HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common group of more than 100 related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes, with certain types transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Many HPV infections cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously, but some strains can lead to genital warts, while high-risk types are associated with cancers of the cervix, anus, throat, penis, vulva, and vagina. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can cause cellular changes that may progress to cancer over time. Because HPV often produces no noticeable signs, individuals may carry and transmit the virus unknowingly. Vaccination provides strong protection against the most common cancer-causing and wart-causing strains and is an important preventive measure.