HCV transmission/test window question

I asked this question first in the STD forum, but I was told to direct here as the doctor's answer was a bit confusing, and I have not gotten an answer yet about the window period for a hepatitis C test or odds of transmission.

I was just wondering why Dr. HHH at the STD forum (and the CDC) say that hepatitis C is not an STD and should not be tested for after sexual exposures, yet a lot of other sources say it can be transmitted sexually. I had unprotected sex with my girlfriend (who tested clean for all STDs but I wasn

[can-do-man]

This was posted by cuteus on a study done.

there really was no need for condoms while you were HCV positive since transmission through sexual contact is less than 3% according to a study of over 900 couples. If you are negative there is absolutely nothing to transmit.
You should be worried about herpes, chlamydia, HPV, etc. more so than HCV

[FlGuy]

I read the question that you sent to Dr. M with great interest.  Do you are your partner have the same geno type?

[can-do-man]

My spouse doesn't have HCV, And we've been together 27 years.

[can-do-man]

Whoa horsie, after re-reading what you say, me thinks that was a cheap shot there. Ain't no brokeback mountain in my life style. Now the collar wearing strator and big chuck throwing him off the bed... Well i don't know there, might ask strator about that.

[FlGuy]

Gas is expensive these days, I was just giving you some for free.

[can-do-man]

You said........and my healthcare professional made me get HIV and HCV testing at the 12.5 week mark. Is it possible to get HCV sexually, and if so, is testing negative at 12.5 weeks good enough (odds wise, what are my chances of having it)?
____________________________________________________________

Chances of having it is zero, you tested negative.

Can you get it through having sex? Yes but the chances is about 3%... shouldn't have unprotected sex for other reasons. HCV is the least of them. Stop worring and take care.

[NYgirl]

While it is IMPOSSIBLE it is highly unlikely - the 3% is a very low number. Remember while you can't SEE microdroplets of blood they could be present.

I agree there are MUCH bigger things to worry about sexually than HepC as well.

Since you were tested and it negative you are negative. End of story.

[MrsOckert]

Oh sweetie!  This is getting so good.  Between you and Dale and Goofydad and all the others with severe brain fog these messages are becoming great to decipher!!!

See your note above "while it is IMPOSSIBLE it is unlikely..."

Kinda like Dale Ray's water house/hose.

[can-do-man]

While it is IMPOSSIBLE it is highly unlikely.....Yep brainwave test was UD to.

[can-do-man]

Jan 21, 2006

I have been in a mutually monogamous relationship for the past two years with a man who has chronic HCV. Does the possibility of transmitting the virus increase if your partner is not monogamous? If so, why?




  Response from Dr. McGovern

No the chance would not increase.

I would consider your risk to be about 1 to 3 percent. I think the risk can increase with sex and trauma (eg, it is probably higher with anal intercourse but the data on this are scarce).

However, you may want to use condoms always. Particularly if there is a question about how monogamous the relationship is, since other infections may need to be considered as well (HIV, etc.).

Dr. M

[can-do-man]

Free gas my A$$, i can "smell" a cheap shot. Like a fart in the dark. You know its there just can't see it.

[confusedkid]

Thanks to everyone. No I think you are right. If I tested negative that long after my last unprotected sexual encounter with a very low risk person (who i dont know their HCV status, but I would assume low risk knowing they have none of the risk factors to my knowledge), then I should be ok.

I have been using condoms since this encounter, and never have rough sex/anal sex/period sex since then. So thats good. No STDs contracted.

I have been excessively worrying about this stuff, and I have been seeking out medical attention.

Thanks for everyones support!