tebkrg
03-21-2003, 07:07 PM
Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C (HCV)
The following is not intended to represent medical advice, or make any promise to provide information that is medically correct or replace the need of discussing matters of sexual transmission of any disease with a qualified medical professional. The following is information collected from various sources that makes suggestions and recommendations as to appropriate precautions to reduce the likelihood of Hepatitis transmission during sexual contact. No where in this information is there a statement made that by following these suggestions and precautions that you have eliminated the risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C or any other transmissible disease. This is not medical advice.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that is typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Any contact or activity that allows a persons body fluids or blood come into contact with another persons blood or mucus membranes is at risk of transmitting Hepatitis C to the other person.
The most common methods of Hepatitis C transmission are:
Injection equipment and other drug equipment
Needles used for tattooing, body piercing, and acupuncture
Razors, toothbrushes and nail files (These are less likely but still have the potential)
Blood transfusions
Hepatitis C can be present in vaginal fluids and semen. Research suggests that the amount of virus found in these fluids is low and that it may be noninfectious. The key word here is ‘may’ be noninfectious. It would seem that most experts believe that the risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is low. Not impossible, but low. Studies suggest that unprotected heterosexual intercourse with a long-term monogamous HCV positive partner is between 0 and 3%. Still risk exists. Studies also suggest that sexual transmission from men to women is more efficient than from women to men. Since HCV is spread through contact with blood, there is a higher risk of transmission during a woman’s menstrual period.
In general people who have multiple sexual partners should practice safer sex.
Higher risk groups for sexual transmission of HCV are – gay men, prostitutes, people with multiple sex partners, and people that are being treated at STD clinics. With these groups, sexual transmission of HCV appears to be more common. Not enough studies have been done to determine if higher rates of HCV infection in gay men is from sexual transmission, but it may suggest that anal sex contributes to the higher infection rate - if HCV is sexually transmitted. Anal sex may be a more efficient route of transmission because the lining of the rectum is more delicate and is more prone to damage that may involve blood. Anal sex practiced between heterosexual partners would be just as risky if this is in fact a higher risk behavior.
Studies do not indicate that oral sex performed on a man or a woman is high risk for transmitting or contracting HCV, but if any kinds of sores, or bleeding gums are present in the mouth it is possible to transmit the disease this way.
Likewise, it is not considered to be risky behavior to open mouth kiss, but again, if sores or bleeding gums are present, consideration should be taken.
Practice good oral care but do not brush or floss immediately before or immediately after oral sex or open mouth kissing as this may irritate the gums or cause bleeding which may increase the risk of transmission.
It is also believed that HCV transmission rate is higher if a person has a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Condoms will always be a protective factor that should be considered to protect from disease transmission. Stick to latex or polyurethane condoms as natural skin condoms can let disease through. Consider using a condom for oral sex on a man and barriers for oral sex on a woman. Barriers include dental dams, latex sheets for sex, or even plastic wrap.
If sores or blisters exist, cover these with some sort of bandage to prevent seepage of fluids. Use latex or plastic gloves if sores exist.
Use only water-based lubricants with condoms as oil-based lubricants can damage latex.
In conclusion, it would appear that most studies do not indicate that sex between two people in a long term monogamous relationship is a high-risk behavior when one is HCV positive. There is however still some potential risk. Anal sex whether practiced by a heterosexual or homosexual couple would appear to carry a higher risk factor. Multiple sexual partners and/or the presence of sexually transmitted diseases also would appear to carry a higher risk factor.
Please understand that it would appear there is no definite and conclusive answer to any questions you may have about the transmission of HCV through sexual contact. If you are HCV positive or suspect that you may be, please see a medical professional and be tested for HCV. Speak directly to your doctor about safe sex practices and take only the advice of a medical professional when considering sexual contact.
Again, this is information that has been collected from various sources and we make no claim that the information above is medically correct. This information is for awareness only.
The following is not intended to represent medical advice, or make any promise to provide information that is medically correct or replace the need of discussing matters of sexual transmission of any disease with a qualified medical professional. The following is information collected from various sources that makes suggestions and recommendations as to appropriate precautions to reduce the likelihood of Hepatitis transmission during sexual contact. No where in this information is there a statement made that by following these suggestions and precautions that you have eliminated the risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C or any other transmissible disease. This is not medical advice.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne disease that is typically transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. Any contact or activity that allows a persons body fluids or blood come into contact with another persons blood or mucus membranes is at risk of transmitting Hepatitis C to the other person.
The most common methods of Hepatitis C transmission are:
Injection equipment and other drug equipment
Needles used for tattooing, body piercing, and acupuncture
Razors, toothbrushes and nail files (These are less likely but still have the potential)
Blood transfusions
Hepatitis C can be present in vaginal fluids and semen. Research suggests that the amount of virus found in these fluids is low and that it may be noninfectious. The key word here is ‘may’ be noninfectious. It would seem that most experts believe that the risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C is low. Not impossible, but low. Studies suggest that unprotected heterosexual intercourse with a long-term monogamous HCV positive partner is between 0 and 3%. Still risk exists. Studies also suggest that sexual transmission from men to women is more efficient than from women to men. Since HCV is spread through contact with blood, there is a higher risk of transmission during a woman’s menstrual period.
In general people who have multiple sexual partners should practice safer sex.
Higher risk groups for sexual transmission of HCV are – gay men, prostitutes, people with multiple sex partners, and people that are being treated at STD clinics. With these groups, sexual transmission of HCV appears to be more common. Not enough studies have been done to determine if higher rates of HCV infection in gay men is from sexual transmission, but it may suggest that anal sex contributes to the higher infection rate - if HCV is sexually transmitted. Anal sex may be a more efficient route of transmission because the lining of the rectum is more delicate and is more prone to damage that may involve blood. Anal sex practiced between heterosexual partners would be just as risky if this is in fact a higher risk behavior.
Studies do not indicate that oral sex performed on a man or a woman is high risk for transmitting or contracting HCV, but if any kinds of sores, or bleeding gums are present in the mouth it is possible to transmit the disease this way.
Likewise, it is not considered to be risky behavior to open mouth kiss, but again, if sores or bleeding gums are present, consideration should be taken.
Practice good oral care but do not brush or floss immediately before or immediately after oral sex or open mouth kissing as this may irritate the gums or cause bleeding which may increase the risk of transmission.
It is also believed that HCV transmission rate is higher if a person has a sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, syphilis, chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Condoms will always be a protective factor that should be considered to protect from disease transmission. Stick to latex or polyurethane condoms as natural skin condoms can let disease through. Consider using a condom for oral sex on a man and barriers for oral sex on a woman. Barriers include dental dams, latex sheets for sex, or even plastic wrap.
If sores or blisters exist, cover these with some sort of bandage to prevent seepage of fluids. Use latex or plastic gloves if sores exist.
Use only water-based lubricants with condoms as oil-based lubricants can damage latex.
In conclusion, it would appear that most studies do not indicate that sex between two people in a long term monogamous relationship is a high-risk behavior when one is HCV positive. There is however still some potential risk. Anal sex whether practiced by a heterosexual or homosexual couple would appear to carry a higher risk factor. Multiple sexual partners and/or the presence of sexually transmitted diseases also would appear to carry a higher risk factor.
Please understand that it would appear there is no definite and conclusive answer to any questions you may have about the transmission of HCV through sexual contact. If you are HCV positive or suspect that you may be, please see a medical professional and be tested for HCV. Speak directly to your doctor about safe sex practices and take only the advice of a medical professional when considering sexual contact.
Again, this is information that has been collected from various sources and we make no claim that the information above is medically correct. This information is for awareness only.