The virus usually causes cauliflower-like fleshy growths in moist areas in and around the sex organs. Any sexually active person can be infected with venereal warts. Those whose immune systems are compromised are more likely to become infected and to have a more serious infection than others. Venereal warts appear as soft fleshy growths that vary in size, are frequently painless and can be raised, pointed or flat. The warts may appear singly or in clusters.
Symptoms usually appear about two to four months after exposure.
The infected person is contagious for as long as warts are evident. When warts are treated or removed, the patient is no longer infectious. Previous infection with warts does not make a person immune from repeat infection. Warts can be treated by a chemical called podophyllin or by surgical removal. If a person is not treated, the warts will very likely continue to grow and spread.