Genial warts often develop in several areas at the same time. Research has found that the cervix is involved in about half of the cases of genital warts in women. Genital wart infection in men most commonly occurs on the penis, but it may also involve the urethra or bladder. Infection of the urethra may cause bleeding, a discharge, and the need to urinate frequently. Genital warts can also develop on or near the anus, or within the rectum.
Infection often occurs in more than one genital area at a time.
Millions of people in the United States are infected with HPV, and genital warts are the most common STI caused by a virus. They occur more frequently than genital herpes, which is also caused by a virus. The strains of HPV which cause genital warts are generally spread through sexual intimacy. Transmission can occur through all forms of sexual contact including vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. There is currently some indication that HPV may be spread also by sharing damp unwashed intimate articles such as washcloths, towels or underwear.