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That can be a relief to hear, especially when you’re already dealing with so many changes.
What Are Genital Warts and How Are They Linked to HPV?
Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by specific strains of HPV (a group of 200 known viruses). The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that almost every sexually active person gets infected with this virus at some point in life. Not all HPV strains cause warts; some can lead to cancers, like cervical cancer. But the strains causing genital warts are generally low-risk for cancer.Some key facts about genital warts include:
- Warts appear as soft, fleshy, skin-coloured growths around the vagina, anus, rectum, or cervix.
- They vary in size and might itch, burn, or occasionally bleed, but are often painless.
- Many people with HPV don’t have symptoms, and the virus may clear on its own without causing warts.
- Warts are highly contagious and spread through sexual contact.
How Do Genital Warts Affect Your Pregnancy?
Genital warts don’t cause problems during pregnancy for most individuals. However, pregnancy can change how your body responds to the virus due to hormonal shifts and a slightly weakened immune system. These are some ways genital warts might affect you during pregnancy:- Warts may grow larger or spread faster during pregnancy because of increased vaginal discharge, hormonal changes, or immune system adjustments.
- Larger warts might make urinating uncomfortable or painful for some people.
- Your healthcare professional will check for any abnormal changes during pregnancy. Cells grow and multiply rapidly during this time, which can sometimes trigger wart growth.
- Your prenatal care will include checks for the virus to keep you and your baby safe if you’re unsure whether you have HPV.
Are There Risks to Your Baby?
The risk of passing genital warts or HPV to your baby is very low. They’re unlikely to harm your baby or lead to complications like miscarriage or premature delivery. In rare cases, complications can occur. But these are uncommon and manageable with medical care. Very rarely, a baby may develop warts in their mouth or throat weeks after birth if HPV is passed during delivery. This condition is called laryngeal papillomatosis or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. It may affect breathing but can be managed with proper treatment. Babies exposed to HPV usually clear the virus on their own or with early medical intervention.Can Genital Warts Affect Childbirth?
Genital warts don’t usually interfere with a vaginal delivery. However, large or widespread warts might cause issues during childbirth, though these situations are also rare. A few of these complications may include:- Large warts on the vaginal wall might limit how much your vagina can stretch during delivery, potentially making a vaginal birth more difficult.
- Warts may bleed during delivery, which could complicate the process.
- Rarely, your doctor might recommend a caesarean section if the warts significantly obstruct the birth canal or cause excessive bleeding.
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
Genital warts during pregnancy can sometimes go unnoticed, as they don’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they’re usually mild but can be bothersome.- Small fleshy bumps on the skin.
- Changes in skin texture or colour.
- You might feel itching or burning where the warts are located.
- Warts may bleed in some cases, especially if irritated.
- A change in urine flow, which might mean a wart in the urethra.
How Are Genital Warts Diagnosed During Pregnancy?
If you have a history of HPV or genital warts, your healthcare professional will factor this into your prenatal care. They’ll check for the virus as part of routine prenatal screenings. Your doctor may perform a physical exam to look for visible warts in the genital or anal area. A Pap smear might be done to check for HPV or abnormal cervical cells, especially if you’ve had abnormal results in the past. Being open about your sexual health history helps your doctor give you the best care possible.What Treatment Options Are Available During Pregnancy?
There’s no cure for HPV, but genital warts can be managed with treatments to reduce their size or remove them. During pregnancy, treatment decisions are made carefully to protect you and your baby. It's even possible that your doctor may choose not to treat warts unless they cause significant discomfort or could affect delivery.Safe Removal Methods
- Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).
- Surgically removing warts (excision).
- Using laser treatment to burn off warts.
Avoid Certain Treatments
- Topical creams are usually not recommended during pregnancy due to potential side effects or irritation to sensitive genital skin.
- Over-the-counter wart removers are not safe for genital warts, as they can cause pain and irritation.
Can You Prevent Genital Warts During Pregnancy?
Preventing new warts during pregnancy can be challenging if you already have HPV, as the virus may remain in your body even without visible warts. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of spreading or worsening warts:- Avoid sexual contact with new partners during pregnancy to prevent exposure to additional HPV strains.
- Keep the genital area clean and dry to reduce irritation, which can trigger wart growth.
- Attend regular prenatal appointments to monitor any changes in wart size or symptoms.
Do Genital Warts Affect Your Ability to Get Pregnant?
You might wonder if genital warts or HPV will make it harder to conceive if you’re planning a pregnancy. But there’s no need to worry because genital warts themselves don’t affect fertility. HPV strains causing genital warts don’t impact your ability to get pregnant or carry a baby to term.However, other HPV strains can lead to abnormal cervical cells. If these cells are removed (for example, through procedures like a cone biopsy), it might affect cervical mucus or the cervix’s opening and potentially impact fertility. But this doesn’t apply to genital warts.
When To Seek Medical Help?
Being proactive about your health during pregnancy is important. Reach out to your doctor if:- You notice new growths, itching, or discomfort in your genital or anal area.
- You have a history of HPV, genital warts, or abnormal Pap smears.
- You’re using or were prescribed medication for genital warts before pregnancy.
- You’re concerned about how warts might affect your delivery or baby.
FAQs on Genital Warts in Pregnancy: What You Should Know
- What causes genital warts during pregnancy?
Genital warts are caused by certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Pregnancy hormones and a weakened immune system can cause existing warts to grow or spread faster. - Can I have a normal delivery if I have genital warts?
Yes, most people with genital warts can have a vaginal birth. But if the warts are large or block the birth canal, your doctor might suggest a caesarean section. - Can I pass genital warts to my partner during pregnancy?
Yes. Genital warts are contagious and can be passed through skin-to-skin sexual contact. Using protection can lower the risk of transmission.
