Genital warts are the common sexually transmitted disease caused by Human Pappiloma virus (HPV).
Though there are hundred strains of this virus, only thirty of them affect the genital area.
The warts appear like flesh colored bumps.
In men, they develop on the scrotum, penis shaft and anus area and in women, they are found on the vagina, uterus, cervix and around the anus.
One of the major causes is engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who has genital warts.
They are highly contagious.
The HPV infects nearly 50% of men and women, who are sexually active.
The experts stress that most of the people who have sex with an infected partner develop genital warts through vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Using condoms can give protection from HPV infection to some extent.
The human Pappiloma virus may also transmit from one person to other through saliva, fecal-oral route, blood transfusions and blood needles.
However, these causes can be avoided by taking some special care.
Children younger than three years old may develop warts through non-sexual methods.
The baby passing through an infected birth canal has more chances to develop warts in the mouth and throat.
There are some hidden causes of genital warts.
In rare cases, prolonged contact with clothing, towels and bathing suits of an infected person may cause genital warts.
HPV can enter into the skin through a damaged area, especially the area around the finger nails.
People who have the habit of chewing their finger nails regularly may develop it quickly.
Having healthy habits and eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help to build the immune system and thereby help to reduce the risk of developing warts.
The major problem of this condition is that they do not show any symptoms in the early stage.
Asymptomatic infected people spread the infections to others through sexual contact.
The condition can be diagnosed using Pap smear procedure.