us, it is a very common concern. Men and women ask healthcare providers about it all the time! It's not bad to wonder about your body's health, it's actually very admirable and sexually responsible. The IU Health Center has kind, knowledgeable healthcare providers on staff and they tend to be quite affordable too. You can learn more at www.indiana.edu/~health. In town, you can even go to Planned Parenthood (yes, they see men as well and are also low-cost). If you prefer to go elsewhere, the Bellflower Clinic in Indianapolis is another low-cost option.\nHPV warts sometimes go away on their own, though treatment is available that can increase the chances that warts will go away or reduce the chance that they will get larger, so there truly are benefits to getting checked out by a healthcare provider. And, while you are taking care of yourself, don't forget your responsibility to your sexual partner to be honest and open. You can learn more about HPV and genital warts on the KISISS Web site (www.indiana.edu/~kisiss).