Can you get HPV through breast milk?

Understanding HPV Transmission Through Breast Milk
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health issues, including certain cancers. As concerns about maternal health and infant safety continue to grow, many new mothers wonder about the implications of breastfeeding if they are HPV positive.
The Safety of Breastfeeding with HPV
Current research indicates that the risk of transmitting HPV to an infant through breast milk is extremely low. Studies have shown that while HPV DNA can be detected in breast milk, the likelihood of it causing infection in the infant is minimal. For instance, a study found that HPV DNA was present in a small percentage of breast milk samples collected from lactating mothers, but this does not necessarily equate to a risk of transmission to the baby.
Experts agree that breastfeeding is safe for mothers with HPV. The antibodies present in breast milk can actually provide protective benefits to the infant against various infections. Furthermore, health organizations do not recommend that women with HPV avoid breastfeeding, as the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the potential risks.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While the transmission of HPV through breast milk is considered unlikely, there are some nuances to consider. Certain strains of HPV, particularly types 6 and 11, have been associated with rare cases of respiratory papillomatosis in children, which can occur through vertical transmission during labor or delivery. However, these cases are exceedingly rare and do not typically arise from breastfeeding itself.
Moreover, the presence of HPV in breast milk does not imply that it poses a significant health risk to infants. The immune system of infants is robust enough to handle various pathogens, and the protective factors in breast milk play a crucial role in safeguarding their health.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while having HPV is generally considered safe. The transmission of the virus through breast milk is highly unlikely, and the protective benefits of breastfeeding are significant. Mothers with HPV can feel reassured that they can continue to provide breast milk to their infants without substantial risk of HPV transmission. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers for personalized guidance and support.

Can a mother pass HPV to a baby?

You may pass HPV to your unborn baby during pregnancy or delivery, but it’s unlikely. Studies have differed on the rate of HPV transmission from mother to baby. In a 2016 study, researchers found that about 11 percent of newborns born to HPV-positive mothers also had the virus.

How do faithful couples get HPV?

You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms. If you are sexually active, you can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person.

Will my baby get HPV from me?

Yes. Although most infections occur following intercourse, HPV may also be passed on during oral sex and genital-to-genital contact. Even more rarely, a mom can transmit the virus to her baby during birth.

Why am I suddenly HPV positive?

Sometimes, after several negative HPV tests, a woman may have a positive HPV test result. This is not necessarily a sign of a new HPV infection. Sometimes an HPV infection can become active again after many years. Some other viruses behave this way.

Can I pass HPV to my child by sharing drinks?

No. HPV is not spread through sharing a toilet, plates, cups, cutlery or kissing on the cheek or lips. Mothers can, very rarely, pass on HPV to babies either in the womb or when they are born. Doctors do not know whether this can cause cancers in children when they become adults, but it is very unlikely.

Can you pass illness through breast milk?

Of course, our top priority as mothers is protecting this new little life, and we would do anything for them. So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

Can HPV spread to the breast?

Recent studies have identified that some viruses, especially human papilloma virus (HPV), are among the RFs for the development of breast cancer, suggesting a strong association between HPV and breast cancer [7,8,9,10].

What transfers through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

Can you transmit STDS through breast milk?

You can pass some STIs to your baby during pregnancy, labor, birth and breastfeeding. STIs can cause serious problems for babies. Early testing and treatment can help protect your baby from infection.

Can you get HPV from breast milk?

More recent research also reports that it’s unlikely that HPV passes to a child through breastfeeding. Researchers in a 2011 study concluded that the likelihood of a mother passing HPV to her child through breast milk is low. And a 2017 study found no evidence of transmission of HPV from mother to child.