Can You Be a Surrogate If You Have HPV?

Clinical insights on HPV and surrogacy eligibility

The short answer is yes, in most cases, you can become a surrogate if you have HPV.

Having HPV does not automatically prevent you from becoming a gestational surrogate. However, your fertility clinic will review your HPV history, cervical screening results, overall health, and any previous cervical procedures before clearing you for pregnancy.

HPV and Becoming a Surrogate

Typically, you can become a gestational carrier if you have HPV. 

HPV does not typically impact a healthy pregnancy. Depending on your HPV type, medical history, and cervical screening results, you may need additional testing or documentation before receiving clearance for surrogacy pregnancy.

What is HPV?

According to the Mayo Clinic, HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is a very common group of viruses that spread through skin-to-skin contact, mostly during sexual activity.

Nearly all sexually active people get at least one type of HPV in their lives.

• No Symptoms: Most people with HPV feel fine and never know they have it.

• Clears on Its Own: In most cases, the body fights off the virus naturally within two years.

• Health Risks: Some types of HPV can cause non-cancerous growths like genital warts, while other “high-risk” types can lead to cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, and other areas.

• Prevention: Safer sex practices and the HPV vaccine help protect against the virus and its severe health risks.

HPV and Pregnancy

Can HPV affect the baby during pregnancy? Having human papillomavirus (HPV) during pregnancy generally does not harm your baby or prevent a healthy delivery, though it requires routine monitoring by your healthcare provider.

HPV and Delivery

Can HPV be passed to the baby during delivery? A vaginal birth is usually safe unless large genital warts create an obstruction.

A C-section is not automatically recommended for a patient with HPV. At birth, if genital warts are present, a C-section may be recommended during delivery. 

HPV and Surrogate Requirements

Surrogate eligibility is determined based on the individual’s complete medical history and the requirements of the intended parents fertility clinic.

Surrogacy screenings will evaluate your overall health and your cervical health are important for your medical clearance. If you have HPV, you will also need to pass the medical requirements to be a gestational surrogate. 

Does Having HPV Disqualify You from Being a Surrogate

Typically, no. But there are some cases that may disqualify you from becoming a surrogate. Things that doctors may consider

• Advanced Cervical Cancer: If a high-risk HPV infection has progressed to invasive cervical cancer, treatment must start immediately, which may impact or complicate the pregnancy.

• Large Genital Warts: Massive clusters of warts can block the birth canal or bleed heavily during a vaginal delivery, which may require a cesarean section (C-section).

• Prior Cervical Surgeries: Treatments for past precancerous cell changes (like a LEEP procedure or cone biopsy) can sometimes weaken and shorten the cervix, leading to a higher risk of cervical insufficiency or preterm birth.

Should I Apply to Be a Surrogate If I Have HPV?

We encourage every women considering surrogacy to apply to be a surrogate even if she thinks she does not qualify.

If you have HPV, don’t assume you’re automatically disqualified. Most women considering surrogacy with HPV can qualify to embark on a surrogate journey. 

Our surrogacy experts will review your individual history and determine if there is a path forward to becoming a surrogate.

FAQs about HPV and Surrogacy

Can HPV affect surrogate medical clearance?

HPV alone does not necessarily affect medical clearance. A normal Pap smear that is HPV+ is generally reassuring and most likely would not affect medical clearance. High-risk HPV with an abnormal Pap smear may require additional testing and treatment which could potentially delay obtaining medical clearance. It’s important to follow up and discuss next steps with your medical provider. 

What If I Have HPV and an Abnormal Pap Test?

If you have HPV and an abnormal Pap test, it’s important to follow up with your provider to discuss their recommendations for next steps in testing and treatment. 

Can I be a surrogate after a colposcopy?

Yes, having a history of a colposcopy does not, by itself, prevent someone from becoming a gestational carrier. Eligibility will depend on the results of the colposcopy, any associated diagnosis or treatment, and whether recommended follow-up has been completed. 

Once the medical team has reviewed these results and confirmed that appropriate follow-up is in place, having a prior colposcopy alone should not prevent someone from moving forward with surrogacy. 

Will I need a colposcopy to qualify to be a surrogate?

A colposcopy is not required to become a gestational carrier unless it is recommended by your healthcare provider based on your individual Pap/HPV results or medical history. 

Our medical team follows the recommendations of your treating provider regarding any additional testing, evaluation, or treatment that may be indicated. If a colposcopy or other follow-up is recommended, we will review the results to ensure that appropriate evaluation and care have been completed before determining eligibility to move forward with surrogacy.

Can I be a surrogate if I have high-risk HPV?

A high-risk HPV result does not automatically prevent someone from being a surrogate. High-risk HPV means that the type of HPV detected has been associated with cervical cell changes, so appropriate Pap/HPV follow-up is important. 

Does HPV affect pregnancy?

HPV alone doesn’t generally prevent pregnancy or carrying a healthy pregnancy. A Pap smear with a positive HPV test during pregnancy may result in closer monitoring or recommendations for a colposcopy, however cervical biopsies during pregnancy are generally deferred until after delivery.

If you have genital warts and become pregnant, the warts may increase in size due to hormonal and immune changes requiring additional treatment and monitoring. Past treatment for HPV may affect pregnancy as procedures such as LEEP can be associated with shortened cervix and risk of preterm birth. 

Can I have a vaginal birth if I have HPV?

In the majority of cases, yes. The presence of HPV alone does not determine the mode of delivery. Your OB will review your medical and HPV history and make recommendations regarding the safest mode of delivery. 

Do I need a Pap smear to become a surrogate?

Yes. A current, up-to-date Pap smear is required to become a surrogate. Ideally, the screening should include HPV testing along with the Pap smear (co-testing). However, some healthcare providers do not perform the HPV portion when the Pap results are normal.

Will I Have to Have a C-Section if I have HPV?

Having HPV does not automatically mean that a cesarean delivery will be necessary. In most cases, the presence of HPV alone does not determine the mode of delivery. 

However, if active genital warts are present and are large enough to obstruct the birth canal, your obstetric provider may recommend a cesarean delivery. We encourage you to discuss your specific circumstances with your OB to determine the safest approach for delivery.

Can I be a surrogate after a LEEP?

Yes, having a history of a LEEP procedure does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a surrogate. A LEEP is a procedure used to remove abnormal cervical cells, often related to cervical dysplasia or HPV. 

Eligibility will depend on factors such as the reason for the procedure, the extent of cervical tissue removed, your subsequent cervical screening results, and your obstetrical history. Our medical team will review your medical records and follow-up Pap/HPV results to determine whether any additional evaluation or documentation is needed before proceeding.

Can I be a surrogate after cervical dysplasia?

It depends on the type and severity of the cervical dysplasia, as well as your treatment and follow-up history. Cervical dysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix and is commonly associated with HPV. It is generally classified as CIN 1 (mild), CIN 2 (moderate), or CIN 3 (severe).

A history of cervical dysplasia does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a gestational carrier. If the dysplasia has been appropriately evaluated and, when necessary, treated, and you are current with your recommended follow-up screening, you may still be eligible to move forward with surrogacy.

Our medical team will review your cervical screening results, treatment history, and recommended follow-up to determine whether any additional evaluation or documentation is needed before proceeding.

Can I be a surrogate with CIN 1?

Yes, a recent finding of CIN 1 on a Pap smear would not typically disqualify you from pursuing surrogacy. CIN 1 is considered a low-grade cervical abnormality, and in many cases, it resolves on its own without treatment. 

Can I be a surrogate with CIN 2 or CIN 3?

Possibly! If a colposcopy notes CIN 2 or CIN 3 and further treatment is recommended by your OB, you will need to complete treatment and have a clean follow-up Pap (normal or CIN1) with clearance by your OB. Most OBs generally recommend a follow up Pap in 6 months. 

Originally published on ConceiveAbilities.com.