Genital warts symptoms do not always appear, and it can take from two weeks to several months, or longer, after contact with the virus before warts develop. If warts do appear, you might notice small, fleshy growths, bumps or skin changes in your genital area. They can be flat and smooth, small, or quite large, appearing alone or in groups. Genital warts are usually painless, although some patients notice occasional itching or inflammation, and warts can sometimes cause bleeding from the anus or urethra. Warts may also signal another sexually transmitted infection. Occasionally, warts are mistaken for molluscum contagiosum, a different viral infection that is more easily treated and not always sexually transmitted.