I have a general question - where does one go to find good quality reliable information about HPV - there is so much stuff on the net that seems to contradict itself...

This is a great site for discussion, but I'm not so certain about facts and statistics - if they are even available.

My primary concern now is can I have a healthy baby, man I don't like this one bit.

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your post and very good questions. RRP is very, very rare and the risk to the baby is considered to be so slight that no guidelines call for a C-section delivery based on any concerns about RRP.

The website of the Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis Foundation (www.rrpf.org) says "It is estimated that approximately 5% of the U.S. population may have HPV in their respiratory tract, but less than 1 in 1000 of those infected ever develop RRP. This seems to invite the speculation that some subtle immunologic deficiency affects the respiratory tracts of those few who develop RRP."

Consider, too, that once a woman is free of warts, the risk to the baby is essentially eliminated. I stress how rare is the risk even when she DOES have warts present. It's understandable that you and your partner are focused on this, given your respective diagnosis, but keep in mind this almost certainly should not be a deal breaker. There is always a chance of some complication with pregnancy, some unforeseen condition or birth defect. There is no such thing as a totally risk-free pregnancy, for anyone. It seems a shame to give up on the idea of pregnancy based on nothing more than the remote chances that RRP will occur.

I hope this helps, but post anytime.

Best,
Fredo

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