In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to understanding the causes of infertility, which is being recognized as a growing health problem affecting large numbers of couples worldwide. Male infertility is a contributing factor in approximately 30-40% of cases, and one of its etiological causes is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Among sexually transmitted pathogens, human papillomavirus (HPV) can contribute in various ways to the failure of spontaneous and assisted reproduction, acting in the different phases of conception, especially in the early ones. In particular, HPV infection can affect sperm DNA integrity, sperm motility, count, viability, and morphology and can induce the production of anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs). In this narrative review, we aimed to provide an overview of existing research on the potential adverse effects of HPV infection on male reproductive health. Furthermore, we analyzed how limiting the spread of the infection, particularly with gender-neutral vaccination, could be a possible therapeutic tool to counteract male and female fertility problems.
International journal of molecular sciences. 2023 Dec 16*** epublish ***
Arianna Sucato, Michela Buttà , Liana Bosco, Leonardo Di Gregorio, Antonio Perino, Giuseppina Capra
Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE) "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy., Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy., Unit of Urology, Polyclinic Hospital, Via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy., IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy.