Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. Some types of HPV cause genital warts—single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women. Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms.

Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital wart infection than any other STI in the United States. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.

Genital warts (sometimes called condylomata acuminata or venereal warts) are the most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection. Many people, however, have a genital HPV infection without genital warts. Genital warts. A variety of treatments are available to assist those that are infected with HPV / genital warts.