3 ways the vaginal microbiome may play a role may play a role in your risk of HPV.
What is HPV?
HPV is a common STI. There are many different types of HPV, and the majority of them do not seem to cause any health concerns.
However, some HPV types can lead to negative health implications – including cancer, reduced fertility, and warts.
HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, so is very important to raise awareness of such.
- Protection against HPV infection
- A vagina rich in Lactobacillus bacteria creates an environment that naturally blocks HPV from thriving. These friendly bacteria produce lactic acid, keeping vaginal pH low (~3.5–4.5) and hostile to viruses. This environment inhibits HPV entry and replication.
- Lactobacilli also produce bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which have antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
2. Dsybiosis (microbiome imbalance) increases HPV risk
- When Lactobacillus levels drop and BV-related bacteria like Gardnerella or Atopobium take over, the vaginal environment becomes more HPV-friendly. Conditions like BV are linked to increased HPV persistence and cancer progression.
- BV-related bacteria can produce inflammatory cytokines, leading to chronic inflammation, which promotes HPV-driven oncogenesis.
3. Immune system support
- A healthy microbiome helps regulate immune responses—giving your body the power to fight off HPV naturally. But an imbalanced microbiome can trigger chronic inflammation, which may help HPV evade immune detection, increasing its chances of sticking around and causing harm.
- Immune suppression in a dysbiotic environment may allow HPV to integrate into host DNA, increasing cancer risk.
How do I prevent HPV infection?
1.Get vaccinated
- This is so important and can protect against both high-risk and low-risk HPV infections. Please contact your GP if you have not yet had this.
2. Get tested
- Attending your smear test can be crucial in identifying HPV infection early! Regular STI screening is also key.
3. Practise safe sex
- Using condoms (male or female) will reduce your likelihood of getting any STI, including HPV.
4.Optimise your microbiome
- A balanced microbiome can ‘clear out’ infections inc. HPV, and is a great way to protect yourself.
This HPV Awareness Day, take charge of your health!
HPV is common but preventable!
—therefore with the right knowledge and tools, you have the power to protect yourself.
A Lactobacillus-dominated microbiome supports HPV clearance, whereas dysbiosis fosters HPV persistence and progression.
Understanding and nurturing your vaginal microbiome may therefore support HPV clearance and long-term reproductive health.
