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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC 3.0International Journal of Fertility & Sterility

Viral Infections and Ovarian Reserve: Mechanistic Insights into Ovarian Aging- A Review

  • Kaveh Haratian1
  • Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni2
  • Shabnam Zarei Moradi2
  • Anahita Mohseni Meybodi1,3
  1. 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
  2. 2Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Division of Molecular Diagnostics, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract

Ovarian aging, marked by the progressive loss of follicular reserve and decline in oocyte quality, is a principal determinant of female reproductive lifespan. While genetic and environmental factors are well-established contributors, viral infections, including both DNA and RNA viruses, are increasingly recognized as significant extrinsic modulators of ovarian function. This review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms and clinical outcomes by which key viral pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus (HPV), mumps virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and rubella virus, affect ovarian aging and reserve. The discussion highlights those viral infections can impact ovarian function through inflammation, cytopathic effects, oxidative stress, and immune-mediated mechanisms, although the magnitude and clinical relevance vary. Current evidence for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and HBV is limited and inconsistent, highlighting the need for individualized assessment when considering fertility interventions. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are essential to clarify long-term reproductive outcomes and to guide evidence-based fertility counseling.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{haratian2026viral,
  title = {{Viral Infections and Ovarian Reserve: Mechanistic Insights into Ovarian Aging- A Review}},
  author = {Kaveh Haratian and Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni and Shabnam Zarei Moradi and Anahita Mohseni Meybodi},
  journal = {International Journal of Fertility \& Sterility},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070357.1944},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070357.1944},
  note = {CC BY-NC 3.0},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Viral Infections and Ovarian Reserve: Mechanistic Insights into Ovarian Aging- A Review
AU  - Kaveh Haratian
AU  - Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni
AU  - Shabnam Zarei Moradi
AU  - Anahita Mohseni Meybodi
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/03
JO  - International Journal of Fertility & Sterility
DO  - 10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070357.1944
UR  - https://doi.org/10.22074/ijfs.2026.2070357.1944
AB  - Ovarian aging, marked by the progressive loss of follicular reserve and decline in oocyte quality, is a principal determinant of female reproductive lifespan. While genetic and environmental factors are well-established contributors, viral infections, including both DNA and RNA viruses, are increasingly recognized as significant extrinsic modulators of ovarian function. This review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms and clinical outcomes by which key viral pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), human papillomavirus (HPV), mumps virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and rubella virus, affect ovarian aging and reserve. The discussion highlights those viral infections can impact ovarian function through inflammation, cytopathic effects, oxidative stress, and immune-mediated mechanisms, although the magnitude and clinical relevance vary. Current evidence for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and HBV is limited and inconsistent, highlighting the need for individualized assessment when considering fertility interventions. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are essential to clarify long-term reproductive outcomes and to guide evidence-based fertility counseling.
SN  - 2008-076X
SN  - 2008-0778
ER  -