The HPV vaccine is globally recognized for preventing cervical cancer, but new research suggests its benefits may extend far beyond oncology, offering a powerful shield against serious complications during pregnancy.
A landmark study led by the University of Aberdeen has found that women vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are significantly less likely to suffer from pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and bleeding during pregnancy. The research, published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, is the first in the world to investigate the link between the vaccine and this broad range of adverse outcomes.
Analyzing data from over 11,000 births recorded in the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank between 2006 and 2020, the study compared outcomes between women vaccinated as schoolgirls and those who were not. The results were striking. After adjusting for factors such as smoking and social deprivation, vaccinated women saw a 62% reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by high blood pressure.
The study also found a 50% reduction in Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)—where waters break early—and a 29% reduction in antepartum hemorrhage (bleeding after 24 weeks). Furthermore, instances of waters breaking before labor at full term (PROM) dropped by 75%.
Dr. Andrea Woolner, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and lead researcher, highlighted the significance of the findings.
“We found that women vaccinated against HPV had better outcomes than those who were not vaccinated for several common pregnancy complications,” Dr. Woolner said. “Not only does the HPV vaccine protect against cancer – we have found in our research, that the vaccine may also protect against serious pregnancy related complications.”
Why the Protection?
The study proposes that the vaccine protects pregnancies in two distinct ways. The first is “mechanical”: preventing HPV infection avoids the need for cervical surgeries to remove precancerous cells, which can physically weaken the cervix and make it harder to carry a baby to term.
The second, more novel theory is “biological.” The researchers hypothesize that the virus itself may disrupt how the placenta implants in the womb, leading to complications like pre-eclampsia. Additionally, HPV infection can deplete beneficial bacteria in the vagina, potentially weakening the amniotic sac and causing waters to break early.
While the study did not find a statistically significant drop in the overall rate of spontaneous preterm birth across the entire population, it did confirm that the specific complications often leading to preterm birth were drastically reduced.
The researchers emphasize that these benefits rely on early vaccination. Dr. Xiaoqian Xu, a collaborator on the study, noted:
“The HPV vaccine is most effective if administered before any sexual activity so early HPV vaccination is vital, delaying or catching up later may miss the best chance to protect both against cancer and pregnancy complications.”
The team also suggested that the findings support the expansion of vaccination programs to boys.
“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,” said Dr. Maggie Cruickshank, Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen. “These new findings also open the door to exploring additional benefits of the HPV vaccine for men.”
The study was funded by the NHS Grampian Charity and a Newton Fund PhD Fellowship.