Hep C and sex

[michaelL1994]

Is there a huge risk of being infected by Hep C from sexual inter course. Like through semen or from another women?

I have read conflicting opinions. A lot of sources I had said there is almost no risk and some consider it null. Then some other websites say it is possible.

[dragonslayer]

Michael, no.. Sexual intercourse is not listed as a transmission route.  While there is a remote chance of blood to blood contact that way, its extremely rare, and married partners one of whom has HCV who have been having sex for years dont generally infect the other. Ive read stats of about 1 in 200k  sexual contacts which is way less than 1%.    HCV is only transmitted by blood to blood contact..  Human secretions are not infective.

[Lynn K]

You should consider the source of the websites the web sites that say it is not possible are likely high caliber ones while the ones that say it is a risk are likely not.

There is not a huge risk of sexually contracting hep c there is a small risk under certain circumstances like if you already have a compromised immune system because you are infected with HIV, or if you engage in rough sexual practices for example sadomasochism involving the letting of blood. Or if you have multiple sex partners.

If you do have multiple partners you should always use barrier protection for multiple reasons beyond hep c.

As far as sexual transmission between women there is no evidence of female to female transmission of hep c.

From the Mayo clinic:

How common is sexual transmission of hepatitis C?
Answers from Michael F. Picco, M.D.

Hepatitis C is transmitted primarily by exposure to blood containing the hepatitis C virus. Transmission rarely occurs from exposure to other infected body fluids, such as semen.

If you're in a long-term, monogamous relationship with a partner who has hepatitis C, your risk of contracting hepatitis C is thought to be low, unless you also have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For these monogamous couples, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn't recommend routine condom use to prevent transmission. But couples should avoid sharing razors, toothbrushes and nail clippers or having intercourse during menstruation.

Your risk of contracting hepatitis C increases significantly if you have HIV. The risk of transmission is higher if you have multiple short-term sexual relationships with partners who have hepatitis C. Under these circumstances, the CDC recommends routine condom use to reduce your risk of transmission.

If you're concerned about hepatitis C, talk to your doctor. Hepatitis C can be diagnosed by a blood test. Treatment may include medications to help clear the virus from the bloodstream and ultimately cure you of hepatitis C.

However you have said you were tested more than 6 months after an incident you were concerned about and that your doctor has said no further testing is needed as you have tested negative.

Bottom line your doctor has told you don't have hep c antibodies so you are not infected with hep c.