HPV and male reproductive health

The Papilloma virus (HPV = Human Papilloma Virus) is a DNA virus. It is the main cause of infectious pathology of both male and female genital systems. The transmission of this virus occurs sexually, through contact with skin or mucous membranes. To date, more than a hundred strains of HPV have been identified, most of which cause transient infections, which resolve without particular consequences for the patient. However, some of these strains, defined as high-risk HPV, cause persistent infections that can promote the appearance of cervical cancer in women and, more generally in both sexes, benign squamous papillomas and other neoplasms of the anogenital region and oral cavity.

While the correlation between HPV infection and cancers of the female genital system has been extensively studied, there is growing evidence that HPV plays a role in the reproductive health of couples. This virus, in fact, exerting an inflammatory effect can also have a negative impact on spermatogenesis, affecting not only sperm production, but also their motility. Specifically, the Papilloma virus can bind to the head of the spermatozoon expelled during ejaculation, preventing its correct movement and hindering a whole series of biochemical reactions that make the spermatozoon unable both to face the long journey to the oocyte and to interact with it. Today, the search for HPV in seminal fluid, in the balano-preputial sulcus and at the urethral level represents, for andrologists, a fundamental examination in the diagnostic framing of male infertility, especially in cases where it is apparently inexplicable.

It is important to underline that, to date, there is a vaccine for the Papilloma virus capable of covering the main oncogenic strains. In particular, the Lazio Region offers free of charge to all young people, regardless of sex, from eleven years of age, the possibility of taking the HPV vaccine for prophylactic purposes and in subjects at high risk of infection. Beyond the offer of one's regional health system, the use of this vaccine is absolutely recommended even in the case of previous infection. Carrying out this vaccination, in fact, not only protects against infection by other strains of Papilloma virus, but, according to some scientific evidence, can promote the elimination of a previous or persistent infection. It is clear, therefore, the invitation for anyone to undergo this vaccination.

In the light of what has been analyzed, it is evident the need to organize awareness campaigns especially for the youngest, in order to promote their adherence to HPV vaccination. Furthermore, precisely with this in mind, male patients should be encouraged to undergo periodic andrological check-ups from adolescence, both to acquire the cognitive tools to protect their reproductive and sexual health in the best possible way and to identify any pathological situations early.