Genital warts are basically small flesh colored bumps and they appeal like small cauliflowers. In the beginning, they may appear like small lesions and they measure about 2 mms in diameter. Later they grow and expand into bigger masses. Most commonly in women they may appear both outside and inside the vagina, uterus, cervix and the area around the anus. For men, they may develop both on anus area, penis shaft and on the scrotum. If you have had oral sex with your partner, sometimes men and women also get genital warts in the throat and mouth areas if your partner has attracted this infection.



The virus causing genital warts is human papillomavirus. There are 100 HPV strains, out of which 30 can cause damage and you could catch the infection. The strains are referred to as genital HPV and at least 50% of both men and women who engage in regular sex can attract this disease.

The virus that causes genital warts is called human papillomavirus (HPV). There are around 100 strains of HPV but only 30 of these can infect the genital area. These strains are called genital HPV, which can infect about 50 percent of men and women who are sexually active.

The two varieties of HPV virus are low risk virus and high risk virus. The High risk type results in cancer of penis, throat, vagina, anus or cervix. These are different from the ones which cause genital warts. The HPV (Type 16) has a maximum potency of causing cervical cancer. As per statistics, 50% may get converted into cervical cancer cases. The other types 31, 16, 18 and 45 may result in the former one.

The lesser risk types may result in genital warts. Close to 90% of these cases occur due to types 6 and 11. There are no symptoms whatsoever and hence it becomes difficult to diagnose the disease. There are many people who are unaware that they are affected by low risk HPV. Hence, the chances of transmitting them are definitely greater. It is advised that you get regular checkups so as to eliminate any doubts.

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual intercourse. It is estimated that close to 66% of people who attract genital warts would have had sexual intercourse with an infected partner. This could be either anal sex, vaginal or even oral.

Childbirth could also bring about these problems. When the baby comes out from the uterus and gets in contact with the infected birth canal, there are chances that the infant would attract genital warts of the throat or mouth, if the mother is infected with genital warts during her delivery.

Though not scientifically proven, fomites are objects which transmit viruses from individual to individual. Make sure you avoid using toiletries and towels of people infected with genital warts. Sometimes, genital warts are also transmitted through contaminated medical equipments too.