Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent viral sexually transmitted diseases. The ability of HPV to induce malignancy in the anogenital tract and stomato-pharyngeal cavity is well documented. Moreover, HPV infection may also affect reproductive health and fertility. Although, the impact of HPV on female fertility has not been thoroughly studied it has been found also to have an impact on semen parameters. Relative information can be obtained from studies investigating the relationship between HPV and pregnancy success. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate whether HPV alters the efficacy of assisted reproductive technologies. An association between HPV and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) programs has been reported. Nevertheless, due to conflicting data and the small number of existing studies further research is required. It remains to be clarified whether HPV detection and genotyping could be included in the diagnostic procedures in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments. Vaccination of both genders against HPV can reduce the prevalence of HPV infection and eliminate its implications on human fertility. The aim of the present mini-review is to reiterate the association between HPV and human fertility through a systematic literature review.
Highlights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection seems to be significantly related to negative effects on both the female and male reproductive system and on the normal reproductive function
Based upon the existing studies, viral infection in men may lead to bad sperm quality and increased rates of antisperm antibodies
Summary
HPV is a DNA virus infecting the squamous epithelium of the reproductive system, the anal transformation zone, the mucosal epithelium of the larynx, the tonsils, and the oropharynx [1,2,3]. It is transmitted through sexual contact by all contact points and its incidence is relatively high in both genders regardless of the socioeconomic status and geographic location. HPV 16, 18, and 31 genotypes were the most prevalent high risk (HR) HPV types, while HPV 6 and 62 were the most prevalent low risk (LR) types in a group of 152 women who participated in a study investigating the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer in Egypt [6]. The purpose of this work is to review the facts on HPV and its correlation with fertilization and it may be a useful tool for clinicians managing HPV in reproduction health care
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