Genital warts are the raised, flesh-colored lesions found on the infected person's genital area and its surrounding skin. Also known as venereal warts or condylomata acuminata, genital warts are caused by a Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, a double-stranded DNA virus that is mainly transmitted through sexual intimate activities, such as vaginal intercourse, anal sex and oral sex.

HPVs are transmitted when the virus is able to penetrate the body's first line of defenses -- the skin and the mucus membranes. Once a skin break occurs, no matter how small it is, HPV gains access to the host cell by attaching and penetrating the outermost layer of the skin. Subsequently, it begins its replication by taking over the cell's metabolism. These viruses insert their genetic materials into the cell's DNA.

According to the latest survey, it is estimated that around one million new cases of genital warts are clinically diagnosed each year, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease or STD in the United states, and probably, worldwide. Because there are times that the HPV infections of the skin and mucus membranes are not visibly seen, it is believed that the actual occurrence of genital warts is significantly higher than the given figures. Both sexes are equally susceptible to acquire the infection but from the report of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is revealed that women are more likely to exhibit the genital warts.

To date, there are more than 75 types of HPVs identified that causes the growth of genital warts. Approximately 90% of genital warts are caused by the types HPV-6 and HPV-11. These types are classified as low-risks for malignancies. Other wart-causing HPVs are strongly associated to squamous carcinoma of the cervix. Thus, it is recommended to consult a physician once lumps in the genital region are recognized.

Genital warts are commonly seen in the perineum, which includes the structures found in the area between the anus and the scrotum in men and between the anus and the vaginal opening in women. They could also grow within the vaginal walls, on the cervix, in the urethra, anus and mouth. Because of varying locations of the lesions, some cases of genital warts are undetected until other signs and symptoms and complications of HPV come about.

Signs and symptoms of venereal warts do not occur immediately after the body's exposure to the virus. The eruption of warts could occur weeks, months or years after the virus' infection. Researchers approximated that genital warts usually develop three to eight months after the body's initial exposure to HPV.

Initially, genital warts usually appear as single lumps, measuring between 1 to 2 millimeters. After a period of time, these growths clump together, forming a cauliflower-like lesion, where the head of the lump grows larger than the area of attachment. Genital warts could take on different forms. Though a cauliflower-like shape is commonly seen, venereal warts can appear smooth, plaque-like, and pearly.

Vaginal condylomas are described as multiple, raised and white growths, which typically bleed after sexual intercourse. Genital warts found in the cervical area appear as single and flat lumps and occur with abnormal discharges. The condition is usually aggravated with untreated infections of the urethra and vagina. Growth of venereal warts in the urethra is usually rare. It frequently results from HPV infection of the surrounding skin. Urethral warts are manifested by difficulty in urinating, blood spotting and abnormal discharges. In men, genital warts usually grow on the shaft or head of the penis. Though genital warts might result in different manifestations, generally, they are associated to itching, tenderness and burning sensations. In some cases genital warts might be painless.