can hep c be sexually transmitted

[anniemybaby]

When I found out I was positive for hep c my Dr recommended my husband get tested he was negative I guess I'm worried that once I'm cured what if he contracted it from me and it starts over again we've been together for 17 yrs and I contracted hep c through my job so I'm guessing which it doesn't really matter where I got it u just don't want it back once I'm cleared

[Rc1993]

Hi there, I am not an expert or as experient as some other forum members, but sexual transmission of Hepatitis C in heterosexual couples is considered to be rare.

Several studies support this theory, like this one: http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hepatitis-c/hepatitis-c-topics/hcv-prevention/3904-hepatitis-c-sexual-transmission-is-rare-among-monogamous-heterosexual-couples

I understand your concerns, your husband should get tested more for peace of mind than anything else. I believe that his result will be negative.

Be well.

[anniemybaby]

Thank you for link rc

[lovinglife]

I'm no doctor but I have been in 3 long term heterosexual relationships since getting infected in '88 in a blood transfusion and no one got the virus ( I did not have sex on my period).  I suggest he get tested too for your peace of mind, but he is probably ok.

[anniemybaby]

Lovinglife if a woman would have sex during her period would it be transferred?

[Mike]

Yes. Unprotected sexual intercourse while menstruating would put the partner at increased risk due to the presence of blood. This is because of the piston motion of the male organ during intercourse and the possibility of blood being forced/entering the urethral opening/membrane.

However, the transmission rate between heterosexual, monogamous partners is still rare.

Best wishes, Mike

[anniemybaby]

Thanks mike

[Amj1951]

I agree it would be rare, but my doctors say not impossible. It depends on the circumstances. I've been in a 15yr relationship and he is negative, thankfully, but he will be tested again at the end of treatment.. just for peace of mind.

Meredith

[Islandgirl]

Like you, I've been in a long term, committed relationship for more than 14 years, however, my doc said it's a good idea for him to be tested too - not because I'm likely to have transmitted it to him (since all agree it would be rare/unlikely) but because he could have had it before me, surgery or whatever, and not have been diagnosed because Hep C is not detected during routine blood work. 

So, he's also going to be tested.  He had surgery in Peru as a youngster when his dad was stationed there and that's the first thing that came to mind when we discussed this.  It was many years ago and who knows what protocol was in place there, but it left a really bad long scar...  So, there are those kinds of things to talk about with your partner too.  I'm grateful to my doc for bringing this us as it's something we never thought about...   More to think about   ...Islandgirl

[anniemybaby]

Thank you islandgirl n yes I plan on having hubby retested most places its free hep c testing so he can pretty much go anywhere

[Lynn K]

Hi Annie

There is lots of anecdotal evidence that in monogamous heterosexual couples who have been married many years on spouse has hep c an the other does not in fact the risk is so low the CDC does not recommend long term couples use barrier protection.

Best to you 

[anniemybaby]

Good to know Lynn thanks

[Bob V]

I've been with my wife for 38 years and she's been tested a few times, negative it been a while so she is getting another test tomorrow.

[anniemybaby]

Thanks Bob that's very comforting

[Jdemaris]

I've been married twice. 1st wife 20 years. 2nd wife - 23 years so far. 5 children.  My ex-wife is still crazier then a loon but does not have Hep C. Neither does my present wife. I probably had Hep C for 45 years.