Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of sexually transmitted infections. Genital HPV infection is common, with 75% of sexually active adults being exposed to the infection at least once in their lifetime (1). Most HPV infections are asymptomatic (2). However, the mild immunosuppressed state and hormonal shifts during pregnancy may cause a woman to develop symptoms of HPV infection in pregnancy (3). Read on to know more about the symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and preventive measures for HPV infection during pregnancy.
Symptoms Of HPV Infection
HPV infections are mostly asymptomatic. The most common symptoms of the infection are warts, which may appear on any part of the body. Warts that appear inside or outside the genitals or anus usually indicate a sexual transmission of HPV.
Other common symptoms of HPV infection are (4) (5): Flat lesions that appear like spots Bump-like projections with abnormal appearance Itching or burning sensation in the genital region Vaginal bleeding during or after a sexual intercourse
These symptoms may be present in other conditions, such as other sexually transmitted infections. Certain types of HPV may increase the risk of cancer of the cervix, vagina, anus, throat, and mouth. Therefore, see a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
Mode Of Transmission Of HPV Infection
HPV infection occurs due to any of the more than 100 types of human papillomaviruses (5). The HPV virus can pass from the infected person through the following ways (6) (7).
Vaginal, oral, or anal sex Touching warts of an infected person Touching contaminated objects, such as a doorknob
Transmission can occur even when the person with the virus has no symptoms. The most common symptoms of HPV infection are warts, which may not appear for weeks to months after infection (5).
Risk Factors Of HPV Infection In Pregnancy
The following factors may increase the risk of developing HPV infection during pregnancy.
Sexual activity: Women who are sexually active during pregnancy may have a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Multiple sex partners: Women with multiple sex partners are at an increased risk of developing sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV infection. Image: Shutterstock
Weakened immunity: Stress, diabetes, and certain medicines may weaken your immunity, making you susceptible to infections, such as an HPV infection.
Past infections: You may be at a higher risk of developing HPV infection if you have had previous viral infections, such as HSV (herpes) infection.
Age: A study noted that women younger than 25 years might be at a higher risk of contracting HPV infection during pregnancy (8). More research is needed to establish the link between age and the risk of infection.
Diagnosis Of HPV Infection During Pregnancy
Testing for HPV infections is usually not done during pregnancy. However, if your doctor suspects any signs of infection in you or detects any presence of warts during a routine screening, they may screen you for HPV infection with the following tests (5) (9).
Pelvic examination: Your OB/GYN will perform a pelvic (cervical) exam to visualize the presence of warts externally.
PAP test: Pap test is useful to determine abnormalities in cervical cells. The sample is taken from your cervix and examined for infection. The test is widely used to detect cervical cancers. Image: Shutterstock
Colposcopy: This test is used to visualize genital warts or abnormal cervical cells. Your doctor may suggest a biopsy to check for cervical abnormalities.
Molecular testing (HPV DNA test): A HPV DNA test is done after your doctor detects an abnormal pap test and confirms the presence of genital warts. It is an additional test to evaluate high-risk HPV infections that may lead to cancers.
Treatment For HPV Infection During Pregnancy
There is no cure known for HPV infection, and the virus stays in the body forever (10). Nevertheless, in most cases, the immune system subdues the effects of the virus, relieving the symptoms of the infection. Treatments are usually directed towards managing symptoms or excision of warts and may include the following (11)
Cryotherapy: A technique used to freeze warts or abnormal cervical cells, usually with liquid nitrogen.
Laser removal: This method uses high-intensity light to destroy abnormal cells or tissues.
Electrical removal(electrocautery): This is a procedure to burn off the infected tissues and warts with the heat of an electric cutter. Image: Shutterstock
Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as small excisions, cold knife cones (CKC), and loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP), may be used to remove harmful tissues and prevent the development of malignancies.
Topical medications: Your doctor may prescribe certain medicated creams to apply on warts. You may note that the use of certain medications is contraindicated in pregnancy. Therefore, do not use any over-the-counter medicines for warts.
Your doctor may choose suitable treatment modalities based on the severity of infection’s symptoms and stage of pregnancy and after considering possible risks and complications.
Prevention Of HPV Infection In Pregnancy
Infection from certain types of human papillomaviruses can be prevented through the HPV vaccine. Make sure to get vaccinated before you conceive for the best protection. As per CDC, HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone before the age of 26. If you are older than 26, speak to your healthcare provider before getting the vaccine. You can observe the following precautions to avoid the risk of infection during pregnancy (12) (13).
Have safe sex: Make sure to use condoms during sexual intercourse to reduce the chances of acquiring HPV and other sexually transmitted infections. A study noted that condoms during sex could reduce the risk of HPV infection by 70% in women (14). Image: Shutterstock
Practice monogamy: Having multiple sex partners can increase your risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections such as HPV infection.
Discuss the risks of STIs with your partner: Be sure to know if your partner has any history of sexually transmitted infections before having sex (15).
