Genital warts or condylomas are the most common sexually transmitted infection. The strains of papillomavirus that cause them do not cause malignancy. Genital warts can infect the skin in the groin area, anus, rectum, penis and scrotum, vagina (including the inside of the vagina), vulva, vaginal lips (labia minora and labia majora) and cervix, as well as the lips, tongue , oral mucosa or throat. Genital warts are most common in teenagers and young adults. The risks of contracting genital warts increase if condoms are not used as protection during sex, and with multiple partners. About 400,000 people – most of them in their late teens and 20s – are diagnosed with genital warts each year. The virus that causes these warts, human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection. An estimated 79 million people are infected with human papillomavirus. There are many different types of HPV, not all of which cause genital warts. Are genital warts contagious? Yes, genital warts and the virus that causes them are contagious. There is no treatment for human papillomavirus infection. Even if there are no symptoms such as visible genital warts, the infection can still be transmitted. Genital warts are spread through skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. A different strain of human papillomavirus causes the type of warts that affect other parts of the body. Genital warts are spread through intercourse and genital touching (skin-to-skin contact without ejaculation). Warts appear as rough, skin-colored or whitish-gray growths on the skin. Genital warts often have a bumpy appearance, but some are flat. Genital warts are usually not painful. Sometimes they cause light bleeding, burning sensation, discomfort and genital itching or irritation. Some warts are very small but can be felt or seen. How soon do genital warts appear after infection? Some people develop genital warts within weeks of having sexual contact with a carrier of the human papillomavirus. Often, however, it can take months or years for warts to appear. References: 1. American Academy of Family Physicians. Genital Warts (https://familydoctor.org/condition/genital-warts/). 2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. General HPV Infection – Fact Sheet (https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm)