Because HPV lives in the skin, the virus can quickly and easily be passed just by touch. An HPV viron can also flake off of the skin and infect the first individual it comes in contact with. Sexual contact is an ideal opportunity for genital warts to spread to another partner. Condoms and other forms of contraception cannot prevent the spread of HPV. HPV can easily enter microscopic cuts and abrasions on the surface any skin not shielded by the contraceptive device.

In comparison to genital warts, plantar warts are most frequently spread in this fashion; often in wet areas where shoes are not worn such as a community swimming pool. Since a virus is a non living entity, it can stay intact for an indefinite amount of time outside of a host. When a new host is finally found, the viron will enter the host and begin to spread rapidly.

Often individuals who are infected with genital warts will easily spread genital warts to an unsuspecting victim without any knowledge. The reason for this is the latency period that occurs when genital warts initially infect a new host. HPV can remain dormant for over 12 months before visible genital warts appear; yet still maintain communicability.

Although there is no way to completely ensure HPV is totally cured, there is still reason to use a cure for genital warts. A cure for genital will cause HPV to go into remission. When HPV is in remission, there are no genital warts visible on the skin. Additionally, genital warts are much less likely chance genital warts will be contracted during sexual activity. For these reasons, using a cure for genital warts is highly desirable.