Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection known. It spreads easily because individuals who contract the virus often have no symptoms and are therefore unaware that they are infected.

Although HPV infection is frequently asymptomatic and transitory, it can persist and cause lesions including warts, condylomas and cancers depending on the risk level of the type of HPV involved. There is also growing evidence that HPV is having a negative impact on male as well as female fertility.

Despite the high incidence of HPV infection in low-income countries, thus far no effective strategies have been found for preventing, testing, treating and controlling it in such settings.

This study reviews the most recent literature on HPV infection, highlighting its epidemiology, correlated diseases and possible effects on the fertility of both sexes, with a special focus on the situation in Mozambique.