Extremely embarrassing lady parts- TMI :(

[pinkflowergreen]

Name change. Im 40 weeks +2 days pregnant and last week I noticed some awfully strange things had appeared on my vagina. At first I thought they were skin tags but after doing some more research I've since found out it's genital warts. I don't think there's anything more disgusting that can be said in the English language than them two. Genital. Warts. I know they're harmless (please don't anyone pipe up about herpes -ITS NOT THE SAME THING) but they just look so horrible. The temptation to slice them all off before I go into labour and some poor midwife has to look at my horrible vagina is overwhelming. (I'm definitely NOT going to slice them off) but I'm just mortified. I look disgusting anyway and now my lady bits look like something from a horror film before I've even given birth.

Have you spoken to your midwife or been referred to GUM clinic OP? If not its probably a good idea to contact them asap to arrange referral/treatment and further STI testing. No need to be embarrassed, you won’t be the first pregnant woman to experiment this

*experience this

I had something like that a few years ago (Not in pregnancy) which were kind of like spots I think? But they eventually did go away on their own- I just took care to wash them like 4 times a day to make sure everything was constantly squeaky clean down there and there was no sweat build-up! But as you're due any day now probably best to speak to midwife. And don't be embarrassed- remember the midwives and docs have seen it ALL!

Really really common in pregnancy! The combination of a lowered immune system and skin trauma (it’ll be stretching/swelling) makes for a perfect environment for them. Women especially can carry strains of HPV, the virus that causes them, for years, and all of a sudden they appear out of nowhere.

I had them when I was in my twenties. Extremely contagious, can spread despite using condoms, it’s no surprise really. In fact the nurse said that if you’ve had sex this millennium, you almost certainly carry the virus! My treatment was a cream - non invasive, painless, quick and easy. Just go and see your GP.

No need for an sti screening unless you want one, genital warts won’t show up on it anyway.

I know it makes you feel like shit though.

Are you sure it’s warts? Have you been tested? I have little purple spots that appeared during pregnancy but it’s varicose veins.

Pinkflower there is no need to be embarrassed. They are incredibly common if that is what in fact you do have; however, you do need to speak to someone urgently given how far along you are. Don't want to frighten you, but if you in fact do have genital warts and have an active outbreak during labour they can be transmitted to the baby if you have a vaginal delivery. If it is the case they will probably suggest a c-section. There is no risk to your baby at the moment. Please give the delivery ward a call this morning and/or OH GP. As I say, nothing to be embarrassed about, but given how far along you are you need to get some advice asap.

The NHS website says you should let your midwife know: www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-warts/#genital-warts-and-pregnancy

I can't imagine any vaginas look great when there's a head being pushed out of them, and midwives have seen all sorts, so really don't worry about that! And I'm sure you won't when you're in labour anyway :)