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What causes them?
Genital warts are caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The "low-risk" types of HPV that cause genital warts (such as HPV Types 6 and 11) are different from the “high-risk” types of HPV (such as Types 16 and 18) that can cause cervical cancer. They're also different from the other types of HPV that cause the common warts that can be found on other body parts like the hands and feet.
Who can get genital warts?

Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity that includes genital contact with an infected person can get genital HPV. Approximately 2 out of 3 people who have genital contact with a person infected with genital warts will develop them. They may appear within weeks, months, or not at all.
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