Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with links to some types of cancer, including cervical and throat cancer. People who breastfeed may worry about spreading the virus to babies through breast milk.

However, for most people living with HPV, breastfeeding is safe, and the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

In this article, learn more about the safety and risks, as well as how HPV is transmitted.

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Most people diagnosed with HPV can continue to breastfeed.

HPV is so commonTrusted Source that almost all sexually active people contract the virus at some point.

It does not usually cause severe symptoms in a person diagnosed with the infection. However, some strains of HPV are risk factorsTrusted Source for several types of cancer.

Research suggestsTrusted Source that HPV is responsible for:

  • 90% of cervical and anal cancers
  • 70% of cancers of the vagina and vulva
  • over 60% of penile cancers

Despite these risks, few organizations have issued official guidelines about breastfeeding with HPV, possibly because the virus is very common, and the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks. No organization recommends avoiding breastfeeding because of HPV.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urge people to breastfeed unless they are diagnosed with HIV or must use particular drugs and medications. The AAP also emphasize that breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits, especially to vulnerable or sick infants and preterm babies. Additionally, it can save money and support long-term health in those who breastfeed.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s HealthTrusted Source say that HPV is not a reason to avoid breastfeeding.

A 2016 study found that:

  • 45% of pregnant females had HPV
  • abstaining from breastfeeding because of HPV would significantly reduce the overall breastfeeding rate
  • breastfeeding is the healthiest option for a baby and can support long-term public health
  • lower rates of certain chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity, in both the person breastfeeding and the baby
  • fewer infections that the baby can acquire
  • lower risk of some types of cancer
  • improved development in the baby
  • lower risk of heart disease and high cholesterol

According to the AAP, breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants. The organization recommend exclusive breastfeeding with no other sources of nutrition for about 6 months. After that, babies should continue breastfeeding until they are at least 12 months old if desired.

There is limited research on the transmission of HPV to babies through breast milk. The studies that do exist show a low risk of transmission.

In research that shows a person can transmit HPV through breast milk, it does not demonstrate a causal connection between HPV in milk and the later development of cancer.

Not all strains of HPV increase the risk of cancer, so research on HPV transmission in breast milk typically looks at high-risk HPV strains, or those known to cause cancer.

A 2011 studyTrusted Source looked at HPV in breast milk, as well as transmission from HPV-positive females to their children. Researchers assessed 80 samples of breast milk and tested the children for HPV genetic material in the cervix and mouth.

A high-risk HPV strain was present in two samples (2.5%) of milk, but researchers did not find HPV in the children exposed to this milk.

This result suggests that a small number of females with HPV may transmit the virus into their milk, but the risk of a baby getting HPV from breast milk is extremely low.

A 2012 studyTrusted Source reached similar conclusions after analyzing 40 samples of breast milk. It found high-risk HPV in six samples but concluded that it was unlikely that there was a link between cancer and its transmission.

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A vaccination is the best option for preventing HPV.

There is no cure for HPV, but treatment is available if the virus causes any symptoms. Most people diagnosed with HPV have no signs, and it usually goes away on its own. If HPV triggers genital warts, a doctor can prescribe treatment.

While safe sex practices can reduce the spread of the virus, they are not a fail-safe prevention method. The best option for preventing HPV is having a vaccination against the virus.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend giving the vaccine to breastfeeding people 26-years-old and younger when they have not previously received a vaccination.

The latent virus used in the HPV vaccine will not cause HPV to develop in breast milk and will not spread HPV to a breastfeeding baby.

Parents and caregivers should also consider vaccinating their children — both boys and girls — against HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommend vaccinating children between the ages of 11 and 12 years old. People can have the vaccine up to age 45Trusted Source.

People concerned about the risk of HPV in breast milk should talk to a doctor who knows their medical history.

For most infants, breastfeeding offers health benefits that outweigh the possible risks associated with exposure to HPV in breast milk.