They can grow rapidly in the presence of heavy sweating, poor hygiene, or during pregnancy. Infection can occur without a person developing warts. HPV infection may also cause abnormal cell growth or cancer of the cervix. Genital warts can occur in any sexually active person. Sometimes they pass from an infected mother to her baby at birth.
Warts usually appear on moist surfaces about two months after exposure.
They start as tiny red or pink swellings that grow. They may grow up to four inches. If several grow in the same area, they may appear like a cauliflower. If infected with bacteria, they take on a foul odor. Sometimes warts develop in the urethra.