The types of HPV linked to cervical cancer usually are not the types that cause genital warts. But a woman with genital warts, like any other sexually active woman, should get yearly Pap smears. This means that certain HPV types, along with other factors, may make someone more likely to develop cancer. These other factors may include multiple sex partners, first intercourse at an early age, smoking, and the presence of other STDs. Yearly Pap smears are the best safeguard against cervical cancer.
Pap smears detect abnormal cells present on the surface of the cervix.
Cancer usually can be prevented through the early detection and treatment of abnormal cervical tissue. Genital warts sometimes cause problems during pregnancy and delivery. Because of hormone changes in the body during pregnancy, warts can grow in size and number, bleed, or make delivery more difficult. Very rarely, babies exposed to HPV during birth may develop warts in the throat. Despite these risks, a woman with genital warts does not need to have a cesarean-section delivery unless warts are blocking the birth canal.