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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Worried at Hep C Exposure (Sexual)
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Worried at Hep C Exposure (Sexual)
by ScaredinNY, Feb 25, 2007 12:00AM
I recently began (and ended) a relationship with someone who did not tell me he had Hep C until after we had unprotected sex about three times. We had; however, discussed STDs, and we both are STD free.
I'm concerned about what my risk is for contracting Hep C from this contact. None of the sexual activity drew blood from either of us. No anal sex was involved. He never ejaculated in my vagina, but did so in my mouth with oral sex.
He explained to me that in order to get Hep C, we would have to have direct blood to blood contact. He would have to have an open wound, be bleeing from his penis, or have blood in his semen. This may be true, but I'm worried that maybe I had a cut from shaving or waxing (which is probable) and I could somehow contract it through that. Am I worrying for nothing? I haven't seen him in almost three weeks, and I'm thinking of being tested? Would a test be conclusive at this point?
Thank you for your time.
I'm concerned about what my risk is for contracting Hep C from this contact. None of the sexual activity drew blood from either of us. No anal sex was involved. He never ejaculated in my vagina, but did so in my mouth with oral sex.
He explained to me that in order to get Hep C, we would have to have direct blood to blood contact. He would have to have an open wound, be bleeing from his penis, or have blood in his semen. This may be true, but I'm worried that maybe I had a cut from shaving or waxing (which is probable) and I could somehow contract it through that. Am I worrying for nothing? I haven't seen him in almost three weeks, and I'm thinking of being tested? Would a test be conclusive at this point?
Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
, Feb 26, 2007 12:00AM
Sexual contact would infer a risk to hepatitis C exposure. Blood to blood contact is needed, so the risk if there are no cuts is small.
Testing for hepatitis C now and in 3 months is recommended to ensure the virus was not transmitted.
This option can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Testing for hepatitis C now and in 3 months is recommended to ensure the virus was not transmitted.
This option can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Although I likely had a cut, wouldn't my partner also have to have one as well, and they'd have to come in contact?