Can HPV Cause Infertility?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly all sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives if they’re not vaccinated. While HPV is widely known for its link to cervical cancer, many women wonder if it can also contribute to infertility.

In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of female infertility, what HPV is and how it is transmitted, and whether scientific evidence supports a link between HPV and infertility.

Common causes of female infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive naturally after one year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if a woman is over 35). Some of the most common causes include:

• Ovulation disorders: Ovulatory dysfunction is one of the leading causes of female infertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothalamic dysfunction can prevent ovulation, making it difficult to conceive.
• Blocked fallopian tubes: Damage or blockage in the fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg. This can result from pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, or previous surgeries.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. This condition can lead to scarring, inflammation, and fallopian tube obstruction, making conception more challenging.
• Uterine abnormalities: Structural issues in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or congenital abnormalities, can interfere with implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
• Age-related decline in fertility: A woman’s fertility declines with age, particularly after 35. This is due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of eggs over time.
• Unexplained infertility: Sometimes, there’s no identifiable cause of infertility, known as “unexplained infertility”.

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, with over 40 strains transmitted through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. HPV infections are typically categorized into two types:

• Low-risk HPV: These strains cause benign conditions like genital warts and don’t lead to cancer.
• High-risk HPV (hrHPV): Persistent infection with high-risk strains (such as HPV 16 and 18) can cause cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers.

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own. However, the virus persists in some cases, increasing the risk of complications.

Can HPV cause infertility? 

The potential link between HPV and infertility has been debated in the scientific community.  There are a lot of theories about how it could affect female fertility, but there's only so much we currently know. While we can’t say for certain that HPV is a direct cause of infertility in women, some emerging studies suggest it could have an impact on female reproductive health.

For instance, a large study in Taiwan found that women with a history of HPV infection faced a higher risk of infertility. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis highlighted that hrHPV infections are significantly associated with female infertility. This suggests that hrHPV could play a role in infertility, although it's not seen as the main cause.

HPV can affect your chances of conceiving in a few different ways. First off, research has found that certain high-risk types of HPV can affect the upper genital tract (which includes the endometrium and ovaries). This infection could potentially lead to challenges with infertility. 

HPV infections might also play a role in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Some studies have found that when HPV is present in the uterus, it can lead to lower success rates for ongoing pregnancies and might affect implantation and clinical pregnancy rates.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all research agrees. For example, a study conducted in Denmark didn’t find a significant link between hrHPV infection and female infertility risk.

While there’s some evidence suggesting that HPV, especially hrHPV, might be tied to an increased risk of infertility in women, the relationship is quite complex and doesn't imply a direct cause. More research is definitely needed to unravel the full story behind how HPV might affect women's reproductive health.

Prevention and treatment

While there is no cure for HPV, there are effective strategies to reduce the risk of infection and manage its potential effects on fertility:

• HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the most common high-risk and low-risk HPV strains. The CDC recommends vaccination for girls and boys starting at age 11 or 12, though it is approved for individuals up to age 45.
• Regular pap smears: Routine cervical screenings help detect abnormal cell changes early, allowing for timely treatment before cancer or other complications develop.
• Safe sex: Using condoms and dental dams can lower the risk of HPV transmission, though they don’t provide complete protection since HPV can infect areas not covered by these barriers.
• Early treatment of cervical abnormalities: If precancerous cervical changes are detected, procedures such as LEEP or cryotherapy can remove abnormal cells before they progress to cancer.
• Maintaining a healthy immune system: A strong immune system helps clear HPV infections more efficiently. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can support immune function.

Should you worry about HPV and infertility?

It's completely understandable to have concerns about your chances of conceiving, whether you're actively trying to have a baby or just thinking about your future. 

When it comes to HPV infection, it's important to remember that it's quite common and, in most cases, it clears up on its own without you even realizing you had it. 

While HPV isn't directly linked to infertility, some studies suggest it could pose challenges for certain individuals. That said, researchers are still learning about the many strains of HPV, and we don't yet fully understand which ones might impact fertility. Many HPV infections go undetected because they often show no symptoms and resolve naturally.

If you're worried about HPV and its potential effects on your fertility, taking care of your reproductive health through regular gynecological check-ups, getting the HPV vaccine, and practicing safe sex can help. If you've been diagnosed with HPV and are hoping to conceive, consider reaching out to a fertility specialist. They can provide guidance and support to help you work toward a healthy pregnancy. 

FAQ

Can HPV make it hard to get pregnant? 

While we're not completely certain, HPV itself isn't a direct cause of infertility. However, it can create some challenges for certain women when it comes to reproductive health. If a woman has a persistent HPV infection, it can sometimes lead to cervical changes that might need treatments like LEEP or cone biopsies. These procedures can affect the strength of the cervix, which might increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. Additionally, some studies have shown that HPV can be found in reproductive tissues, and there are hints that it might play a role in embryo implantation. The good news is that many women with HPV don’t face any troubles when trying to conceive! But if someone has had HPV-related cervical treatments or faces other reproductive health issues and is having difficulty getting pregnant, it’s definitely a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider for some personalized advice.

Can I have kids if I have HPV? 

Yes, you can have kids if you have HPV. Most HPV infections do not interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. However, if the infection leads to cervical abnormalities requiring treatment, certain procedures may affect the cervix and increase the risk of pregnancy complications like preterm birth. In some cases, HPV has been detected in reproductive tissues, and research is ongoing to determine its potential impact on fertility. If you have HPV and are planning to get pregnant, regular check-ups with your doctor can help monitor your reproductive health and ensure a healthy pregnancy.