Related health risks of genital warts

Complications from genital warts

While most forms of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are low risk, meaning that they are not related to cancer, there is a percentage of HPV that is high risk, and those found as the result of an abnormal Pap smear may be among them.  In addition,  there is a possibility that genital warts infections can be passed along to newborn infants during birth, and treatment options for pregnant women may differ to prevent medicinal topical solutions from impacting fetus development.
 

Cervical cancer risks related to genital warts

Recent data shows that the Human Papilloma Virus is linked to about 95% of all cervical cancer cases. Of women who are found to have precancerous (dysplastic) cells, a small percentage develop cancer if the cells are not removed.  If the cervix is infected by the Human Papilloma Virus, changes in outermost cell layers are detected. The changes in these cells are not cancerous, but they are precursors to cancer. Researchers feel that aggressive HPV strains can activate cancer causing genes called Oncogenes over a period of time.  Oncogenes interfere with certain protective proteins that control cell growth. If these protective proteins are not allowed to perform normally, rampant cell growth can result, leading to tumor formation and cancer.

It is possible for low grade dysplastic cells to regress and become normal over a period of time as a result of the bodies own immune system. When this occurs, it is believed that the infection can be reactivated years later.  If reactivation occurs and is undetected or untreated, abnormal cells may invade deeper and deeper layers of the cervix, forming early stages of cervical cancer and offering the potential for spreading.  The more progressed the abnormalities in cells, the more aggressive the treatments may be to eliminate cancer. Aggressive treatments to eliminate cervical cancer usually prevent future childbearing.
 

Genital warts and pregnancy risks

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to Human Papilloma Virus infections. Once conception occurs, certain hormonal changes take place as the female body prepares to develop, nurture and house a baby.  One of the hormonal changes is in the way the woman’s body reacts to foreign bodies such as viruses. Because the fetus contains antigens from the father, the woman’s immune system must be altered as not to attack the foreign bodies as infectious. This ‘letting the guard down’ by a woman’s immune system makes them more prone to infection from viruses such as the Human Papilloma Virus.  If genital wart removal is required during pregnancy, the use of laser or cryosurgery is recommended. Some topical solutions have the potential to cause birth defects in the unborn fetus.
 

Treatment of genital warts during pregnancy

Laser Treatment uses a high powered laser to burn off the wart and seal the blood vessels, reducing bleeding. Laser treatment is more expensive, and is generally reserved for areas requiring extensive removal or for difficult-to-access areas such as the cervix.  Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy is a treatment method that involves freezing of the infected area. By applying liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to the area for a few seconds, the surface and subsurface of the wart is frozen. This treatment usually stings and can be painful.

According to estimates by Planned Parenthood, ten percent of all Americans have a strain of genital Human Papilloma Virus. While there have been reported cases of babies developing laryngeal papillomas (vocal cord warts), the actual cases are very low, and the general practice has been to continue to allow vaginal birth from mothers known to have HPV.

 

Genital warts: key points Overview of genital warts Knowing the physical signs and symptoms of genital warts Genital warts transmission and how you can protect yourself Medical complications associated with the genital warts virus Medical treatment options available for genital warts Natural and herbal remedies that may help genital warts