hepatitus c and sex

[grand]

I have been married for 10 years and this is my only partner. I am female and have tested positive foe hep c after an application for additional life insurance. I am unclear how sex with my husband and only partner is not putting him at risk if I am still having periods. Does this blood not count?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Yes, you are putting your partner at risk.  The hepatitis C virus is spread by contact with blood.  The virus can also be spread sexually, but the risk is much lower than for other types of viruses. The risk of transmission between stable monogamous sexual partners (ie, between sex partners who have no other sexual contacts) is estimated to be approximately one in a thousand per year.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

Bibliography:
Bonis.  Patient information: Hepatitis C.  UptoDate, 2004.

[Caroline5]

It has to mix with his blood so if you're not having rough sex, he will likely not get the disease.