The virus that causes genital warts is spread by anal, vaginal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Warts may appear three weeks to several years after contact with an infected person. Even without visible warts, the virus is present in an infected person and can be easily spread.
Some warts are very small and hard to see.
There are several treatments for genital warts. The type of treatment used may depend on the number of warts, their size, and where they are located. Sometimes more than one treatment may be needed to get rid of the warts. However, even though the warts go away, the virus remains in the body, and warts can come back. They will not cure genital warts and may be harmful.