Is genital warts contagious?

Genital warts are contagious. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and mainly spread through the following routes: 1. **Sexual contact transmission**: This is the primary mode of transmission for genital warts. The incidence rate is highest among individuals with multiple sexual partners. HPV infection can occur through skin and mucous membrane contact during heterosexual or homosexual activities. 2. **Indirect contact transmission**: A small number of patients may become infected through non-sexual contact. For example, touching objects previously used by someone with genital warts, such as underwear, towels, bathtubs, etc., may lead to indirect infection if these objects are contaminated with HPV. Transmission through hand-to-genital or oral-genital contact is also possible. 3. **Mother-to-child transmission**: Also known as vertical transmission. When a mother has an HPV infection, the virus can be passed to the newborn through the placenta or during vaginal delivery. Infants may also acquire the infection through close contact with the mother after birth.