The psychosexual impact of an HPV diagnosis and how it affects sexual function: A Systematic Review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted viruses in the recent period. The complications of the virus effect most commonly genital parts of humans, especially in women causing cervical, vulvar or vaginal lesions. The impact it has on the genitalia and the pathway of transmission is dominantly sexual. Thus, the virus brings a psychosexual burden on the individual in addition to the physical and psychological one. This systematic review aims to combine and analyze the currently available literature and to detect the psychosexual impact of HPV on levels of sexual function and sexual behavior. Literature search was conducted, articles were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) model and screened according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. They were rated using standardized quality appraisal tools of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quantitative Studies, Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Checklist for Qualitative Studies and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) 2018 Edition. Using a narrative synthesis, this review covers areas of changes in sexual functioning with HPV, the emotional burden of human papillomavirus, and its sexual link, also touching relationship dynamics and specific emotional reactions. This review attempts to combine and analyze data from various methodological approaches and diverse populations