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Our glossary
Learn all about contraception, reproductive health & sex. Our glossary explains all terms understandably and neutrally — from A to Z.
- HPV
HPV
HPV is an abbreviation for human papillomavirus. It is a group of more than 200 viruses that can be transmitted through direct skin or mucosal contact. Some types of HPV can lead to genital warts and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer. Some other types of HPV can lead to other skin lesions such as warts on the face or hands.
Infection with HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Germany and also worldwide. Unprotected sexual intercourse therefore increases the risk of infection with the viruses.
