What STDs can be 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 breastfeeding is widely recognized as beneficial for both mother and child, the potential for transmitting infections through breast milk raises important questions about safety and health.
Key STDs and Their Transmission Risks
1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):
HIV is one of the most well-known STDs that can be transmitted through breast milk. Studies indicate that HIV can be present in breast milk, and breastfeeding by an HIV-positive mother can pose a risk of transmission to the infant. However, with appropriate antiretroviral therapy, the risk can be significantly reduced, allowing many mothers to safely breastfeed while managing their health.
2. Syphilis:
Syphilis is another STD that can affect breastfeeding. While the bacteria that cause syphilis are not typically transmitted through breast milk, if a mother has active sores on her breast, there is a risk of direct contact transmission. Therefore, mothers with syphilis are advised to avoid breastfeeding until the sores have healed.
3. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
Similar to syphilis, herpes can be transmitted if there are active lesions on the breast. If a mother has a herpes outbreak, it is recommended that she either pump her milk or express it by hand to avoid direct contact with the sores.
4. Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B can be transmitted through breast milk, but the risk is considered low. Infants born to mothers with hepatitis B are typically given a vaccine and immunoglobulin shortly after birth to prevent infection.
5. Hepatitis C:
Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C is not transmitted through breast milk. The virus primarily spreads through blood-to-blood contact, making breastfeeding safe for mothers with hepatitis C.
6. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia:
The risk of transmitting gonorrhea and chlamydia through breast milk is negligible. These infections are more commonly transmitted through sexual contact or during childbirth rather than through breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Safety in Breastfeeding
While certain STDs can pose risks during breastfeeding, the overall likelihood of transmission through breast milk is relatively low for most infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that with proper medical management and precautions, many mothers with STDs can safely breastfeed. It is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice, especially if they have an active infection or are undergoing treatment.
In summary, while the potential for STD transmission through breast milk exists, understanding the specific risks associated with each infection can help mothers make informed decisions about breastfeeding and their child’s health.

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.

Can STD transfer 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.

Do they test babies for STDs at birth?

Health Services
Infant tests for HIV and syphilis are considered expedited when specimens are collected within two hours of birth and testing results are returned within six hours of collection.

Can STDs pass through breastmilk?

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 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.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

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.

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.

What are two signs of HPV?

Most people with HPV do not know they have the infection. They never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening).