Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). Most people don’t even know when they contracted the virus that causes genital warts (HPV), as the warts can take years to show on the penis or vaginal areas. It is important to remember that it was most likely caught from a earlier partner without realising it.

Similarly, you cannot rely on the visual presence of genital warts to determine if someone is infected with HPV. In some cases, genital warts never appear or can appear years after contracting the virus.