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READY FOR SEX DO I TELL ABOUT HEP-C

I HAVE BEEN DONE WITH TREATMENT FOR A FEW YEARS NOW. I WAS MARRIED 16YRS. FOR THE PAST 2YRS I HAVE BEEN SINGLE (WITH NO SEX/DATING).I AM READY TO HAVE SEX. IT IS NOT A IN LOVE RELATIONSHIP JUST DATING. DO I TELL HIM I HAVE HEP C OR DO I TAKE ALL PRECAUSIONS AND SAY NOTHING. FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS I HAVE AVOIDED SEX TO AVOID THIS ISSUE. THE LACK OF LIVING/LOVING ISOLATION IS JUST TO MUCH ANY MORE. AND IF I TELL HOW DO I DO IT AND WHEN? SCARED AND CONFUSED
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Avatar universal
If you or your doctor do have tests showing everything is "good" meaning the doctor has not told you you stil have the virus, then you do not have Hep C. You need to find that out for sure before you worry about it. If you don't have it, then you can't give it to him or anyone else, you no longer have it. You want to see your viral load DNA PCR test.
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Avatar universal
You need to ask your doctor if you achieved an UNDetectable (UND) viral load and whether you've attained a Sustained Viral Response (SVR).

I'm afraid that given that you continue to test, it sounds like you may not have as most treatments do a 6 month an 2 year test following treatment if UND is achieved to certify SVR.

Do you know if they are doing Alpha Feto-Protein (AFP) blood tests for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or ultra-sounds or CT scans during your yearly tests?
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Avatar universal
The statistics for contracting HCV via sex are very low, however it is not impossible. I don't think anyone has the right to withhold information that in a "worse-case" scenario could alter someone else's life, forever.

Having said that, if you are undetectable and have been for over a year, then you "shouldn't" be able to infect anyone, but so much is still unknown about this virus that I'd be inclined to be as open and honest as the relationship permitted. If you aren't comfortable sharing this part of your life with an intimate partner, regardless of whether there is "love" or not, then perhaps this isn't a person worthy of being in your life to begin with, no matter the level of intimacy. You have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, so go out and find yourself some good lovin' and don't be afraid to be open, it's the best way.

Warm regards,
Debbe
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Avatar universal
Hi,
I believe you should be totally upfront and honest if you are going to have sex. If you have treated for the virus and don't carry it anymore,there is nothing to hide,,,,but if you are carrying the virus it is only fair to tell them even if its only a tiny tiny risk of them contracting it.

But here's the BIGGY that nobody seems to think about,,,,those that are unmarried are so consumed with the fear of dating and having to tell someone that they went through hep c treatment,,BUT!!!! think of it this way,,,,do you want to go into a relationship without telling THAT person to go get a hep c test( and B).THEY might be carrying it for the last 30 years without knowing it either. You can show them your clean bill of health and they now have to show you there's.

IF I WAS single and was thinking of having sex with someone,(though i wouldn't be, personally)I would DEFINITELY tell the person i had hep c and i would tell them that  THEY HAVE TO GET CHECKED before i was intimate with them,,,,no way would i go through treatment get svr (hopefully) only to re infected by somebody who DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE HEP TOO.

Sound crazy???,,,,not to me. If we were all surprised we had it, they might have it and not know also. I know it doesn't exactly sound romantic to tell someone to go get checked, but I would have no problem telling them. They don't like it,,,,bye, nice knowing ya!

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Avatar universal
I would have the results of your latest PCR quant handy to show your love interest that you are SVR and assure him that if he uses condoms that the chances are less than getting hit by a bus (romatic aint I?)

I would have a pamphlet ready. Dont show him this info whan you two are cuddly. Do it when you are in a more pedestrian situation. Then he will have the knowledge to digest and when the time is right. He will come to you!
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Avatar universal
If Laytex is SVR, then she does not have the virus, so she has nothing to tell. She cant pass on a virus she does not have. She needs to use condoms for OTHER reasons but not due to her having cleared HCV.

If she wants to tell him that she had it in the past but has cleared it and is no longer HCV positive, that is a different story.
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