Although genital warts are one of the most common sexually-transmitted diseases, patients' perceptions about this disease have not been widely studied. Our objective of this research was to better understand patient perceptions concerning genital warts, treatment, and the impact infection has on lifestyle. We interviewed 166 patients who had been treated for genital warts within the previous 6 months in five countries in North America (Canada, US) and Europe (France, Germany, UK) during 1993-1994. In each country 30 to 36 patients were interviewed, with efforts made to divide equally by gender and age. Questionnaires were administered individually in the local language to patients in person. Although two-thirds of patients consulted a physician at first discovery of genital warts, among the remaining one-third, the greatest percentage (40%) did not do so because they thought the warts would go away. Patients reported that infection with genital warts was a concern - 85% of men and 91% of women indicated that they were at least slightly concerned. A greater level of concern was expressed among those in Canada, US and the UK with more patients quite or very concerned (Canada 70%, US 72%, UK 64%) than patients in France (36%) and Germany (42%). The most frequently cited concerns of both men and women were transmission (37%), recurrence (36%), pain (28%), emotional/sexual concerns (26%) and treatment efficacy (24%). When asked if genital warts had changed their lifestyle, approximately two-thirds of patients reported lifestyle changes (67% men; 58% women) with consistent use of condoms cited most frequently. Nearly half of the patients (46% men; 45% women) reported knowing enough about genital warts, but actual statements about the disease suggested some misinformation. Since physicians were globally cited as the most common source of information about genital warts, this qualitative research has practical implications and outlines the important psychosexual component of genital warts which physicians must address along with the disease.