Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is It Possible That Hpv-genital Warts Got Cured Postpartum?
Hi, I was diagnosed with hpv-genital warts about 3 1/2 years ago when I was pregnant and about to give birth. It cleared up after less than a month, a couple days after I had my baby. Since then I have not shown any signs of genital warts and have had std testing that has shown nothing. Is it possible I no longer have hpv-that my immune system fought it off? I have read studies recently indicating that this is possible.
Tue, 16 Dec 2014
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic
Yes, it is very much possible to have spontaneous regression of HPV viral warts.
Cell mediated immunity (CMI) normally takes care of hpv infections/ warts. In pregnancy CMI decreases and therefore warts may grow in size. The reverse happens after pregnancy.
Even though visible warts have regressed HPV infection may still be there.
Genital warts are commonly caused by 4 main hpv types 6,11,16,18.
Out of these types 16 and type 18 are known to cause precancerous changes in the cervix and therefore it is important to get a Pap smear test to detect subclinical infection with cancer causing Hpv types and also detect cancerous changes at an early stage with regular Pap testing.
I suggest that you visit a sexual health specialist for more details and the needful.
Regards
Yes, it is very much possible to have spontaneous regression of HPV viral warts.
Cell mediated immunity (CMI) normally takes care of hpv infections/ warts. In pregnancy CMI decreases and therefore warts may grow in size. The reverse happens after pregnancy.
Even though visible warts have regressed HPV infection may still be there.
Genital warts are commonly caused by 4 main hpv types 6,11,16,18.
Out of these types 16 and type 18 are known to cause precancerous changes in the cervix and therefore it is important to get a Pap smear test to detect subclinical infection with cancer causing Hpv types and also detect cancerous changes at an early stage with regular Pap testing.
I suggest that you visit a sexual health specialist for more details and the needful.
Regards
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Papillomavirus
Loading Online Doctors....