Genital warts are soft, wart-like growths on the genitals caused by a virus. Genital warts are a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI).

The virus responsible for genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). More than 70 different types of HPV exist. Several types cause genital warts.

Genital warts may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, larynx, and around and in the anus.

Other types of HPV are associated with common or flat warts found on other parts of the skin, such as the hands. However, people will not get genital warts from contact with warts on the hands or other parts of the body.

HPV infection around the genitals is common, although most people have no symptoms. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, however, you must be treated to prevent complications and spreading the condition to others.

In women, HPV can invade the walls of the vagina and cervix. These warts are flat and not easy to see without special procedures.

Certain types of HPV can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, cervical cancer, or anal cancer. These are called high-risk types of HPV.

The following are important facts about how HPV and genital warts can be spread:

• HPV infection is passed from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anal, oral, or vaginal skin or mucus membrane. It is possible for genital warts and HPV to be spread, even when no warts are visible.
• You may not see warts for at least 6 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected with HPV. It may also take longer, even years. Because of this, when you first notice genital warts, it does not mean that you or your partner has had sexual contact with someone outside of your relationship.
• Not everyone who has been exposed to the HPV virus and genital warts wil develop them.

The following factors put you at higher risk for getting genital warts, having them spread more quickly, having them return, or having other complications of HPV:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not knowing whether someone you had sex with had STIs
• Becoming sexually active at an early age
• Using tobacco and alcohol
• Having stress and other viral infections (such as herpes) at the same time
• Being pregnant
• Having an immune system that does not work well, such as during cancer treatment or AIDS

If a child has genital warts, you should suspect sexual abuse as a possible cause.