For information about the topic "HPV and pregnancy", please read the following paragraphs.
HPV infections are one of the most common illnesses transferred by sexual intercourse. According to estimations, round about 60 - 80 percent of the population are infected by the virus. There are about 100 subgroups of the virus, but not all of them are responsible for alterations at the genitals or for the development of warts.
The viruses which are relevant in the genitals area are divided into groups with a high and a low risk potential. Women who are infected with the so-called high risk viruses show a higher risk for cell alterations at the uterus which can lead to cancer. Infections with low risk viruses often cause the development of condyloma which show a lower tendency for cell alterations.
Why are pregnant women especially prone to HPV infections?
During pregnancy, the hormone situation changes completely, the entire body reacts to the new circumstances. To avoid that the foetus is rejected by the female body, as half of the foetus consists of antigens of the man, the immune defence is altered which may lead to an infection more easily.
Medical researches have shown that more HP viruses are developed under the influence of oestrogen and progesterone and it is assumed that these examinations are also valid for human beings to a certain extent. At least, it is common knowledge that the illness frequency with high risk viruses increases during pregnancy and decreases again at the end of the pregnancy and after the birth. If the infection still exists, cell alterations at the cervix can be found.
Therapy
During pregnancy, the removal of the warts via laser or by freezing is recommended. Furthermore, a regular medical control of the cervix is necessary.