warts during pregnancy

Posted by Cheryl on May 04, 1999 at 10:30:43
I have had on occasion genital warts in the past year; and now that I am pregnant before one is completely gone, another one pops up; is this because of the hormones that they seem to be mulitipling; and should I use aldera cream that I had before is it safe...I need some answers; I don't want them to be a problem...what is the way of removal that is best during pregnancy?..thanks

Posted by hfhs.md.db on May 06, 1999 at 12:45:39
It is not uncommon for genital warts to get worse during pregnancy. In the vast majority of cases, these do not lead to any problems. Genital warts are caused by a viral infection; the normal slight decrease in immune response during pregnancy allows the virus to increase its activity.
In general, I advise my patients to not aggressively treat the warts during pregnancy unless they are causing major problems. Almost always, the warts will dramatically improve (i.e. shrink) without treatment after the baby is born. If spontaneous resolution does not occur, a course of Aldara will do the job.
I have used Aldara during pregnancy in certain circumstances. There have not been any reported pregnancy problems. Very rarely, surgical resection is required for massively enlarged warts.