Sex and Sexuality: Entire Lesson - Hepatitis C for Patients

Many people with hepatitis C are worried about spreading the virus to their sex partners. If you have hepatitis C, it is not very likely that you will spread the virus through sex. But it is still possible. That is why it is very important to talk honestly and openly with your sex partner(s).

This program talks about the risk of spreading the hepatitis C virus through sex.

Yes, but it is not likely. Compared to hepatitis B virus and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), it is less likely that you will spread the hepatitis C virus to your sex partner.

If you have one long-term sex partner, and one of you has hepatitis C and one of you does not, you do not need to change your sex habits at all. But, if either you or your partner is worried about the small chance of spreading the hepatitis C virus, you can use latex condoms. This will make it almost impossible to spread the virus. Long-term partners of people with hepatitis C should get tested for the virus. If the test is negative, you will probably not need to repeat it.

If you have more than one sex partner, you are more likely to spread the virus. In this case, reduce the number of sex partners you have, practice safer sex, and always use latex condoms.

There have been outbreaks of sexually transmitted HCV infection among men who have HIV and who have sex with men. It is recommended that men who have sex with men use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HCV and other sexually transmitted infections.

There is no proof that anyone has ever spread the virus through oral sex, although it may be possible. Anal sex may damage the lining of the rectum and make it easier to pass the virus through the blood.

Using condoms will help prevent spreading the hepatitis C virus and will also protect you against other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis B.

Some studies show that the virus may live in your saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions, but no one knows for sure. We also don't know exactly how much of the virus may live in these bodily fluids or if it can be passed on to a sex partner from these fluids.

Some studies suggest that a lot of the virus in the blood might make it easier to spread the virus. But even with high levels of the virus, you are still not very likely to spread the virus through sex. You do not necessarily have to change your sex habits if you have higher levels of the hepatitis C virus.

If you are worried about the small risk of spreading the virus through sex, you should use latex condoms. Latex condoms will also help prevent the spread of hepatitis B, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.Condoms are the only method of birth control that would reduce spread of hepatitis C.

Other types of birth control methods, like birth control pills, vasectomy, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or diaphragms do NOT decrease the risk of spreading the hepatitis C virus.

It is possible to get pregnant if you or your partner has hepatitis C. If you are a man with hepatitis C, and your female partner does not have hepatitis C (throughout the entire pregnancy), then there is no chance that the baby will contract the virus from the mother. If you are a pregnant woman who already has hepatitis C (or gets hepatitis C at some point during the pregnancy), the chance of passing the virus to your baby is low, less than 5 percent. The risk becomes greater if the mother has both hepatitis C and HIV. With proper prenatal care, babies born to hepatitis C-positive mothers or fathers are usually quite healthy.

If you are pregnant and have hepatitis C, the chance of your baby being infected with hepatitis C is the same whether your baby is born by vaginal delivery or c-section. With either method of delivery, the chance is around 5%, which is extremely low.

Some patients are prescribed a medication called ribavirin to take with their direct-acting antiviral medication to treat hepatitis C. This medication can cause birth defects, and you or your partner should NOT get pregnant while you are taking it. If you are taking ribavirin to treat your hepatitis C, you must use two effective forms of birth control, one for you and one for your partner. For example: the man uses a condom, and the woman uses a diaphragm or birth control pill. You must continue this type of birth control for six months after your last dose of combination treatment.

You may be more likely to spread the virus if you

• do not use latex condoms
• have had more than 10 sexual partners
• have had, or currently have, a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

To reduce this chance, follow these guidelines:

• Have sex with only one person, or not at all.
• Decrease the number of people you have sex with.
• Tell your sex partner(s) that you have hepatitis C and that it is unlikely, but still possible, to spread it to them.
• Use latex condoms correctly and every time, especially if you
  • have more than one sex partner;
  • have 'rough' sex, which might make one of you bleed;
  • have sex during your menstrual period or your partner's menstrual period;
  • have sex when you or your partner has an open sore or cut on either of your genitals.
  • are a man who has sex with men

• Tips for Using Condoms
  Tips from the VA National HIV Program
• Safer Sex Resources
  A list of websites that offer information to help people make responsible sexual choices.