Are STIs transferred to my baby through my milk?

This must be a very confusing time for you. I can understand your concerns for your son's health. Though you need to take time in making any long-term decisions about your relationship, it is very important that you deal promptly with the possible health issues associated with your husband's affair.

There are more than 20 sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These diseases can be transmitted through the exchange of body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluid and blood, during sexual contact. Herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) can be contracted by kissing and direct contact with the infected areas. STIs are quite common.

STIs may cause no symptoms early on, especially in women, but left untreated can have long-term consequences for your health, including sterility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer and death. Most STIs can be cured.

I will comment on some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

AIDS is the most serious of the STIs, and at this time there is no cure. Breast-feeding is considered to be a possible method of transmission. The rate of transmission may be higher if HIV is acquired while breast-feeding.

Other viral STIs such as genital herpes and genital warts also have no cure at this time, but medication can help to relieve symptoms. Genital herpes can be transmitted to the breast through touch or sexual contact. The herpes virus is most likely to be passed from mum to baby by direct contact with a herpes lesion. If an active lesion is present most sources advise that if it can be covered so the baby does not come into contact with it, breast-feeding can continue. With any active herpes infection, the mother should always pay careful attention to hand-washing, ensure that the coverings of active lesions are clean and not kiss or fondle her baby until the lesions are dried. (Quinn, PT, Lofberg, JV., Med. J Aust, 1978)

Hepatitis can be spread through sexual contact. At this time, there is no cure. If Hepatitis B is diagnosed, your infant should be vaccinated and breast-feeding can continue.

Chlamydia is the most common of all STIs. Breast-feeding does not transmit it. Chlamydia is treated with an antibiotic and breast-feeding can continue.

Gonorrhoea is not transmitted through breast-feeding. It is treated with antibiotics and breast-feeding can continue.

When a mother has syphilis, the baby can continue to breast-feed if he doesn't come into contact with the sores. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, and breast-feeding can continue.

As far as testing, it is of the utmost importance that you visit your doctor immediately, honestly explaining your situation to him. Even if you and your husband are without symptoms, both of you need to be examined. Blood tests or other laboratory tests are often required for the diagnosis of STIs. Since no test is 100% accurate, it is important to continue using a condom when making love.

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