What STD is passed through breast milk?

Understanding STDs and Breast Milk Transmission
The transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through breast milk is a topic of significant concern for new mothers and healthcare providers alike. While the risks associated with breastfeeding are generally low, certain infections can pose a threat under specific circumstances.
HIV and Breastfeeding
The most notable STD that can be transmitted through breast milk is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). If a mother is HIV-positive and has a detectable viral load, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to her infant through breastfeeding. However, many mothers with HIV in the United States choose not to breastfeed if their viral load is detectable, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk is particularly concerning when the mother is not on effective antiretroviral therapy.
Herpes and Syphilis
Other STDs, such as herpes and syphilis, can also be transmitted through breastfeeding, but the risk is primarily associated with direct contact with sores or lesions on the breast. If a mother has active herpes lesions on her breast, it is advised to avoid breastfeeding from that side until the sores have healed. In cases of syphilis, as long as there are no sores present on the breast, breastfeeding can continue safely.
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Interestingly, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, does not appear to be transmitted through breast milk. Instead, the primary risk of transmission occurs during childbirth, as the infection can be passed through the birth canal. The likelihood of transmitting gonorrhea through breastfeeding is considered negligible .
Other Infections
In addition to these STDs, there are other infections that can be transmitted through breast milk, but they are not classified as STDs. For instance, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can be transmitted through breast milk, affecting infants, particularly those who are immunocompromised. However, this virus is not sexually transmitted.
Conclusion
In summary, while the transmission of STDs through breast milk is a valid concern, the risks vary significantly depending on the specific infection. HIV poses the greatest risk, particularly when viral loads are high, while herpes and syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with lesions. In contrast, gonorrhea does not transmit through breast milk, and other infections like HCMV, while transmissible, are not classified as STDs. For mothers with STDs, consulting healthcare providers for personalized advice on breastfeeding is crucial to ensure the health and safety of both mother and child.

Can HPV be transmitted through breast milk?

There is more research needed to understand the transmission between mother and child. HPV can also be passed through breast feeding but this is very rare and shouldn’t be a reason not to breastfeed. If it’s something you are concerned about – talk to your doctor or midwife.

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 STDs be transmitted through nipples?

As we noted earlier with HIV, the potential risks of STI exposure go up very slightly if a person’s nipples have open cuts or sores. But it’s still unlikely that you will get an STI from nipple sucking, nipple play, or anything in that same vein. Nipples and breasts simply aren’t moist enough to be the home of an STI.

What STDs can pass 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.

How did I get trichomoniasis if no one cheats?

While trichomoniasis is usually passed sexually, it may be picked up from contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat, if the genital area gets in contact with these damp or moist objects.

What STDs are transmitted through breastmilk?

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.

Can trichomoniasis be passed through breast milk?

Mothers cannot pass trichomoniasis to their babies through breastfeeding. During treatment for trichomoniasis, the CDC recommends that breastfeeding women, stop breastfeeding during the course of metronidazole treatment and for 12-24 hours after the last day of the prescription.

What diseases are transmitted through breast milk?

The concern is about viral pathogens, known to be blood-borne pathogens, which have been identified in breast milk and include but are not limited to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), West Nile virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and HIV.

What infection can you get from milk?

Brucellosis. Brucellosis is an infection you can catch from unpasteurised milk and cheese or from contact with infected animals.

What are the four new STDs?

In addition, emerging outbreaks of new infections that can be acquired by sexual contact such as mpox, Shigella sonnei, Neisseria meningitidis, Ebola and Zika, as well as re-emergence of neglected STIs such as lymphogranuloma venereum.