Paris,France – january 25,2026
HPV Vaccine and Fertility: Separating Fact From Fear
Table of Contents
Worries about teh HPV vaccine impacting fertility are common,but mounting evidence suggests these fears are largely unfounded-and in some cases,the vaccine may even improve a couple’s chances of conceiving.
- Approximately 80% of sexually active women and men will contract HPV at some point in their lives.
- studies have consistently shown no link between HPV vaccination and infertility in women.
- In men, HPV infection is associated with reduced sperm quality, but vaccination may improve sperm motility.
- The Cochrane Institute, after analyzing 225 studies involving 132 million vaccinated individuals, concluded the HPV vaccine does not cause fertility problems.
When the topic of the HPV vaccine comes up, a frequent concern voiced in doctor’s offices and online is whether it could lead too infertility. This anxiety understandably impacts future family planning and causes some parents to hesitate. Though, a closer look at the science reveals a different story.
HPV: A Widespread Infection with potential fertility impacts
the human papillomavirus is remarkably common, affecting roughly 80% of women and men during their lifetime. However, its presence in the male reproductive system, specifically in the sperm of one in five infertile men, its influence on infertility is highly likely substantial.
What Do Studies Show About the HPV vaccine and Fertility?
Before reaching the market, both the quadrivalent vaccine and Gardasil 9 underwent testing in rats, revealing no adverse effects on the fertility of males, females, or their offspring. Human studies have echoed these findings. An American study involving 1,100 women found no association between HPV vaccination and infertility, and an Armenian cohort of 98 vaccinated women showed no negative impact on fertility indicators.
In 2025,the Cochrane institute conducted a comprehensive analysis of 225 studies encompassing data from 132 million vaccinated individuals. Their conclusion was definitive: “Parents often worry about whether the HPV vaccine causes infertility. Our study demonstrated with a high degree of certainty that the HPV vaccine does not cause fertility problems.” The Institute noted that, with over 300 million doses administered globally, there’s been no evidence of increased fertility disorders or autoimmune diseases.
Vaccination Can Even Improve Fertility in Some Infertile Men
Researchers followed 151 infertile couples where HPV was detected in the male partner’s semen. Men were offered vaccination, and roughly half accepted, forming a vaccinated group alongside a control group.Sperm motility substantially improved in the vaccinated men.
specifically, the vaccinated group achieved 30 pregnancies, representing 39% of couples, compared to just 11 pregnancies (15%) in the control group. the vaccinated group experienced 29 births, with one miscarriage, while the unvaccinated group had four births and seven miscarriages.
In France, HPV vaccination is recommended between the ages of 11 and 14, with catch-up vaccinations available up to age 26. This proactive approach offers early protection against an infection that can jeopardize a couple’s fertility and reproductive future.
Ultimately, the evidence suggests that HPV vaccination in young girls and boys doesn’t negatively impact future fertility and may even offer protection. By preventing infection in men, it reduces the risk of infertility linked to HPV’s effects on sperm. Beyond its established effectiveness in preventing HPV-related cancers and their impact on health and fertility, the HPV vaccine emerges as a valuable tool in addressing one of the causes of infertility.
