Those who immunity is compromised e.g. those infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or people taking medicine for other illnesses are more likely to become infected, and to have a more serious infection, and be harder to treat. Genital warts are generally spread through sexual contact. Genital warts appear as soft fleshy growths that vary in size, and are usually painless. They can be raised, pointed or flat. The warts may appear alone or in clusters.
Symptoms usually appear about two to four months after exposure.
For some people, it may be much longer. Genital warts are most likely to be transmitted when visible. After warts have been treated and no longer visible it is less likely that the infection will spread. Previous infection with warts does not protect a person from repeat infection. The wart virus has many different types, so repeat infections are quite possible.