Over twenty types have been described. HPV usually spreads during sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Some HPV-caused lesions on the cervix are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Symptoms usually appear from three weeks to eight months after exposure.
It is advisable to use condoms if there is any question of prior exposure. The visible genital warts start as small painless hard spots which appear on the bottom of the vaginal opening. Warts also occur on the labia, vulva, cervix, anus and male genitalia. Warmth and moisture encourage the growth of warts which develop a cauliflower appearance as they grow larger. It must be applied only by a physician.