HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection, has been linked to infertility in men. A study found that high-risk strains of HPV were more common in men and negatively impacted sperm quality. HPV suppresses immune cells in the male genital tract, making it harder for the body to clear the virus and increasing the risk of other infections. Infertile men were more likely to have HPV-positive semen compared to the general population, with a three-fold greater odds of infertility. The HPV vaccine, recommended for both boys and girls, prevents nine high-risk strains of the virus. A 2020 study suggests that vaccination may help men clear the virus faster and improve fertility. However, more research is needed to establish a cause-effect relationship between HPV and infertility in men. High-risk HPV strains in men can harm female reproductive health and increase the risk of miscarriage. Routine testing for HPV and other STIs is recommended for men with fertility issues. Despite rising vaccination rates, the impact of the HPV vaccine on men’s fertility remains uncertain. Further research on the relationship between HPV and other STIs on male fertility is needed to better understand the implications and potential treatments.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
