Please someone respond!

[jenny8575309]

Please someone answer me! Are their any people on this forum that have transmitted hep c to their partners, or who have got if from sex?  I'm starting to get scared. I know transmission from sex is low, but I just don't want to be that unlucky percentage.

[ladywhy]

You're right...it is a low probability. Blood to blood contact must take place. But Jenny, go get tested...not just for Hep but for all the horrific std's that are out there. Hepc is not considered an std...HepB is. Hopefully, you have just had a scare that will change you for the better. Don't put yourself in anymore risky situations..that can alter your very life. It 'aint worth it.

[orphanedhawk]

Ladywhy is absolutely right. You can get tested for free if money is a concern. Nobody on the internet can tell whether you have a disease or not. You must find that out by getting tested.

[merryBe]

my hubby is clean and I had this for 9 yrs before we found out. Low prob as long as blood products are not exchanged, as in rough or anal sex. No measurable Hep C in saliva or tears, but if your gums bleed then kissing put the other at risk if they have open sores, or possibly even if they don't.

also don't nurse babies when nipples are cracked, otherwise it is fine, but train them NOT to bite.

If you treat and clear the virus, whic many do, then you'd be back to no risk.
for your own sanity get your partner tested, peace of mind is priceless.

[Jakied]

How long ago was your risk?  The average time to show antibody is 50 days,  a three month neg is reliable and a six month neg is 'home free.'

Pcr tests for the virus itself and is reliable after 20 days.

Sexual transmission is rare and is usually male to female when it does occur.

If you are worried about a sexual risk, Hiv and Hbv are much more likely to be sexually transmitted.

If you need a place to test, call 'request a test' at 1888-732-2348 and ask for the 'peace of mind' test which will be hiv/hepb/hepc/herpes 1 and 2.

I have a feeling you will be neg for all but get tested for your peace of mind.

[gauf]

Been with my mate 20 yrs. She does not have it. I have had it at least 25 yrs.

[Forseegood]

I've told this story before...I'm a big support group person, they have helped me in life with a few problems, so I really get a lot out of them...

when I was first diagnosed with this, and it was driving me nuts (I really thought I was going to die, etc etc, - all that drama - when at the time I was perfectly fine even though I had this)....and I went to many support groups.

A few were rather large, with many people, like 30, 40, 50 at a meeting in one setting. I got a feel for how likely it is to pass sexually (for my own purposes anyway.)

Though the following is only ancecdotal and for sure doesn't prove anything in the grand scheme of things, I should think...it is worth noting to me at least...

There were many, many couples at these Hep C support groups. Some were in common law marriages where they had lived together for many years, or a few years.

Others were in long term marriages, for over 20, 30 years, many were like that.

A few were just boyfriend and girlfriend who had been together a relatively short while.

In all these many, many couples I had seen at these meetings, not one person thought they had gotten infected with this sexually. Not one.

In the vast majority of the couples, the guy had it, and the woman didn't. Although back then (they know more now) not much was known about this disease, and most, if not all of these couples hadn't been using protection before they were diagnosed.

So in all these couples, not one person who had this thought they had infected their partner..

If both of the people had it within a certain couple, they both said that they had experimented with some dangerous practices, usually involving drugs.

Of course, once they found out they had this, the person infected started using protection, but they had been together for years before that without protection, and still no transmission. A few of the couples the woman had it, and the guy didn't, but not many.

So yeah, I do think there is a chance that you can get this sexually (particularly if you're doing rough sex or anal) but do I think there is a big, screaming chance? no. But that's just me, others have their own opinions on this. Even if you look on these boards, I don't see a whole lot of people who feel they got this sexually, though there are some. My take only.

[alagirl]

I got it via being raped, however, I was A) unconscious for much of the rape so I'm not sure what all happened and B) I do have some health issues that might allow me to more easily become infected.  I would be tested just for peace of mind since it can be passed using the same toothbrush or nail clippers or razor if there happens to be any minute or microscopic amount of blood to blood transfer.

My 19 yr old son is going to be tested (just for his crazy mother's peace of mind) just in case he used my razor or nail clippers in the seven weeks prior to my finding out I was infected.  I'm sure the possibility he is positive is nonexistent, but it will ease my mind to know for certain, its covered by insurance, and besides, I'm a sadist ;)  

p,s, If it's anything like my marriage was, the reason monogamous couples are unlikely to spread hcv to each other is because they never have sex anyway... j/k

[EspritLibre1]

jenny, don't have any answers and think any you're given is speculation.  one never knows.  like most say it is unlikely, and I agree - but the thought of even a minute chance is enough of a motivator for some.  each to their own... and if you're feeling lucky... just my take.
alagirl, your post saddened me.. so sorry you went through that horrible event.,  my heart goes out to you.  best wishes in a full recovery from that and hcv.....  thank you for sharing this.

[alagirl]

It's ok.  I mention it here because its applicable vis a vis the sex question.  It CAN happen.  My rape was not particularly violent, although I was unconscious I had only minor bruising to the body, so...  It can be spread via sex, its just uncommon.  I think they quote 1 to 3%

I'm fairly neurotic, so I would test because I would want to be sure.  My neuroses is what led to my compulsive testing and early diagnosis, so for once, it worked in my favor.

[EspritLibre1]

Think this is important... sad you went through this but glad you're here, and maybe someone reading can see this does happen.  Once I'm clear, which I have no doubt I will be, I certainly wouldn't put myself in that one to three percent - my partners clear but God forbid, if I had another partner, it would be necessary that partner be tested.. just my take and my opinion for what it is worth. Knowing what treatment is, I'm certainly not putting my sig in a position of being in that one to three percent... what an asset you are.  funny ... didn't know there's another 'fairly neurotic' like moi... ;) be well... and glad to meet you.  

[Forseegood]

I too am sorry you went through that, I guess I know from experience, how horrible that is, but mine happened when I was in my twenties...hope youre doing all the things that can make you feel better about the whole thing, I was told to go to couseling, which I didnt, and now I'm sorry I didn't...of course do what you feel best to cope...

funny about the monogamous couple thing...:)

[alagirl]

I already see a shrink so I just kinda worked it in with everything else we discuss.  Its particularly helpful now (therapy) since major illness and treatment is so stressful and I have many anxieties and fears about whether or not I'll make it financially, how to cope, guilt about being a burden to my family, just a gamut of fears and feelings and anxieties. (Fortunately, my insurance covers the counseling 100%).  (Also, she's a little older and since we're in a small town I can confirm all the best gossip about the other docs with her.)  

My formal educational background is in psychology (so naturally, I sell dead chickens for a living) but probably due to this, I'm really open to the whole therapy, taking A.D.'s, etc., type of thing.  My psychiatrist here is one of the few who actually still does cognitive therapy in hour long sessions as opposed to just doing ten minute drug checks as so many psychiatrists these days are wont to do and I just find that for me, its very helpful to have an outside perspective on the issues in my life.  Also, she's not one of those, "Well how do you feel about that," kind of people.  She actually has sound, practical advice.

[meki]

There have been studies and research on this - and not discounting alagirl's experience - but there has not been one proven case of sexually transmitted HCV during those tests.

Monogamous couples with one partner infected - over 10 years - not one transmission across.

Now - this could be because they took extra precautions when blood was around --- however - there is not one proven case during those tests.

So - I'm very disinclined to say that sexual transmission (via normal sex) is possible.

It's not a bodily fluid transmission - it's a blood to blood transmission.

However - in alagirl's case - many things could have happened (babe - still hanging tough for you!) She was unconcious - so it's possible that the attacker knew he had HCV and purposefully attempted to transmit the disease to her. RAPE is a nasty - evil thing - which usually has nothing to do with sex --- but more to do with power and control. And what better way to control someone through horrible fear --- than to cause them to have HCV?

Anyhow - I have yet to see a definite straight sex (not rough or anal sex) case shown positive proof.

Hugs to all.

Meki

[alagirl]

He definitely knew.  The police pulled up his prison records for me.  There is documentation of him being informed.  Fortunately, he did not have HIV.  He is also an IV drug user.  

You know, the really funny thing is that I became aware of my acute status only BECAUSE I was so misinformed about how hcv is normally spread.  I had a relationship which was not the greatest that ended last summer.  So I was concerned that I might have unwittingly been exposed to diseases (if any) of other sex partners the individual I was seeing had been two timing me with.  

Due to my compromised immune status (also, I have had four surgeries on my urethra, which has shortened it dramatically and allows it to become abraided and internally open to the surface, giving a raw surface that is exposed during intercourse), I felt I needed to test quarterly for the next year for HIV and HCV after I found out what was going on and ended the relationship.  So I tested for both in June, August, December, April and then again on June 21st of this year.  All tests were negative.  Then I was raped on July 1st, became ill three or so weeks later, and took another test seven weeks after the rape.  I was still shocked as hell when the HCV portion showed positive.  

Now I have no idea if the guy who raped me may have done something else unusual of which I am not aware.  All I know is that I am tied in to an exceedingly short timeline with documented negatives and I have no other exposures and my rapist has hepc.

[jmjm530]

Meki: There have been studies and research on this - and not discounting alagirl's experience - but there has not been one proven case of sexually transmitted HCV during those tests.
---------------
I'm sorry, but you are absolutely wrong. While sexual transmission is uncommon (not never but uncommon) with normal, monagamous sex -- high risk sexual practices is associated with HCV tramsmission because more chance of blood to blood contact. Certainly forceful rape falls well within this category.

You've been a big help here to many, but please do a little research before making such broad assertions. You can start here and then google "HCV sexual transmission" for more.

http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/033005_02.htm

[EspritLibre1]

well said.
I have a question for anyone, (and I ask myself this as well) - when we have completed treatment, reached SVR (hopefully), once clear 6 mnths to a yr out - If we find ourselves in a monogamous relationship and find our partner is HCV POSITIVE, will we in fact, say:

"There is no problem.  The risk factor is so low, there is absolutely no concern, I'm in a monogamous relationship."  

After our diagnosis; the agonizing decision to treat; the treatment each of us our now enduring,  confidently say, 'Yes, I feel totally comfortable in my monogamous sexual/loving relationship with my HCV POSITIVE partner."?

[jmjm530]

HCV aside, enduring over a year of the treatment drugs have given me a new appreciation for living monastically, or next best, the condom :) I mean the last thing I need in my life right now is another STD, be it HIV or anything else going around. No, I think it's condoms for me unless the relationship becomes monagamous and then I'd probably want a complete and rececent STD profile. Not very romantic, but neither was my year of treatment.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Should have read" Last thing I need in my life is another disease like an STD".  

[EspritLibre1]

Yes, Jim, I understand, but my question was very specific.  If you find yourself in monogamous relationship, with the full knowledge your significant other is HCV positive, (obviously meaning both parties having undergone the STD profile-hopefully, that's a given in relationships), would you, in fact, feel comfortable...
(Knowing the hell of what we are going through or in your case have been through), have sexual relations with total confidence?
Then.. depending on each of our answers, comes more philosophical questions... would we knowingly, not clear of the virus yet, put our non-HCV partner at a 1 to 3 percent risk?   I hate both of these questions.... don't you?

[EspritLibre1]

I probably was not clear.  You date, you realize I love this person.  You both agree you want a long term relationship, marriage for example - you test for STDs.  She is HCV POSITIVE.  What happens?  You're entering a monogamous relationship - do you freely enjoy the unprotected physical part of the relationship?  Or do you say, "I've been through so much shi t, I'm out of here?"  I wonder?  I'm not asking you to really answer - it is all personal choices.   I have to say it, but I'd be afraid.  This is a living hell, Jim.  And when it is over, you just want to enjoy being disease free.  

[jmjm530]

So you're in love, soyou use condoms then. I hear they come in flavors now :)

[jmjm530]

Right before I treated, I was having relations with a young lady who was aware I was HCV positive. She got mad at me because I would only have sex using condoms. She said she hated condoms. Go figure.

[EspritLibre1]

sounds yummy.. I hear you.  My brain starts to hurt when I think, so no more thinking ... I'm going to go open a pint of ice cream...
condoms are ok,,, but for life?  if that where the relationship leads?  
enuf said

[jmjm530]

condoms are ok,,, but for life?
------------------------------------
You sound like my ex. LOL.

[EspritLibre1]

well, I wish you love, Jim.  Hopefully, when found it will be permanent, and both of you will have 'clean' profiles.  

[merryBe]

well my son got it from me, probably in the birthing process, or the nursing. So that's something to be aware and careful of, if you plan a pregnacy after you SVR. It would be a heartbreak to give this to a newborn.

Son was born looking a little jaudiced, they sad a lot are and did not test him or me. the good thing, is he cleared it on his own,,,,(probably because he was nursing and getting millions of my antibodies.

if a man has it, and is rough in sex, then yes he can pass it as he opens fisures in the womans tissue where blood can absorb his fluids directly into her bloodstream. Also, if a women menses happens and say the guy has an open herpes sore it could pass or interchange. So there are ways, though it takes a blood to blood contact...not just saliva or tears, or any old body fluid....its in the blood....and protection is really the loving thing to do.

besides which we are cautioned adnauseaum not to get pregnabt while of Copegusus so there's one more reason to go slow in your year of TX and not chance having a baby with birth defects..

If someone cares for you, they should understand you not wanting to take chances either getting or spreading this disease. It may seem hard at first, but you find yourself cherishing holds and hugs, and things that before weren't bothered with in the rush to get to business. Now making love is a more thought out, slowly danced waltz where no one get hurt and there is tender care.....it's even more erotic....if you can just get past the simple precautions you take,