Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is estimated that around 80% of sexually active adults will become infected with HPV at some stage in their lives.

While many people with HPV will not experience any symptoms or long-term effects, some types of HPV have been linked to an increased risk of various health problems, including premature birth.

What is Premature Birth?

Premature birth, also known as preterm birth, is when a baby is born before the 37th week of gestation. This can happen for various reasons, including medical complications during pregnancy, infections, or lifestyle factors such as smoking or drug use.

Premature birth can be a serious concern as it can lead to a range of health problems for the baby, including breathing difficulties, jaundice, and infections. It can also increase the risk of long-term developmental and behavioral issues.

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 100 different types of HPV, some of which can cause warts and others which can lead to more serious health problems, such as cervical cancer.

HPV can infect the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals, mouth, and throat.

Most people with HPV will not experience any symptoms and will clear the virus from their body without treatment.

However, some people may go on to develop health problems associated with certain types of the virus, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts.

How is HPV Linked to Premature Birth?

While the relationship between HPV and premature birth is not yet fully understood, there is evidence to suggest that having HPV can increase the risk of premature birth.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that women with HPV were around 1.5 times more likely to have a premature birth than women without the virus.

The risk was highest for women with high-risk types of HPV, which can cause cancer.

Another study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnant women with HPV had higher levels of certain proteins in their cervical mucus, which are associated with inflammation and may be linked to premature birth.

How Does HPV Affect Pregnancy?

HPV can affect pregnancy in various ways, including:.

Cervical changes: HPV can cause changes to the cells of the cervix, which may affect the cervix’s ability to stay closed during pregnancy. If the cervix begins to open too soon, this can lead to premature birth.
Infection: HPV can cause infection in the cervix, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including premature birth.
Inflammation: HPV can cause inflammation in the cervix and other reproductive tissues, which may also increase the risk of premature birth.

What Can be Done to Reduce the Risk?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent premature birth, there are steps that pregnant women with HPV can take to reduce their risk. These include:.

Regular prenatal care: Regular prenatal care ensures that any potential complications are identified and treated as early as possible.
Quitting smoking: Smoking during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for premature birth. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk.
Avoiding drugs and alcohol: The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy can also increase the risk of premature birth.
Monitoring cervical length: Women with HPV may be advised to have regular cervical length measurements to ensure that the cervix is staying closed during pregnancy. If it begins to open too soon, treatments such as a cervical cerclage may be recommended.
Getting vaccinated: The HPV vaccine can protect against the high-risk types of HPV that are most strongly associated with cancer and other health problems. While the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, it can be given before or after pregnancy to reduce the risk of future infections.

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between HPV and premature birth, there is evidence to suggest that having HPV can increase the risk of premature birth.

Pregnant women with HPV should take steps to reduce their risk, including obtaining regular prenatal care, quitting smoking, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and monitoring cervical length.

The HPV vaccine can also be an effective way to reduce the risk of future infections and related health problems. If you have any questions or concerns about the relationship between HPV and premature birth, talk to your healthcare provider.