HPV and Pregnancy

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is usually a sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts or precancerous cell changes, depending about the specific strain in the virus. HPV can quickly be contracted by a pregnant woman. Even though the body can generally keep the virus well controlled, during pregnancy, changes in the immune system often cause a flareup. HPV contracted during pregnancy does include sure further health risks that every pregnant woman must be familiar with.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Handle and Prevention (CDC) show that in excess of 40 unique strains of HPV is usually transmitted by means of sexual contact. While these sorts may be low-risk (causing warts) or high-risk (causing cancer), roughly 90 of all instances clear up within just two years of infection. Warts occurring in instances of low-risk HPV in pregnant women might present additional vigorous growth, resulting from improved vaginal fluids or hormonal changes.

Can HPV affect pregnancy?

The virus is unlikely to affect your pregnancy or damage the baby. The warts on their own can grow faster and bigger during pregnancy, but it is due to your increase of hormones in your system. The region may also be lots much more moist even though you happen to be pregnant, because of an increase in vaginal discharge, and warts grow additional on this style of atmosphere. Your immune system undergoes changes whilst you happen to be pregnant and this can affect your bodies capability to fight off the virus. It's rare that your baby will develop the virus, but it can be passed on and the baby can develop warts on their vocal chords when they are a baby or during childhood. This, having said that, is quite rare.

Test

Pregnant women will not be routinely tested for HPV, though the virus might be detected when you undergo a pap smear. If a pap smear shows any changes you might be tested to view if you might have any from the high risk strains.

Treatment

Genital warts is usually treated during pregnancy. Doctors usually prefer to remove warts surgically during pregnancy instead of working with other methods. The dread is usually that topical therapies or freezing off the warts could increase the likelihood of the miscarriage.