Risk factors

HPV infections are common. Risk factors for HPV infection include:

• Number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to contract a genital HPV infection. Having sex with a partner who has had multiple sex partners also increases your risk.
• Age. Common warts occur mostly in children. Genital warts occur most often in adolescents and young adults.
• Weakened immune systems. People who have weakened immune systems are at greater risk of HPV infections. Immune systems can be weakened by HIV/AIDS or by immune system-suppressing drugs used after organ transplants.
• Damaged skin. Areas of skin that have been punctured or opened are more prone to develop common warts.
• Personal contact. Touching someone's warts or not wearing protection before contacting surfaces that have been exposed to HPV — such as public showers or swimming pools — might increase your risk of HPV infection.