During pregnancy, our body undergoes many changes to ensure the baby’s development. One of them is the decrease in defenses or immune system, which can cause diseases. The presence of condylomas is one of these variants. However, if we are already worried about injuries in the intimate area, all alarms can be triggered during pregnancy.
In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain why genital warts appear during pregnancy and what to do about them.
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Genital warts in pregnancy
Genital warts or condyloma in pregnancy are associated with the human virus papillomavirus or HPV. Although this name may alarm you, it is essential to know that it is a widespread virus. About 80% of women have HPV and may not have been aware of it or have not been diagnosed.
HPV is primarily a sexually transmitted disease, which can be spread from the first relationship. There are also cases of contagion after contact with affected areas such as genitals, anus, rectum, or even the mouth. In the case of women, simple cytology can give the diagnosis.
The first thing to know is that there are many strains of HPV and that most have no symptoms. However, the most common pressures manifest with the presence of genital warts. In most cases, these lesions are not visible, so it is critical to comply with the routine checkup of the gynecologist.
Warts or genital warts have a place in meat and cauliflower appearance. Some can be small, while others can grow to enormous sizes. They are usually located inside and outside the vagina, vulva, anus, and rectum.
Warts are not itchy, itchy, or painful. As well as irritation or redness of the skin. In many cases, they can go unnoticed to the touch or the patient’s eye due to their location or smooth texture.
In the case of future mothers, they also do not escape the emergence of genital warts in pregnancy. The condylomas do not represent an immediate risk to the formation of the baby; however, the mother can infect her child during natural childbirth.
Why do genital warts appear in pregnancy?
When genital warts appear in a pregnant woman, it is usually because the woman was already a carrier of the virus and perhaps did not know it. That is why the presence of warts observed during one of the prenatal controls is usually a surprise.
The following reasons why genital warts appear in pregnancy have to do with the changes that the woman’s body undergoes to ensure the baby’s development. For instance:
- The natural suppression of the immune system so that the body accepts the fetus.
- Also, the increased vaginal discharge and hormones contribute to the formation of warts.
- Another essential factor to consider is stress and diet.
The mother must have the opportunity to carry a smooth pregnancy. The psychological alterations directly affect the mother’s defenses, the same as an unbalanced diet. Oatmeal, yogurt, and vegetables are foods that minimize the effects of stress.
How are genital warts detected?
Due to their location and characteristics, in many cases, it is challenging to notice warts with the naked eye. Especially during pregnancy, when the possibility of visualizing the genitals is lost. That is why it is essential to attend all prenatal checkups.
In general, specialists perform several Pap tests throughout the pregnancy, preventing any infection in the cervix. The most common way to identify HPV is through a Pap test.
If the result is positive, a specialized examination will be necessary to identify the strain type. Only 5-10% of diagnosed HPV strains are associated with cervical cancer. The rest have a standard or regular treatment.
How HPV Affects the Baby
Both the HPV virus and genital warts do not affect the formation of the baby. However, there is a warning that natural childbirth could infect the child after contact with warts.
In these cases, specialists make sure that the virus is not active at delivery. In this way, the baby can pass through the vaginal canal without risk of contagion. On the other hand, if the virus is active, the best thing to do is perform a cesarean section. This avoids risks for both the baby and the mother.
What should I do in the presence of genital warts in pregnancy
When you suspect HPV or the presence of genital warts, the first thing to do is go to the doctor. Although many medications are on the market for genital warts, they must be applied under medical supervision, especially in the case of pregnant women.
In general, the treatments are not invasive but are applied topically. Only in some cases, where the lesions are more extensive or deep, is it necessary to cauterize warts. The correct treatment will be determined by your doctor; that is why from FastlyHealwe advise you that if you have any doubt or suspicion of HPV, you go to your doctor as soon as possible.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.