Can I Kiss My Child If I Have HPV?

Even though HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, for most people it’s a mystery how this virus operates in our bodies and how we should live with it.

One of the greatest fears felt by people who have been diagnosed is infecting those close to them. For example, their own children.

Because of this, many people wonder: Can I kiss my child if I have HPV? Let’s clarify…

Yes, you can kiss your children even if you have HPV

Through a kiss, you will not infect another person with HPV. Even though studies have shown that this virus could be transmitted through the exchange of saliva, the chances are almost nil, 1.2% to be exact.

In addition, to reach that 1.2% chance, there must be a large exchange of saliva, as in passionate couple’s kisses (and even then the probability is very low).

A kiss on the cheek, on the forehead or even mouth to mouth, does not represent a source of contagion, basically because there is not enough exchange of saliva or simply no exchange, so the chances of contagion are zero.

It’s important to clarify that the main route of HPV transmission is through vaginal, anal and oral sexual relations.

So, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with the human papillomavirus and you were wondering if you could kiss your child, the answer is yes, you can kiss your child. There is no inconvenience and it does not represent any danger of infection for him or her.

The same applies to any other person. Even a normal kiss with your partner also poses no danger to him or her.

What if I have warts in my mouth? Can you pass the HPV to your kids?

If due to HPV you have developed warts in your mouth, the situation changes. Generally, direct contact (skin to skin) with warts produced by HPV should be avoided.

And even more so if your child is an infant, as at their age their body probably hasn’t yet developed defenses to generate immunity to the human papillomavirus.

In that case, it’s best to avoid kissing other people so they don’t have direct contact with the warts.

How can a child get HPV?

I know what you’re thinking, if it’s not that easy to transmit this virus, how do some children have HPV?

Well, they could have contracted it from different causes such as the following:

• Sexual abuse.
• During diaper changing, if the person changing it has warts on their hands and touches the infant’s genitals or anus.
• During bathing, the same could happen if the adult in charge has skin warts and they come into contact with the baby’s genitals or anus.
• At the time of birth or even in utero, a baby can contract HPV if the mother is infected.

These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.

What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.

For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.

Click here to see what he did

Symptoms and Treatment of HPV in Children

As I mentioned before, when HPV is diagnosed in children, one of the first things that must be considered is possible sexual abuse, although its occurrence is infrequent in practice.

Depending on the type of virus the child has contracted, the infection can manifest on the skin and mucous membranes.

While the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic, the infection can appear as skin warts or infections in the genital area.

In infants and preschool children, the most common areas for warts to appear are the vulva, penis, scrotum, and anal area.

Topical antiviral creams are recommended for treatment in children. Vaccination is also recommended, which has an efficacy rate of up to 100% in preventing precancerous lesions in the cervix.

What if I have HPV and want to have a child?

Having an HPV infection doesn’t mean you’re infertile, nor does it pose difficulties or contraindications for getting pregnant.

Experience has shown that most women diagnosed with HPV have no problems during their pregnancy.

However, the presence of active genital warts during childbirth can pose risks that should be assessed and treated by your gynecologist or obstetrician.

Although the risk of transmitting HPV to your child during childbirth is low, your doctor must decide whether a vaginal birth is feasible or if a cesarean section is a better alternative.

On the other hand, if you have undergone a cone biopsy due to abnormal lesions on the cervix, this is not a hindrance to getting pregnant.

In rare and infrequent cases, the scarring process in the cervix area could cause the cone to fully close the cervix, preventing the passage of sperm.

Is there a risk of transmitting the infection to my baby?

Yes, there is a risk, but it’s very low. In a high percentage of cases, your immune system naturally eliminates the virus without further complications.

The transmission routes of the virus can be intrauterine, through the birth canal, or even after birth.

Given the low risk of transmission, vaginal delivery is always considered unless there are contraindications or other risks that would lead to choosing a cesarean section.

Can I get vaccinated to protect my baby?

If you’re pregnant, it’s not advisable to get vaccinated; in fact, it’s contraindicated. Even though the vaccines use inactivated viruses, they are not recommended by the World Health Organization during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with the virus, the vaccine won’t make a difference and would lose its protective purpose.

If you’re under 26 and haven’t been diagnosed with an HPV infection, getting vaccinated is a good option.

Lastly… what should you do if you have HPV?

These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.

What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.

For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.

Click here to see what he did

I wish you great success in your recovery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch my baby if I have HPV?

You can touch your baby only if you do not have warts on your hands. Warts on the hands are a product of HPV. Therefore, use gloves if you want to touch your baby.

Can I pass HPV to my child by sharing a bath?

The answer is the same as in the previous question. If you have warts on your hands, there are chances you could pass HPV to your child.

How often is HPV passed from mother to child?

It is not very common for a mother to transmit HPV to her child. It only happens in very rare cases at the time of birth if the mother has warts on the cervix or vagina. Or if the mother has warts on her hands.

How do children get oral HPV?

Children generally acquire oral HPV due to poor hygiene. If they touch the mother’s personal objects, who has HPV, then they can become infected with the virus.

Sources:

• https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/health-and-safety/human-papillomavirus-hpv-during-pregnancy_1427380
• https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-hpv-hereditary-514116
• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/hi-i-have-hpv-and-i-am-about-8-weeks-pregnant-will-this-affect-my-baby
• https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-pregnancy