Genital warts are small fleshy growths or bumps commonly found around the genital skin or anus. They are spread by skin-to-skin contact and are the result of a viral skin infection caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Using condoms and femidoms is the best way to protect yourself from genital warts. Genital warts are the second most common type of STI in under 25s in the UK, after chlamydia Most people who have an HPV infection will not develop genital warts Genital warts can take months or years to develop after an infection so if they appear on you, or your partner, this does not necessarily mean that your partner has been having sex with other people Treatment will depend on how many warts you have, but will involve either creams or freezing An HPV vaccine is routinely offered to girls aged 11-13 to protect against cervical cancer, and is also available to gay and bisexual men through sexual health clinics Diagnosis involves a health professional examining any growths Check out the NHS Choices website for more information about genital warts. If you would like to know more about STI testing, check our Visiting a Clinic page.