Heather
It sounds like genital warts or "human papilloma virus". I did some research on sexually transmitted diseases and have seen pictures of what you described on the Center for Disease Control's website (you need a password to access it). The virus stays with you for life and can be activated when you are under stress or ill. I think if you follow your mother-in-laws advice it wouldn't hurt but just taking care of yourself in general will help. You will probably need to get these removed also and make sure you have your Pap smear every year or as often as the doctor recommends because I believe you are at higher risk because of the virus.