Genital warts are caused by a group of viruses called human papilloma virus, also termed condylomata acuminat and are spread by sexual contact with an infected partner.

Today, sexual transmitted diseases infect nearly 20 million people. There are one million new cases per year and another one million don't know they're infected because they have no symptoms. Like other STDs HPV, infection may not be symptomatic. Infected cells from a partner with no genital warts may adhere to the genital area of a partner with no warts spreading the infection.

In men, genital warts can be found in the urethra, penis and rectal area. Warts are soft raised masses with a surface that can be smooth or rough with many projections. They can vary in shape, size and color. They are mainly whitish or flesh colored and some times, invisible to the naked eye. Some genital warts may appear as cauliflower shape as individual growths or in clusters. Some of these types of genital warts show absolutely no signs at all, so that you could spread the virus without even knowing you have it. For this reason, you should get a check-up every time you switch partners; that way, the risk is reduced.

In women, warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina or around the anus with an increase in dampness and moisture in the infected area as well as an increase in vaginal discharge. Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs after the sexual intercourse.

As symptoms of genital warts may appear after several days of viral infection, regular checkups are recommended.