The HPV types that cause warts on places of the body besides the genitals are much more common in children and adolescents than they are in adults. These types also occur more often in people who are repeatedly exposed to HPV and in people whose immune systems may not be normal due to disease or medications.

Risk factors for genital HPV include:

• Number of sexual partners: the more partners a person has, the greater is their risk of being exposed to HPV that infects the genitals. Also, the more sexual partners that your sexual partners have had besides you, the greater is your risk of contracting HPV.
• Age: Women under the age of 25 are most likely to have an active HPV infection. Younger men are also more likely to get HPV but most of these cases are never diagnosed.
• Weakened immune system: Anyone with a weakened immune system is at greater risk of contracting genital HPV. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, those on immunosuppressive therapy, and people with genetic immunodeficiency.