Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV targets a type of tissue that is known as epithelial tissue, which is found on the skin, and on the lining of many of the body’s cavities, such as:
- the female genitalia, including the vagina, vulva and cervix
- the anus
- the mouth
In many cases, HPV does not cause any noticeable symptoms, so many people can be infected with HPV without realising it.
The most common way that HPV can be passed from person to person is during sexual intercourse.
Other forms of sexual activity where HPV can be passed from person to person include:
- oral sex
- anal sex
- non-penetrative genital to genital contact
Less commonly, a mother can pass HPV on to her newborn baby during birth.
Other possible causes
It has been suggested that it may theoretically be possible to pass on HPV by a person with an HPV infection on their hands touching their own or somebody else’s genitals.
Alternatively, infection could be spread by coming into contact with an object that has been contaminated by HPV, such as bedding or towels.
However, both of these suggestions remain unproven.
