Genital warts are caused by a virus. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 different strands of HPV, some of the strands cause warts on hands and feet and other areas of the body. Two types account for 90% of genital warts, HPV 6 and HPV 11.

Human Papilloma Virus can also cause cancer of the cervix.  However, the strands that causes genital warts very rarely cause cervical cancer.

Many strands of HPV have no symptoms or signs, leaving the person unaware of being infected. Genital HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, and is transmitted by having oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an infected partner.

HPV is easily transmitted. It is estimated that 2 out of three people having sex with someone with HPV, or genital warts, will become infected. The best, and really, only way to make absolutely sure to not contract genital warts is to abstain from sex. That may not be an option for most people. Using a condom provides at least some protection, however, the warts may be present on areas not protected by wearing a condom.

The symptoms of genital warts can be
small spots on the skin in the genital area or around the anus. They frequently look just like any other wart. Sometimes they look like little cauliflowers. 

So you think you may have genital warts? What should you do?  The first thing should be to get a diagnosis by a medical practitioner. Remember that genital warts are not a death sentence.

While there is no cure that will make the virus go away completely, there are many treatments that will make the warts smaller, and go away faster.