Oocyte cryopreservation, or egg freezing, is a process where a person’s eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common group of viruses, typically transmitted through sexual contact, that can cause cellular changes in the genital area. An HPV diagnosis does not prevent a person from undergoing an egg freezing cycle. The decision to proceed is generally based on the status of any HPV-related cervical changes.
Compatibility of HPV Status and Ovarian Function
The primary reason HPV status does not prevent egg freezing is the separation between the site of infection and the ovaries. HPV is a localized infection, primarily affecting the squamous cells of the skin and mucous membranes, most commonly the cervix. The virus does not typically become a systemic infection that circulates in the bloodstream to the ovaries, which are responsible for egg development during the stimulation phase.
The virus does not directly interfere with the function of the ovarian follicles or the production of reproductive hormones. Therefore, standard measures of ovarian reserve, such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels or Antral Follicle Count, are not impacted by an HPV infection alone. However, some studies suggest a potential association between persistent, high-risk HPV infection and mildly reduced AMH levels, possibly due to chronic inflammation. This link is not conclusive, and HPV infection is not recognized as a direct cause of diminished ovarian reserve that would compromise an egg freezing cycle.
Navigating Active HPV Infection During the Freezing Cycle
Fertility clinics routinely require a recent Pap smear and HPV test before starting an egg freezing cycle as a standard health precaution. If the Pap smear is normal, an active HPV infection, even a high-risk strain, will usually not require the cycle to be delayed. The cycle can proceed as planned because the virus does not affect the quality of the eggs being retrieved.
If the testing reveals high-grade cervical lesions, known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN 2 or CIN 3), the fertility specialist will coordinate care with the gynecologist. Aggressive treatment for these precancerous lesions, such as a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) or cryotherapy, is often recommended before the egg retrieval. The cycle may be temporarily postponed in these cases to ensure the person receives necessary cancer prevention treatment before focusing on fertility preservation.
The egg retrieval procedure involves passing an ultrasound-guided needle through the vaginal wall to access the ovaries. This requires instruments to pass near the cervix, the site of the HPV infection. While the theoretical risk of transmitting the virus to the pelvic cavity or the eggs is extremely low, clinics maintain strict hygiene protocols. Delaying the cycle to treat high-grade lesions is primarily a measure to protect the patient’s long-term health.
Impact on Egg Quality and Future Pregnancy
Current scientific evidence indicates that a person’s HPV status has no measurable impact on the quality of the retrieved oocytes. The virus does not infiltrate the egg itself, meaning the viability of the frozen eggs, their ability to be successfully thawed, or their fertilization rates are not compromised by the infection. The resulting embryos created from thawed eggs are also not shown to be negatively affected in terms of quality or genetic stability due to the maternal HPV status.
When the time comes to use the frozen eggs, the ultimate success of the pregnancy is not linked to the previous HPV infection. Studies have shown no significant difference in successful implantation rates or live birth rates for women with a history of HPV. The main consideration for future pregnancy is only if a person required an extensive cervical procedure, like a deep LEEP, as the removal of a large amount of cervical tissue can, in rare cases, increase the risk of cervical incompetence or preterm birth.