The purpose of the review a synthesis of research data on the role of human papillomavirus infection in the reproductive health of women and men.
Key Points. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, HPV is the main cause of the development of HPV-associated diseases among both women and men. Viruses are subdivided into HPV with low carcinogenic risk, which cause benign warts, and HPV with high carcinogenic risk, which cause cancer. Different types of human papillomaviruses depending on their characteristic tropism, are divided into skin and mucous types. Viral infection in men leads to a decrease in the quality of sperm (for example, asthenozoospermia) due to apoptosis in sperm cells and due to the development of antisperm immunity. A negative viral effect on the fertility of women is manifested in an increase in the frequency of spontaneous miscarriages and a premature rupture of the amniotic membranes during pregnancy. There is evidence that HPV decreases the number of trophoblastic cells and abnormal trophoblastic-endometrial adhesion is also observed. In trophoblastic cells transfected with high-risk HPV, the level of apoptosis increases. HPV vaccination is safe, and the results show not only protection against HPV-associated diseases in women and men, but also a reduction of gestational complications, reduced preterm birth rates and the protection of newborns from infection.
