<p>Genital warts often occur in clusters and can be very tiny or can spread into large masses in the genital or penis area. In women they occur on the outside and inside of the vagina, on the opening (cervix) to the womb (uterus), or around the anus. They are approximately as prevalent in men, but the symptoms may be less obvious. When present, they usually are seen on the tip of the penis. They also may be found on the shaft of the penis, on the scrotum, or around the anus. Rarely, genital warts also can develop in the mouth or throat of a person who has had oral sex with an infected person.</p>

<p>The viral particles are able to penetrate the skin and mucosal surfaces through microscopic abrasions in the genital area, which occur during sexual activity. Once cells are invaded by HPV, a latency (quiet) period of months to years may occur. HPV virus can last from 3 months to 2 years without a symptom.<sup class="noprint Template-Fact"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources since May 2008" style="WHITE-SPACE: nowrap">[<em>citation needed</em>]</span></sup> Having sex with a partner whose HPV infection is latent is still leaves you vulnerable to becoming infected yourself. In other words, just because one can't see the genital warts, doesn't mean HPV is not there. That causes the increase of HPV infectors and sometimes you cannot identify the source of the infection.</p>

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<h2><span class="mw-headline">Treatment</span></h2>