Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Of the 30 types of HPV that are transmitted through sexual contact, several can cause genital warts. Causes may include HPV-30, HPV-40 through 45, HPV-51, and HPV-54. However, the most common genital warts causes are HPV-6 and HPV-11.
(Click Causes of Genital Warts for more information on the various types of human papillomavirus that can lead to the condition and an explanation of whether common warts can be spread to the genital area.)