Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common viruses spreads through skin-to-skin contact, mostly during sexual activity. The majority of those who are affected, are unaware that they have it. It is because HPV often shows no signs at all. But one question keeps coming up, especially among couples trying to have a baby: Can HPV cause infertility?
Some types of HPV can lead to cancer in the cervix. In some cases, this may affect fertility. But not always. Actually, there is no direct correlation between HPV and infertility. Many factors play roles, both for men and women. This blog will walk you through the facts. You’ll learn what science says about HPV’s effects on fertility. We’ll talk about what happens in both men and women, what risks are real, and how to protect your chances, of having a baby in the future.
How Does HPV Spread and Who Is at Risk?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It’s a group of over 150 viruses. You can get it from skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual activities. It can be obtained without having sexuality. The virus can spread through simple contact with an infected area.
Approximately 13 million new HPV infections occur in the United States annually, according to the CDC. HPV comes in two primary varieties:
- Low-risk types, like HPV 6 and 11, can cause skin warts or genital warts. These types don’t leads to cancer.
- High-risk types, such as HPV 16 and 18, can leads to cancer in the cervix, anus, or throat.
HPV enters the body through tiny cuts on the skin or mucous areas. It infects the cells at the surface. Most people’s immune systems clear the virus on their own within one or two years. But in some cases, the virus stays and causes changes in cells. This is why HPV is linked to serious health risks in some people, even though it is very common disease.
Can HPV Cause Infertility in Women?
Can HPV cause infertility in women?
HPV does not usually cause infertility. But in some cases, it may affect a woman’s chances of getting or staying pregnant not because of the virus itself, but because of what happens when it leads to other issues.
Some types of HPV can leads to abnormal cells in the cervix. If these cells aren’t treated, they may turn into cancer. To stop this, doctors remove the damaged cells. These treatments include:
- LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) – uses a thin wire with an electric current to take out bad tissue.
- Cone biopsy – removes a small cone-shaped part of the cervix.
- Cryotherapy freezes and kills the abnormal cells.
These treatments can have an impact on fertility. They can also narrow the cervix (cervical stenosis) and make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. In some, they may also weaken the cervix, causing issues in later stages of pregnancy.
It’s important to note that HPV doesn’t damage the ovaries or eggs, and most women who undergo these treatments can still have healthy pregnancies. But if you face any of it and concerned about fertility in women, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor. To make sure your cervix is strong enough for pregnancy, they can examine it.
Can HPV Cause Infertility in Men?
HPV can live in semen. That’s been confirmed by many studies over the past few years. But what does it mean for male fertility? HPV does not block sperm or stop the body from making it. But it may harm sperm quality.
A 2023 meta-analysis published in Andrologia reviewed 21 studies and found men with HPV in semen had:
- Lower sperm motility (slow swimmers)
- Poorer DNA structure
- Higher rates of abnormal shape
The possibility of fertilizing an egg may be reduced by these problems. Furthermore, they may increase the chance of an early miscarriage.
One 2022 study from Italy even found HPV DNA up to 16% of semen samples from men with no symptoms. That’s a major sign that the virus can spread even if there are no outward signs. Researchers believe HPV may bind to sperm and travel with it. This means the virus could pass through the female body via sperm during sexuality.
Though more studies are needed, some experts now say that HPV might reduce fertility in men, not by killing sperm, but by lowering their function. Still, this research is new. Doctors don’t yet test sperm for HPV as a routine step in fertility checks. But if a man has HPV or warts and is facing trouble conceiving, this may be worth bringing up with a urologist.
Does HPV Affect a Couple’s Ability to Conceive?
Does HPV affect fertility in couples trying to conceive? HPV does not fully block a couple from getting pregnant, but it may increase the risk of difficulties during the process.
In women, some types of HPV can change the cells in the cervix. In men, it may hurt sperm quality. And if both partners have HPV, the virus could lower embryo health in the early stages after fertilization.
One 2024 paper in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology showed that couples where both partners had HPV were more likely to face early pregnancy loss compared to those without it.
That doesn’t mean the virus makes pregnancy impossible. Many people with HPV go on to have healthy babies. But if a couple has been trying for over 12 months without success, doctors may suggest testing for HPV and other STIs, along with full fertility screening.
Other factors like smoking, poor diet, or stress can also affect chances. So while HPV might not be the sole reason, it’s one piece of the larger picture when looking at why pregnancy is not happening.
HPV and Pregnancy: What If You’re Already Pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and have HPV, don’t panic. In most cases, HPV does not harm the baby or the pregnancy. The virus remains within the cervix’s cells. It doesn’t enter the womb or reaches the baby. However, your doctor may check your cervix more often during prenatal visits to ensure everything is normal, as women’s health is a priority during pregnancy.
Routine care may include:
- Pap smear
- HPV DNA test
- Colposcopy (if abnormal cells are found)
The biggest concern during pregnancy is genital warts. Pregnancy hormones may cause these to grow more quickly. If they’re large or bleeding, your doctor may remove them. In rare cases, a C-section might be advised. This is only reason if warts are big enough to block the birth canal. But it’s not routine. Most women with HPV give birth normally.
Passing the virus to the baby is rare. If it happens, the baby may develop a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis warts in the throat. But this is very uncommon.
Doctors agree: HPV alone is not a reason to worry during pregnancy. Just keep up with checkups and let your obstetrics and gynaecologist know if you’ve had abnormal Pap tests before.
Does the HPV Vaccine Affect Fertility?
There’s a common myth that the HPV vaccine causes infertility. This is not true. The vaccine can protect fertility in the long run. The HPV vaccine helps prevent infection. This includes the strains that cause cervical dysplasia, abnormal cell changes that, if untreated, can lead to cervical cancer.
These changes can harm fertility, especially if they require treatments like LEEP or cone biopsy. By getting vaccinated, you’re lowering the risk of these cervical changes, which helps preserve your fertility. Studies have shown that vaccination reduces the likelihood of developing these serious cervical issues.
The vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys, typically at ages 11 or 12. But if you’re an adult, it’s never too late to get vaccinated. The benefits for future pregnancies include a lower risk of HPV-related fertility issues. So, if you’re planning for a baby in the future, the HPV vaccine can be a helpful step. It’s one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks that HPV poses to fertility.
HPV Diagnosis and Fertility Monitoring
If you’re concerned about HPV and fertility, it’s important to get tested regularly. For women, the most common tests are the Pap smear and the HPV test. A Pap smear looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, which can be caused by HPV. The HPV test looks for high-risk virus strains.
If these tests come back abnormal, early treatment is essential to avoid long-term fertility issues. HPV monitoring can help doctors spot potential problems early and recommend the right steps to protect your health and fertility.
Men don’t have an approved HPV test yet, though researchers are working on developing better ways to test for the virus in semen. Still, even without a formal test for men, if there are concerns about fertility, it’s important to consult them with your doctor.
If you’re trying to conceive, here are a few things you can ask your doctor:
- “What are my options for HPV testing?”
- “How can I protect my fertility while living with HPV?”
- “Should my partner and I, both get tested for HPV?”
Having an open discussion with your doctor can help you understand your fertility options. Regular screenings can give you peace of mind and allow you to make proactive decisions for your health.
How to Preserve Your Fertility If You Have HPV
If you have HPV, it doesn’t automatically mean that you will have fertility problems, but instead, it’s essential to take the correct measures to safeguard your reproductive health. Here’s how to protect your fertility:
- Condom use: Condoms are successful in preventing HPV transmission and reinfection during sexual contact.
- Get regular screening: Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for spotting abnormal cell changes early. Regular testing helps catch problems before they become serious.
- Cure abnormal cells: If your tests show abnormal cells, early treatment can help prevent high-risk conditions. Procedures such as LEEP or cone biopsy can remove abnormal tissue, which can help preserve your fertility in the long term.
- Live a healthy lifestyle: Good immune defence clears HPV faster. Maintain a healthy body: eat a balanced diet, exercise and don’t smoke.
But if you have HPV and want to get pregnant, it’s best to consult with a fertility expert. They can help you navigate treatment options and clarify your risks.
Conclusion
Fortunately, HPV typically does not directly cause infertility. Most people with HPV will not have trouble getting pregnant. However, some treatments for HPV-related issues, like cervical treatments, may affect fertility. It’s also possible for HPV to impact fertility by affecting sperm quality in men, which could contribute to fertility challenges.
The best way to protect your fertility is to get vaccinated, get regular screenings, and seek early treatment if needed. Vaccination, especially at a young age, can prevent the serious consequences of HPV, including those that could affect your fertility later in life.
Consult your physician if you have any concerns regarding HPV and fertility. Keep yourself informed and take preventative measures to safeguard your future family’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can human papillomavirus cause infertility?
HPV itself doesn’t usually cause infertility. But the complications of untreated HPV, or the treatments for HPV-related issues, might impact fertility.
- Can you get pregnant if you have HPV?
Yes, many people with HPV successfully conceive and deliver healthy babies. HPV doesn’t usually block pregnancy, but certain treatments may affect fertility. - Should men get tested for HPV if facing fertility issues?
While there’s no approved test for HPV in men, semen analysis can help assess sperm health. If you’re struggling with fertility, discussing HPV with a urologist might be helpful.
