HPV is passed on through having sex. This may be vaginal sex, anal sex or close genital contact. It is also possible HPV may be passed on through oral sex. ​

It is thought to be possible for HPV to be passed on from hands to genitals. However if this occurs, it is uncommon.

​​Warts appear as fleshy growth on the skin. They may be small or large, one or many. They can grow anywhere on the genital and anal skin. In women, they tend to be on the vulva, vagina, cervix or anus. In men, they tend to be on the penis and sometimes in the urethra, or at the anus.

​It is unlikely HPV can be passed on from touching non-living objects such as toilet seats or towels.

There are several ways to treat genital warts including:

• Liquid Nitrogen (freezing the warts)
• Imiquamod Cream (Aldara)
• Chemicals like podophyllin paint, podophyllotoxin paint and TCA (Trichlorocetic Acid)

Most of these methods need to be used several times before all the warts are gone. Surgical methods can remove all warts at one visit but can be expensive and may require anaesthetic.​