There is a hepatitis support forum on Med Help that may be of use to you:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/hepatitis/wwwboard.html
To answer your questions:
1) Hepatitis C may have been present earlier, but only recently diagnosed.
2) A viral load of that level is high. Treatment certainly should be considered. Obtaining your genotype will help with determining the effectiveness of treatment and prognosis.
3) A liver biopsy is a required next step.
4) Regarding privacy concerns, you should not be required to report your own medical conditions to anyone.
5) Yes, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sex.
6) It seems like you are going through the reasonable next steps. Your GI physician should be able to guide treatment. The biopsy and genotype are recommended tests. I would also consider visiting the hepatitis support forum.
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_b