Only a few HPVs give you genital warts. With most genital HPV infections you might not know you've caught anything because there may not be any symptoms.

What are the signs that I've got it?

If you're unlucky enough to get the symptoms, then warts will appear on your bits, urethra and anus, and sometimes in your throat. Here's the nice bit - genital warts can be like soft, mini cauliflowers or a flat smooth lump - and they can really itch. If you don't get them treated they can grow to a large size.

Once you're infected, it usually takes 2 - 4 weeks for the warts to grow. For you girls, the warts will grow faster if you are pregnant or if you have another infection.

How can I catch the infection?

You'll catch HPVs by having sex - any type! It is also possible for warts to be spread to the baby during childbirth.

If you are sexually active, your partner is sexually active, you don't wear a condom or you've had STIs before then you've a chance of catching genital warts. Wearing a condom might not always protect you, though; the virus can be spread by areas of the body not covered by the condom. Still feeling safe?

What about protection?

You should stop having sex and any sort of sexual contact as soon as you think you have warts. You should go to see a doctor pretty darn quick and get them treated.