Can you pass HPV through breast milk?

Understanding HPV Transmission Through Breast Milk
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects millions worldwide. While it is primarily known for its association with various cancers, particularly cervical cancer, many new mothers may wonder about its implications for breastfeeding. Specifically, the question arises: can HPV be passed to an infant through breast milk?
The Current Consensus on HPV and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that the likelihood of transmitting HPV through breast milk is extremely low. According to multiple studies, including findings from health professionals, there is no substantial evidence suggesting that breastfeeding poses a risk of HPV transmission to infants. In fact, health experts affirm that women with HPV can safely breastfeed without concern for their baby’s health.
HPV Detection in Breast Milk
While studies have detected HPV DNA in breast milk, the presence of the virus does not equate to a risk of transmission to the infant. For instance, a study noted that HPV DNA was found in a small percentage of breast milk samples collected shortly after delivery. However, this detection does not imply that the virus can infect the infant through breastfeeding. The consensus remains that the antibodies present in breast milk can actually provide protective benefits to the baby against various infections.
Vertical Transmission Considerations
It’s important to differentiate between vertical transmission (from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery) and transmission through breastfeeding. HPV is not hereditary, and while it can be transmitted during childbirth, the risk of passing it through breast milk is negligible. Research has shown that vertical transmission through maternal milk is rare, with studies reporting no significant cases of infection occurring via this route .
Conclusion
In summary, while HPV can be detected in breast milk, the risk of passing the virus to an infant through breastfeeding is considered minimal. Health authorities encourage mothers with HPV to continue breastfeeding, as the benefits of breast milk far outweigh any potential risks associated with the virus. The protective antibodies in breast milk play a crucial role in safeguarding the infant’s health, making breastfeeding a safe and beneficial choice for mothers with HPV.

Can I kiss my baby if I have HPV?

The Risk of HPV from Kissing. HPV used to be something that people ignored, but the virus now affects millions. While children aren’t sexually active, they can still get the virus from kissing. Some moms are even blogging about the need for the vaccine given and the growing concern over mouth cancer.

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 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.

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 HPV be passed through fluids?

HPV can be passed from one person to another by intimate skin-to-skin contact. It’s not spread through blood or body fluids.

Is it safe to breastfeed if you have HPV?

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is generally not a concern for people with HPV. Although numerous studies in recent years have debated if—and to what extent—the virus can be passed through breastmilk, recent research suggests that transmission risk through breastfeeding is low.

Can you pass a virus through breast milk?

The actual risk for transmission of an infectious agent to an infant via a single ingestion of expressed breast milk (the most common occurrence) from another mother is exceedingly low. In this scenario, the CDC recommends treating this as an accidental exposure to a body fluid, which could be infectious.

What STDs can be passed through breast milk?

If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. You can pass the virus to your baby. In countries like the United States where clean water is available, using a breastmilk substitute like formula is recommended. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV, you can breastfeed your baby.