2. a. Threatened Mother’s health during pregnancy
Most HPV-positive women with abnormal cytology results were anxious that weakening the immune system during pregnancy could lead to the virus persistence in their body, and worsen cervical abnormalities. This fear was so great that some who had decided to become pregnant soon changed their pregnancy plans, postponing them until their cytology and HPV results return to normal.
”I wanted to get pregnant, so I went to a specialist for a checkup. Now that my test results [Pap, HPV, and colposcopy] came abnormal, I think it’s not an appropriate time for me to get pregnant.I’m afraid pregnancy will make my results worse. I’m going to wait for the virus to go away, and then get pregnant.” (P.1)
”I wanted to get pregnant. Then it happened [high-risk HPV and ASC-US], and I can’t think of pregnancy anymore. My doctor said I could get pregnant, but I’m afraid I’ll get pregnant, and my immune system will go down, and then my abnormal cells will grow.” (P.6)
Some participants expressed concern about the safety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during pregnancy. They were worried that becoming pregnant would deprive them of timely treatment.
”Is colposcopy allowed in pregnancy? Could I be treated during pregnancy, if I get a serious precancerous condition?” (P.6)
Women with mixed HPV genotypes worried about increasing their warts during pregnancy. These thoughts discouraged and frustrated them.
”Pregnancy causes warts to multiply or get more noticeable. They’re disgusting.” (P.2)
They also had questions about preferred GWs treatments during pregnancy.
”If I get warts, what treatments are available for pregnant women? Can I freeze it?” (P.10)