What STDs pass through breast milk?

Understanding STDs and Breast Milk Transmission
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition and bonding, but concerns about the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through breast milk can arise for new mothers. While the risks are generally low, it is essential to understand which infections may pose a threat and the mechanisms involved.
Low Risk of Transmission
Research indicates that the risk of transmitting STDs through breast milk is negligible. Most STDs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia, do not seem to be transmitted via breastfeeding. For instance, gonorrhea does not cause local infections in the breast tissue, which significantly reduces the likelihood of transmission through milk.
Specific STDs and Their Risks
1. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is one of the few STDs that can be transmitted through breast milk. Mothers who are HIV-positive are advised to avoid breastfeeding to prevent the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants.
2. Hepatitis B: This viral infection can also be transmitted through breast milk, although the risk is considered low. Infants born to mothers with Hepatitis B are typically given vaccinations to prevent infection.
3. Syphilis and Herpes: Mothers with syphilis or herpes can breastfeed as long as there are no active sores on the breast. If sores are present, it is recommended to pump or hand-express milk to avoid direct contact.
4. Hepatitis C: The transmission of Hepatitis C through breast milk is not well established. Current evidence suggests that it is unlikely to be transmitted this way, as the virus primarily spreads through blood.
Conclusion
In summary, while certain STDs can pose risks during breastfeeding, the overall likelihood of transmission through breast milk is low. HIV remains the most significant concern, while other infections like syphilis and herpes can be managed with precautions. It is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice, especially if they have been diagnosed with an STD. This ensures both the health of the mother and the safety of the infant during breastfeeding.

Do STDs spread in nursing homes?

STD infections in nursing homes can spread at a rapid rate in the absence of adequate education or a comprehensive medical response. Nursing home residents may not recognize the risk of STDs before engaging in sexual activity with other residents.

Can STD spread from breast?

If you have syphilis or herpes, you can breastfeed as long as your baby or pumping equipment does not touch a sore. It is possible to spread syphilis or herpes to any part of your breast, including your nipple and areola. If you have sores on your breast, pump or hand-express your milk until the sores heal.

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 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 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 STD is passed through breast milk?

The risk for transmission from mother to child varies significantly if the maternal infection is a primary infection (eg, herpes simplex virus [HSV], HIV1), a secondary (reactivation) infection (eg, HSV, CMV) or a chronic infection (eg, hepatitis B, HIV1, HTLV-I) during pregnancy or lactation.

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 4 ways can STDs be spread?

Some STIs cause symptoms and others do not. A person with an STI can pass it to others through contact with skin, genitals, mouth, rectum, or body fluids. This includes contact through vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex. Even if there are no symptoms, your health can be affected.