Factors that increase the risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease, such as genital warts, include:

• Having multiple sex partners.
• Having high-risk partner(s) (partner has multiple sex partners or HPV-infected sex partners).
• Having unprotected sexual contact (not using condoms).
• Starting sexual activity at a young age (before age 18).
• Having an impaired immune system.

What to think about

Research has not clearly determined whether using birth control pills increases your risk of HPV infection and an abnormal Pap test. Condoms can lower your risk of getting genital warts. You can help prevent infection when you use them every time you have sex.

Men who are circumcised may be less likely to transmit HPV than men who are not circumcised.³