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Hep C and sex
I was hoping the treatment I took over the winter would eliminate the need for this question but it seems not, and I find myself poised to re-enter the dating pool in the weeks ahead. Before I began the treatment I had for the last few years followed the advice of my Canadian doctors with regard to the appropriate protocols around sexual practice and hepatitus. That is, to inform one's potential partner in advance, encourage them to do their own research and take no special measures beyond that, given the virus is not sexually transmitted, unless they prefer I use a condom. I'm monogamous so I don't run the higher risk that multiple partners bring and in 25 years of activity have never passed the virus along.
At my last visit with a liver specialist however he advised me to use a condom as standard practice. I'm not very happy about this, not simply for the practical aspect but because it seems to reinforce the belief that the virus is actually transmitted, if very rarely, by intimate sexual contact, which might scare off prospective partners. From my reading on this board and other sites I know there is some range of opinion on this subject, in terms of other people's right to know, suitable prophylaxis, etc. but I'm looking for something more authoritative and scientific, on which to base my behavior going forward. Can people let me know their policies with regard to this?
At my last visit with a liver specialist however he advised me to use a condom as standard practice. I'm not very happy about this, not simply for the practical aspect but because it seems to reinforce the belief that the virus is actually transmitted, if very rarely, by intimate sexual contact, which might scare off prospective partners. From my reading on this board and other sites I know there is some range of opinion on this subject, in terms of other people's right to know, suitable prophylaxis, etc. but I'm looking for something more authoritative and scientific, on which to base my behavior going forward. Can people let me know their policies with regard to this?
Hey thanks for the good advice. I think the quote from Rivil is very good - thank you very much! - and I'm pleased to see it is very much in line with own current practice. I was just curious if some new paradigm had emerged. I suppose I should update my profile, after UND at 12 weeks when the therapy was ended prematurely, my three month post sadly produced a viral load of 840,00/iu. I'd suspected the virus was still present because of certain signs but it was still a great disappointment after all I'd gone through to beat it. At an appointment with my liver specialist last week I asked him how my experience compared to other patients he's treated with Telaprevir and he said mine was the worst. Great!
I'll monitor development of the next generation of medicines and perhaps next year I'll treat again.
I'll monitor development of the next generation of medicines and perhaps next year I'll treat again.
Hmmm, I hope you will achieve SVR anyway, or have you had a lab that indicated your viral-load is back?
If that is the case, the 2nd generation of Hep C meds are coming right
down the pipe-line, so you will eventually get rid of your Hep C, if it hasn't happened yet.
If I were you, I wouldn't mention your Hep C status, on a first or second date. We reveal personal things like that, to people we have a trust and friendship with. But if by chance, some hot to trott woman pressures you into it (lol), then you could use a condom, etc
If you do end up finding a person you feel is a worthy partner, then
you can mention it, and maybe give them a small, and simple book on Hep C Facts, written by The Experts. That way your partner can make the decision
If that is the case, the 2nd generation of Hep C meds are coming right
down the pipe-line, so you will eventually get rid of your Hep C, if it hasn't happened yet.
If I were you, I wouldn't mention your Hep C status, on a first or second date. We reveal personal things like that, to people we have a trust and friendship with. But if by chance, some hot to trott woman pressures you into it (lol), then you could use a condom, etc
If you do end up finding a person you feel is a worthy partner, then
you can mention it, and maybe give them a small, and simple book on Hep C Facts, written by The Experts. That way your partner can make the decision
Wow I just saw the image you posted in your 06 Feb post of the Incivek rash. Don't know how that thread got by me! Are you all better now?
Apparently you stopped at 12 weeks and you indicated you were UND at 4 weeks and waiting on the 12 week pcr (which I guess would also have been your EOT labs).
I was wondering how your subsequent labs have been. Did you by any chance have 12 week SVR labs? If the dates are approximate then you are on or around 21 weeks post treatment and 24 week SVR labs are right around the corner. If you do not might it would be great if you would post any EOT/SVR PCRs you have had.
Best of luck
Apparently you stopped at 12 weeks and you indicated you were UND at 4 weeks and waiting on the 12 week pcr (which I guess would also have been your EOT labs).
I was wondering how your subsequent labs have been. Did you by any chance have 12 week SVR labs? If the dates are approximate then you are on or around 21 weeks post treatment and 24 week SVR labs are right around the corner. If you do not might it would be great if you would post any EOT/SVR PCRs you have had.
Best of luck
Dresdan0,
Most people use protection now!
Most definitely use protection even if you are clear. But especially if you have not cleared, then you will not have to worry about any possibility, however slim, of passing on any infection.
As well you want to protect yourself from any added infection.
Your potential partners will appreciate that you use protection and will feel safer with you. Don't forget that you also don't know your new partners or history either.
Most people use protection now!
Most definitely use protection even if you are clear. But especially if you have not cleared, then you will not have to worry about any possibility, however slim, of passing on any infection.
As well you want to protect yourself from any added infection.
Your potential partners will appreciate that you use protection and will feel safer with you. Don't forget that you also don't know your new partners or history either.
meant to add ..
if you happened to not attain SVR..then the advice from the prev. poster and article copied is good information..
Will
if you happened to not attain SVR..then the advice from the prev. poster and article copied is good information..
Will
was hoping the treatment I took over the winter would eliminate the need for this question but it seems not, and I find myself poised to re-enter the dating
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Possibly I do not understand and did not have the time to look at your profile,however if you treated and SVR"d there is no virus to infect others with sexually or otherwise.
Also...I feel that anyone just "'re-entering the dating pool" as you put itshould " wrap it up" , to prevent any STD's'
best...
Will
------------------------
Possibly I do not understand and did not have the time to look at your profile,however if you treated and SVR"d there is no virus to infect others with sexually or otherwise.
Also...I feel that anyone just "'re-entering the dating pool" as you put itshould " wrap it up" , to prevent any STD's'
best...
Will
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Norah A. Terrault, M.D., M.P.H. 1
"The couple should be counseled that the risk of sexual transmission is very low and because of this very low risk, use of condoms is not specifically recommended. However, due to an absence of information on certain types of sexual practices, those engaged in sexual practices that may be more permissive of transmission, such as anal intercourse or sex with trauma to genital mucosa, should be advised to use condoms during these activities. I also recommend the use of condoms if the couple is having sex during a woman's menses. For HCV-infected persons with multiple sexual partners, use of condoms is recommended not only for prevention of HCV transmission but also for all sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, for those HCV-infected persons with new sexual relationships that evolve to longer-term monogamous relationships, specific recommendations regarding if and when condom use can be discontinued are not available. Ultimately, each monogamous couple must decide upon whether a "low risk" of transmission translates into a need of condom use or not. Physicians can facilitate this decision by assisting patients and their partners to interpret the available data regarding sex and HCV, and providing them with the most current guidelines regarding prevention of sexual transmission."
I don't think anyone can say it better than this world renowned Hepatologist and you cannot get anyone more authoritative or scientific.
I will add my 2 cents by saying honesty is always the best thing-tell her or him and let the decision be as a couple.
Good luck and all the best to you, Dresden.