HPV and Fertility: Here's All You Need To Know

ByRohan Sharma
Updated: 25 Jun 2025, 9:45 am

The link between HPV and fertility is often overlooked.HPV is a prominent factor in causing cervical cancer, which implies that it can significantly affect your reproductive health.. It is necessary to learn what HPV is, how it spreads, the symptoms of HPV, the risk factors and methods of managing it so that you can seek proper treatment before the condition escalates.

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Fertility is determined by a vast spectrum of factors, ranging from age and genetics to lifestyle and underlying health. Of them, infection sometimes exerts a very significant but often underappreciated role. An example is human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most prevalent STIs that continues to assume greater and greater visibility in the reproductive health arena.

In this article:


HPV is most famously associated with cervical cancer; however, its potential implications for fertility, affecting both men and women, are less commonly discussed. If you’re planning to start or expand your family, understanding the relationship between HPV and fertility can help you prepare for healthy conception.. It is important to learn about HPV, its modes of transmission, and how it may influence fertility, to seek proper guidance on prevention, management, and proactive care.


HPV and Fertility: An Overview

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 related viruses, with over 40 of them known to infect the genitalia. It is one of the most common STIs globally, with estimates suggesting that the majority of sexually active people will contract at least one form of HPV during a lifetime.

HPV is generally classified into two categories:

  • Low-risk types: These viruses cause benign illnesses, such as genital warts, but do not contribute to the development of cancer.
  • High-risk types: These have the potential to lead to abnormal cell changes that can become cancers, particularly of the cervix but also the throat, anus, vulva, vagina, and penis.

In most instances, the body's immune system can clear HPV on its own within two years, often without the need for treatment; however, if the high-risk type is retained within the body, it will lead to more severe health outcomes that will affect reproductive function.


Causes of HPV

HPV is primarily transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact during vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex. Notably, transmission does not need penetration. Simply touching an infected skin patch can transmit the virus. This makes HPV very difficult to entirely prevent with condoms since it infects parts that are not covered with barriers.

In less usual cases, HPV can be transmitted through other methods, including:

  • From mother to baby during birth, which can cause respiratory papillomatosis in the child
  • Through infected equipment during medical procedures, though this is very rare with today's standards of cleanliness
  • Since the virus can be present and transmitted even in the absence of symptoms, many individuals will unknowingly transmit it to others.

Symptoms of HPV

The worst part of HPV, possibly, is the fact that in a lot of instances, it doesn't even present symptoms. The majority of individuals who carry the virus aren't aware they're carrying it, which is why it's so contagious.

When symptoms do appear, they can be:

  • Genital warts: Small, fleshy warts that occur alone or in groups in the area around the genital or anal area.
  • Respiratory papillomatosis: A rare condition where wart-like growths develop in the airways, usually spread from mother to child.
  • Abnormal Pap smear tests: Detected during routine cervical screening, showing abnormal changes in cervical cells that may be linked with HPV.
  • Increased risk of cancer: Extended infection with the high-risk types is a primary cause of cervical cancer and also increases the risk of throat, anal, vulval, vaginal, and penile cancers.
It's also quite important to remember that symptoms do not mean the absence of risk, and regular screening, along with an HPV test, remains the optimal method for determining the presence of the virus and detecting any complications associated with it.

Risk factors of HPV

HPV can infect any sexually active person, but several factors might increase the likelihood of infection by the virus or complications of the virus:

  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Having had a previous sexual partner with multiple previous partners
  • Having sex at a young age
  • Having unprotected intercourse
  • Having an impaired immune system (e.g., because of HIV infection or immunosuppressive medication)
  • Smoking destroys the immune cells and the body's ability to clear HPV infections
Although these risk factors increase susceptibility, even people with a single sexual partner may become infected with HPV. Virus prevalence and symptom-free status underscore the importance of frequent testing and HPV vaccination.



How HPV Affect Fertility

Even though HPV is not directly considered a cause of infertility, indirectly, it prevents conception through its influence on the reproductive organs, the immune system, and sperm quality.

Effects on Female Fertility

  • Abnormal Cervical Cell Changes and Cervical Cancer: Abnormal cervical cell changes due to high-risk types of HPV can develop into cervical cancer if not detected and treated. Treatment for these changes (LEEP, cone biopsy, or cryotherapy) can weaken cervical function by causing loss of cervical strength, cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervical canal), and cervical mucus reduction (essential for sperm transport).
  • Impact on Immune Function and Implantation: Persistent HPV infection can result in persistent inflammation in the reproductive tract, which may weaken the endometrial lining and result in implantation difficulty. Immune milieu functions within the uterus, possibly increasing the risk of miscarriage.
  • Complications During Pregnancy: In some instances, HPV contributes to a higher risk of preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and neonatal respiratory papillomatosis (if the mother has active genital warts).

Effects on Male Fertility

While there is less research on HPV in men, new evidence is starting to show that it can have the following impacts on male fertility:


  • Semen Quality: HPV DNA in semen, and its presence is associated with reduced sperm motility (movement), increased sperm DNA fragmentation, and reduced sperm counts among some individuals. These are causes of delayed fertilisation or damaged embryo quality.
  • Transmission Risk to Partner: Infected semen transmits HPV to a female partner, which may endanger her acquiring cervical abnormalities and other related fertility problems.
  • Psychological Effects: An HPV diagnosis may cause stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem, which subsequently can affect libido and intimacy, sorely undervalued throughout the fertility process.


Treating HPV

There is no antiviral therapy to cure HPV itself. However, the diseases caused by HPV can be treated and managed:

  • Genital warts are treated with: Topical creams (e.g., imiquimod, podophyllotoxin), Cryotherapy (freezing), and Surgical excision or laser surgery.
  • Precancerous cervical changes may require: LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure), Cone biopsy, Periodic colposcopies and smear tests for follow-up.
  • HPV-related cancers are treated based on the severity and stage, typically by surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Diagnosis for HPV

  • For women: Smear tests (Pap tests) detect abnormal cells in the cervix. HPV DNA testing for high-risk types of HPV Colposcopy provides a closer examination of the cervix if abnormalities are found.
  • For men: There is no screening test for HPV in men. Diagnosis is usually made if, Genital warts occur, HPV DNA is found in semen (in studies or fertility clinics)or Symptoms point to anal or throat abnormalities (in high-risk groups).


Managing HPV

An HPV diagnosis can be upsetting, but it’s manageable with the right care.. Here's how to remain in control:

  • Routine Monitoring: Prioritise regular cervical tests and follow-up visits.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Nutritionally eat, don't smoke, and exercise daily to boost your immune system.
  • Safe Sexual Practices: Use condoms and dental dams to minimise transmission risk.
  • Honest Communication: Be honest with your partner and healthcare provider.
  • HPV Vaccination: Even if you've had HPV, the vaccine will still protect against future types.
With proper management, HPV can be managed without taking a significant blow to your parenthood plan.

Preventing if your partner has HPV

Should your partner have HPV, there are certain easy measures you can take to avoid infection and preserve fertility:


  • Vaccinate yourself: Both men and women must be vaccinated with HPV up to 45 years of age.
  • Practice protection: Condoms reduce but do not remove risk.
  • Avoid sex during active outbreaks: Particularly when genital warts are involved.
  • Regular screenings: Both individuals should be tested and checked regularly.
  • Emotional support: HPV is highly common and generally temporary. Keep lines of communication open and take care of one another to reduce emotional stress.
HPV is a common and often undetected virus. While most cases resolve on their own, certain strains can reduce fertility by compromising reproductive well-being. Through appropriate screenings, early intervention, and supportive medical care, many patients with HPV are able to conceive successfully and build healthy families.

Instead of viewing HPV as an obstacle, look at it as a call to be more informed and proactive in one's reproductive health. The key is to stay educated, aware, and compassionate of yourself and your partner.

FAQs on HPV and Fertility: Here's All You Need To Know

  1. Does having HPV interfere with the process of conception?
    It is advised to consult your healthcare provider before taking any action, as conception is still possible in several cases. Still, you or your partner may need specific treatments or screenings first.
  2. Can the child get infected with HPV during pregnancy?
    The probability of HPV transmission to the child is quite low. However, consult your healthcare provider in case of uncertainty, such as having active genital warts or other concerns.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Megha Mittal, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi