Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted viral infection that affects the epithelial cells on different parts of the body including hands, feet, penis, vagina, vulva, throat, etc. This could cause skin or mucous membrane growth (warts) on the surface of the skin. There are hundreds of varieties of HPV. Untreated HPV infections could be dangerous, as they could lead to infertility and even developing life-threatening complications like cancer. Here we take a look at everything you need to know about HPV and its impact on infertility.
How does HPV affect Male fertility?
Mechanism of how HPV impacts male fertility
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection occurs when the virus enters your body through a cut, tear, or abrasion in your skin. The virus gets transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual intercourse, oral or anal sex. The infection could affect the penis, scrotum, hands, and mouth if the body part gets contacted by an infected partner. The HPV infection in the genitals could affect fertility causing damage to the DNA cells in sperm and causing inflammation in the reproductive organs.
Effects of HPV on sperm quality
Semen Quality
Research suggests that men who are infected with HPV infection have lower sperm movement and concentration. The low quality of the semen could lower the chance of impregnating a woman.
Sperm DNA Damage
HPV infection increases the risk of damaging the DNA in sperm. A damaged DNA is less likely to fertilize an egg. It increases the risk of miscarriage and birth defects (if fertilization occurs).
Potential HPV-related fertility complications
Inflammation in the reproductive tract
HPV could affect the male reproductive tract leading to the production of cytokines and other immune responses. The inflammation in the reproductive organs could interfere with sperm production and function, resulting in infertility.
Transmitting to partner
An HPV-infected man could transmit the virus to his partner during sexual intercourse. If the woman is pregnant, it could cause serious issues like passing the HPV to the newborns.
HPV transmission & risks in couples
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), where the virus gets transmitted through sexual intercourse, oral or anal sex. Having an intimate relationship with your partner while being affected by HPV could transmit the virus to your partner.
If the couple is actively planning for pregnancy, the male may not be able to produce quality sperm. On the other hand, it could also negatively affect the pregnancy leading to pregnancy loss or preterm labor. In the case of a successful pregnancy, there is a high chance that the infection gets transmitted to the newborn. In high-risk conditions, it could result in potential cervical cancer in women.
HPV and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
Success rates of ART with HPV-positive individuals
There is no proven evidence about the effectiveness of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on people with HPV. However, the minimal study suggests that HPV infection could negatively affect pregnancy rates during ART and increase abortion rates.
Preventive measures and treatments
Vaccination
HPV vaccinations(gardasil-against HPV 6,11,16 and 18) and cervix(against 16 and 18) before sexual activity can protect both of them from HPV strains that cause genital warts and cancers.
Safe Sexual Practices
Practicing safer sex, like using latex condoms, and reducing the number of sexual partners can help prevent the transmission.
Regular Diagnosis
If you have the symptoms of HPV or have a history of having HPV, having a routine screening can help prevent the development of the infection and can improve reproductive health.
Medical Treatment
For people already diagnosed with HPV, antiviral medications and topical treatment can be prescribed to reduce the warts
Fertility Evaluation
Men and women experiencing difficulties in conceiving can analyze and treat their fertility such as the sperm, cervix, and vaginal health.
Lifestyle Modifications
Leading a healthy lifestyle by consuming a balanced diet, avoiding intoxicants, and exercising regularly could help support reproductive health and reduce the impact of HPV on fertility.
Diagnosis & testing for HPV in infertility cases
Low-risk HPV infections(HPV 6 and 11) generally cause warts, however high-risk forms of HPV (HPV 16 and 18)cause cancerous lesions in the cervix and vagina,these precancerous lesions can be identified by various screening processes. The common screening process that determines the HPV infection includes:
- Pap smear – It screens for cervical cancer and precancerous cells caused by high-risk HPV.if normal it can be repeated every 3 years. Women between the age of 29 and 65 years have to undergo screening for 3 years once.
- HPV test – It tests the high-risk strains of the virus that could cause cervical cancer if untreated.
- Colposcopy – Magnifies the abnormal cells in the cervix that are affected by HPV infection.
- VIA(Visual Inspection of acetowhite areas) – In this process,acetowhite areas are seen after applying acetic acid and lugol’s iodine and from the abnormal areas biopsies are taken.
Treatment options for HPV-related infertility
There are numerous treatment options to treat HPV-related infertility. However, they are not permanent solutions for the virus, as they only target the infected cell. Some treatment options that are used to treat HPV-related infertility include
Topical Medications
Topical medications are used to remove the warts rather than treat the virus. Salicylic acid,topical,imiquimod,podophyllotoxin and prescribed creams can clear the vision warts and recover the tissues within a few weeks.
Surgical Treatment
HPV infection can also be treated by freezing(Cryotherapy) or burning the infected tissue(electrocautery), or by removing the warts using surgery (with or without laser).
Colposcopy
It is the diagnostic method of identifying the affected areas in cervix and colposcopy guided biopsy helps in early identification of precancerous
Conclusion
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is often associated with cancer in younger age patients and treatment of precancerous lesions can result in delayed fertility. It affects both males and females and is transmitted through sexual activities. The low-risk HPVs cause genital warts, the highly risky HPVs need a timely diagnosis to identify the precancerous lesion. Regular screening and preventive measures can help protect against HPV-related complications and improve fertility.
FAQs
Studies have suspected that HPV has a direct association with infertility, which affects both men and women.
Topical medications,laser therapy,colposcopy, cryotherapy, and electrocautery are some of the most commonly used treatment options to address HPV-related infertility.
Yes, ART can be effective in reducing the frequent occurrence of high-risk HPV. It treats the warts and reduces the pre-cancer cells.
