what causes genital warts?

Answer 1

HPV (human papillomavirus) is responsible for genital warts.

Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types. More than 30 of these kinds are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum.

Some of these viruses are called "high-risk" types, and may cause abnormal Pap tests. They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Others are called "low-risk" types, and they may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or genital warts. Genital warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the genital area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.

There is no "cure" for HPV infection, although in most women the infection goes away on its own.

Check out this site for more information about the virus:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm

Answer 2

Human Papilloma Virus

Answer 3

HPV, like the person above says. It is easy to get through oral sex, or a leaking condom - out of the base of it if not taken off immediately after ejaculation. But, just friction of sweaty skin touching may transmit the virus. It is a huge epidemic and they are working on a vaccine to prevent infection.

Once you have it, it's yours. It is also linked with cervical cancer, so get your pap test regularly if you are infected with HPV. That means once every 6 months.

Also, don't sit on public toilet seats - HPV is not the only STD that you can get off of a toilet seat. AIDS virus does not live on toilet seats for longer than 1 1/2 minutes, but be safe, not sorry.

Answer 4

having sex with an affected partner.

Answer 5

http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/HealthInfo/std_warts.htm