ESHRE guideline: medically assisted reproduction in patients with a viral infection/disease

Correlation between viral infections in male semen and infertility: a literature review

Infertility affects approximately one-sixth of couples globally, with the incidence of male infertility steadily increasing. However, our understanding of the impact of viral infections on fertility remains limited. This review consolidates findings from previous studies, outlining 40 viruses identified in human semen and summarizing their key characteristics, modes of transmission, and their effects on both the reproductive and endocrine systems. Furthermore, it elucidates potential pathogenic mechanisms and treatment prospects of viruses strongly associated with male infertility. This synthesis will enhance our comprehension of how viral infections influence male reproductive health, offering valuable insights for future research as well as the diagnosis and treatment of infectious infertility.

Update on known and emergent viruses affecting human male genital tract and fertility

Many viruses infect the male genital tract with harmful consequences at individual and population levels. In fact, viral infections may induce damage to different organs of the male genital tract (MGT), therefore compromising male fertility. The oxidative stress, induced during viral-mediated local and systemic inflammation, is responsible for testicular damage, compromising germinal and endocrine cell functions. A reduction in sperm count, motility, number of normal sperm and an increase in DNA fragmentation are all common findings in the course of viral infections that, however, generally regress after infection clearance. In some cases, however, viral shedding persists for a long time leading to unexpected sexual transmission, even after the disappearance of the viral load from the blood.The recent outbreak of Zika and Ebola Virus evidenced how the MGT could represent a reservoir of dangerous emergent viruses and how new modalities of surveillance of survivors are strongly needed to limit viral transmission among the general population.Here we reviewed the evidence concerning the presence of relevant viruses, including emergent and re-emergent, on the male genital tract, their route of entry, their adverse effects on male fertility and the pattern of viral shedding in the semen.We also described laboratory strategies to reduce the risk of horizontal or vertical cross-infection in serodiscordant couples undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.

HPV-related diseases in male patients: an underestimated conundrum

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, in males and females worldwide. While the role of HPV in female diseases is well known and largely studied, males have negligibly been included in these programs, also because the proportion of women suffering and dying from HPV-related diseases is much larger than men. The aim of this review is to focus on HPV-related diseases in male patients.

METHODS

We performed a literature analysis on the electronic database PubMed. We considered randomized trials, observational and retrospective studies, original articles having as topic the relationship between HPV male infection and the following items: oral, anal penile cancers, warts, condylomas, male infertility, altered sperm parameters, anti-sperm antibodies (ASA). We also included experimental in vitro studies focused on the effects of HPV infection on oocyte fertilization, blastocyst development, and trophoblastic cell invasiveness. In addition, studies describing the adjuvant administration of the HPV vaccination as a possible strategy to promote HPV clearance from semen in infected males were included.

RESULTS

Regarding head and neck HPV-related diseases, the most important non-neoplastic disease is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Regarding neoplastic diseases, the proportion of head and neck cancers attributable to HPV has increased dramatically worldwide. In addition, nowadays, it is thought that half of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) cases in the United States are caused by infection with high-risk HPV. HPV is noteworthy in andrological practice too. It was described as having a high HPV prevalence, ranging between 50 and 70%, in male penile shaft, glans penis/coronal sulcus, semen as well as in scrotal, perianal, and anal regions. Moreover, in male patients, HPV infection has been associated, among other diseases, with penile cancers. HPV semen infection has been reported in about 10% in men from the general population and about 16% in men with unexplained infertility, although these data seem widely underestimated according to clinical experience. In particular, HPV semen infection seems to be most related to asthenozoospermia and to anti-sperm antibodies (ASAs).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV infection represents a health problem with a detrimental social and public impact. Despite this evidence, little has been done to date to widely promote vaccination among young males.

Seminal human papillomavirus infection: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections that can lead to malignant pathologies as well as fertility problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection in males, its impact on semen parameters, and reproductive consequences. We also evaluated potential measures that could prevent negative outcomes of HPV infection in males.

METHODS

A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases was performed to search for English articles published until July 2023. We explored three different aspects: (1) prevalence of HPV semen infection and its impact on seminal parameters; (2) the relationship between HPV semen infection and infertility risk and reproductive outcomes; and (3) potential measures that could prevent the negative outcomes related to HPV seminal infection. The identified studies were first screened and assessed independently by one author, and then validated by two additional authors. Data were extracted from 19 studies.

RESULTS

The prevalence of seminal HPV infection was higher among infertile males. In addition to controversies about the real interference of seminal HPV infection on sperm parameters, a growing number of studies have demonstrated a correlation between unexplained infertility and seminal HPV infection. Semen HPV infection is also associated with lower rates of pregnancy and higher rates of miscarriage. Prevention measures such as HPV vaccination seem promising.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are required to confirm not only the association between HPV infection and reproductive outcomes but also the benefit of preventive measures.

The use of ICSI in ART: evidence for practice

This article reviews the evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It provides evidence-based clinical and laboratory guidelines and recommendations for use of ICSI within an assisted reproductive technology (ART) service. The guidelines address the evidence for the use of ICSI rather than conventional IVF (cIVF); the use of ART techniques supplementary to ICSI; and risks associated with ICSI. This article is not intended to be the only approved standard of practice or to dictate an exclusive course of treatment. Other plans of management may be appropriate, taking into account the needs and medical history of the patient, available resources, and institutional or clinical practice limitations.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Its Impact on Male Infertility

Nowadays, the striking numbers of infertile couples that turn to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) drive the research toward a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying causes. Male factors contribute to the inability to conceive in half of the cases, and it has been suggested that sexually transmitted infections could have a role in the onset of spermatozoa impairments. Since the impact of HPV infection on sperm quality and sperm DNA integrity is debated, we wanted to analyze its impact on conventional seminal parameters and the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Therefore, 117 semen samples of patients undergoing IVF were evaluated for the following characteristics: HPV DNA detection and sperm DNA fragmentation, concentration, motility, and morphology. The results showed a higher rate of HPV-negative patients (59.8% vs. 40.2%) and no HPV-related effect on DFI, sperm concentration, total sperm number, and total motility. Only progressive motility and morphology were found as significantly influenced by HPV positivity. Moreover, we observed a statistically significant difference in DFI when comparing high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) and low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotypes. Our data suggest that the presence of any HPV type, whatever the exact localization of the virions, can impair some sperm parameters, while HR-HPVs specifically affect the integrity of spermatozoa DNA.

Medically assisted reproduction for people living with HIV in Europe: A cross-country exploratory policy comparison

Objective

To explore the availability and accessibility of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) for people living with HIV in Europe, including the feasibility of cross‐border care.

Methods

We used a polymorphous engagement approach, primarily based on digital and email‐based interviews with representatives of national HIV organizations, clinical researchers (infectious disease and/or infertility specialists), European and national professional societies (fertility and/or infectious disease), national regulatory authorities and individual clinics in 14 countries in the WHO European region. The research design and results were also informed by two surveys and a review of the secondary literature, news articles and clinic websites.

Results

Although MAR is possible for people living with HIV in 12 out of the 14 countries mapped, accessing services can be challenging for logistical or financial reasons. People living with HIV also face barriers to MAR independent of their HIV status, such as limitations on single women and same‐sex couples accessing services. Cross‐border care is available for most patients who are self‐financing but is limited for publicly funded patients.

Conclusions

Even when MAR is available to and accessible for people living with HIV, there may still be barriers to treatment. Further research on patient experiences is needed to understand these discrepancies between availability and accessibility on paper and in practice.