I have condyloma acuminata and I have to get a colposcopy done. There have been times my boyfriend and I have had unprotected sex, and I have not been pregnant. I have had the disease for a year. Can someone with my disease become pregnant? I really hope I can.

T.R.

Condyloma acuminata is another name for genital warts, which are caused by some strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus is transmitted by genital contact. It is also thought to be the cause of most abnormal Pap smears, and certain strains may in fact lead to cervical cancer for some women.

While HPV does not directly affect fertility, infection with this organism is often accompanied by exposure to other sexually transmitted diseases that can silently damage the fallopian tubes. With all the possible things you can catch with unprotected sex, it sure makes sense to dress for success -- use condoms until you are in a committed, sexually monogamous relationship.