Genital warts are caused by infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) and appear as small lumps in the anal and genital areas.
HPV is different from the virus that causes warts on the hands or other areas of the body.

HPV is most often sexually transmitted and most sexual partners will develop warts. Those who do not develop obvious warts may still be infected with the virus.
Genital warts can occur in pregnancy, even in women who have not had them before. An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby at birth.

Genital warts can be removed by freezing, applying medication or burning with electrical heat or laser. Don’t use over-the-counter treatments for warts on sensitive genital skin.

Removal of the warts does not mean the virus is removed. It will remain in the body and warts may recur later.

Do genital warts cause cancer?

Genital wart virus (human papilloma virus, HPV) is found in certain cancers, particularly in cervical cancer. HPV virus causes the formation of abnormal cells which may develop into cancer over a long period of time.