Can HIV Be Contracted Through Breast Secretions?

Posted on Wed, 7 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 7 Sep 2016 Answered on

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : while sucking breast of a girl whose status is unknown i got milk in to my mouth and i found that there was some blood in my mouth at that time. as it happened today shall i take prep. am i at risk?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV risk is negligible only.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all, that girl would not necessarily be a HIV positive individual.
Breast secretion is relatively less contagious with regards to HIV transmission compared to Vaginal fluid or semen. HIV transmission risk through breastfeeding is around 25-30% only even after consistent breastfeeding for 6 months or more. Not all the babies of HIV positive women are getting the infection through breastfeeding.
So one time breast sucking has a negligible risk for HIV even if you had blood inside the mouth at that time. PEP is not necessary for you.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (10 minutes later)

what if that milk contacted with my blood

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing will happen when the milk came in contact with blood

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Nothing will happen when the breast secretion came in contact with your blood.
If the infectious secretion came in contact with some open bleeding points of your mouth then there might be a negligible risk for HIV infection. Otherwise nothing will happen. Not to worry.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

i don't know if that milk was came in to my bleeding gum or not. sometimes i will get some blood my mouth in the mornings. after having sex with her ithat was morning only i didn't brush even at that time) to check i splitted two times in the rest room i have seen some blood twice when i was splitting.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your HIV risk is negligible only.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Do not analyze the situation too much. Whatever might be the situation your risk for HIV is negligible.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad