sexually transmitting HepC

[ram921]

  I've been told from the beginning that HepC is not a sexually transmitted disease, but blood-to blood. My significant other believes otherwise, much because her obgyn and other doctors recoil in horror when she tells them of our unprotected sex. We are long-term monogamous, and do not participate in any high-risk behavior. I've had Hepc for at least 10 years, and haven't given it to her. I respect her feelings, but feel her fear is unfounded.  I believe the whole business has driven a wedge between us, but my feelings are invalid because I am the one with the illness, but that's another issue.

[jslepin]

Hi Ram,
This is a good question and one that we all have to think about.  It seems that every time this question is asked, one gets a different answer.  The CDC says that sexual transmission is NOT COMMON.  Here's a link to their site and what they say about it:   http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Populations/STDs.htm

They also say that HCV can be spread infrequently through sex with an HCV-infected person although it is an inefficient means of transmission.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#section2

I think that in your case, the evidence is already in front of you.  You are in a monogamous relationship and your wife is negative for HCV.

This points out the lack of knowledge so many healthcare providers have about this disease.

Hope this helps.

Jennifer