What is the link between HPV and genital warts?

Most cases of genital warts are caused by HPV strains. While in many cases genital warts do not have any symptoms, depending on their location on the body they can cause pain or itching. While treatment can relieve symptoms, it does not necessarily cure the disease and genital warts are known to recur. While genital warts can be painful or uncomfortable, they are not life-threatening. The HPV vaccine also prevents against the strain of the virus most commonly associated with causing genital warts.