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STD Advice Column
Genital Warts HPV and Pregnancy

I have HPV that causes Genital Warts. I am also pregnant. Is there anything I should be concerned about?

~ Wanting No Complications

Dear Wanting No Complications,
When you go in for your checkups during pregnancy, it is of the utmost importance that you discuss this with your doctor or health care provider. This is something your doctor needs to be aware of.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:

"Genital warts may cause a number of problems during pregnancy. Because genital warts can multiply and become brittle, your health care provider will discuss options for their removal, if necessary. Genital warts also may be removed to ensure a safe and healthy delivery of the newborn.

Sometimes they get larger during pregnancy, making it difficult to urinate if the warts are in the urinary tract. If the warts are in the vagina, they can make the vagina less elastic and cause obstruction during delivery. Rarely, infants born to women with genital warts develop warts in their throats (respiratory papillomatosis). Although uncommon, it is a potentially life-threatening condition for the child, requiring frequent laser surgery to prevent obstruction of the breathing passages. Research on the use of interferon therapy with laser surgery indicates that this drug may show promise in slowing the course of the disease."

As long as your doctor or health care provider is aware of this, the two of you can create a proper plan to address it before your delivery date.

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Only a physician can properly diagnose whether or not you have an STD. Thus it is important that you get an STD test done if you have a concern. None of the advice given in this column is a substitute for physician advice.

If you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease, you should see a physician immediately to be properly diagnosed and treated. You should not try to diagnose or treat symptoms on your own.

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