Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that can affect various parts of the body, and some types can cause warts on or around the genital and anal areas. Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of viruses that can affect various parts of the body, and some types can cause warts on or around the genital and anal areas