Research from the University of Aberdeen indicates that the HPV vaccine may significantly reduce the risk of serious pregnancy complications for women later in life. The study suggests that schoolgirls who receive the vaccine, initially offered to girls aged 12 and 13 since 2008, may experience better pregnancy outcomes in the future.
Historically, the HPV vaccine has been known to protect against various cancers, including cervical, oral, and throat cancers. The latest findings, published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, represent the first investigation of its kind into the vaccine’s potential benefits concerning pregnancy.
The study examined data from 9,200 women in Aberdeen spanning from 2006 to 2020. Researchers analyzed the relationship between vaccination rates and incidences of pregnancy complications. Notable findings revealed that women who had received the HPV vaccination experienced a 48% lower likelihood of preterm water breaking. Additionally, they had a 62% decrease in the odds of developing pre-eclampsia and a 29% reduction in the risk of pre-birth hemorrhage.
Dr. Andrea Woolner, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and an honorary consultant obstetrician at NHS Grampian, emphasized the implications of these results. “We know from previous research that if the pregnant mother had previously had HPV infection, or had undergone treatment for precancerous changes, they were at an increased risk of complications such as preterm birth,” she stated.
Dr. Woolner and her team aimed to determine whether the HPV vaccine could reduce the risk of these complications by lowering the incidence of HPV infections and, subsequently, the need for cervical treatments. “We found that women vaccinated against HPV had better outcomes than those who were not vaccinated for several common pregnancy complications,” she added.
This research underscores the importance of ensuring that girls receive the HPV vaccine before the age of 15. Dr. Woolner noted, “Not only does the HPV vaccine protect against cancer, but our research suggests it may also protect against serious pregnancy-related complications.”
In addition to the findings regarding women’s health, Dr. Maggie Cruickshank, emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen and a consultant gynaecologist at NHS Grampian, highlighted the broader implications of vaccinating both genders. “Vaccinating boys alongside girls enhances herd immunity, significantly reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers in all genders and supporting healthier pregnancies in the future,” she explained.
Dr. Cruickshank also pointed out that these findings pave the way for further exploration of the HPV vaccine’s benefits for men. The research holds promise not only for individual health outcomes but also for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of HPV-related complications in future generations.
These significant results may influence public health policies and vaccination programs, encouraging wider uptake of the HPV vaccine and potentially leading to improved health outcomes for women during pregnancy.
