High-Risk HPV Infections Linked to Lower Sperm Quality and Fertility in Men
A study led by Dr. Virginia Rivero from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba in Argentina has found that high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in men may be associated with increased levels of sperm death and decreased sperm quality, potentially leading to infertility. The research, published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, examined data from 205 adult male volunteers, revealing that 19% tested positive for HPV, with high-risk strains being more prevalent. The study highlighted that high-risk HPV infections were linked to higher levels of oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and impair their function.
The findings also suggest that high-risk HPV infections might suppress key components of the immune system in the male genital tract, further complicating the body's ability to clear the infection and potentially leading to other infections that could affect fertility. Despite the potential implications for male reproductive health, HPV testing is not currently recommended for men in the United States, and there is no approved screening by the US Food and Drug Administration. The study underscores the importance of understanding the impact of HPV on male fertility and raises questions about the potential benefits of routine HPV vaccination and testing in men.
