Genital and perianal warts are growths or bumps that appear around the entrance of the vagina or anus or on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh. Genital warts may be raised or flat and occur singly or in groups. They can be small or large. They may be cauliflower shaped and are most often flesh colored and painless.

Genital warts are spread by sexual contact with a person who carries a certain type of virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). People with HPV can transmit the disease even when there are no visible signs of warts. After infection, the warts can take weeks, months, or years to appear. Some people with HPV never get genital warts because their immune system fights the virus.

At least 50% of sexually active adults get HPV in their lifetime, many without ever knowing. That's because the virus may not cause symptoms. But sometimes HPV does cause problems such as genital warts or other more serious diseases.

There are many types of HPV. The type that causes genital warts is considered low risk. Other, high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. Genital warts do not cause cancer over time, even if they are left untreated. But, a person can have more than one type of HPV at the same time.

People with HPV or genital warts or who have a sex partner with HPV or genital warts should talk with their healthcare provider. It is particularly important for women to see their healthcare providers regularly for pelvic exams and Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer.