I have posted this study lead by my hepatologist because we receive many posts concerning transmission of hepatitis C via heterosexual relationships and for our own peace of mind for those of us who are HCV infected and having heterosexual sexual relationships with uninfected persons.
I think you will find the conclusions reassuring.
"Based upon 8377 person-years of follow-up, the maximum incidence rate of HCV transmission by sex was 0.07% per year (95% CI: 0.01, 0.13) or ∼1 per 190,000 sexual contacts. No specific sexual practices were related to HCV-positivity among couples."
"...extremely low estimated risk for HCV infection in sexual partners, the lack of association with specific sexual practices provides unambiguous and reassuring counseling messages."
Abstract:
"Sexual transmission of HCV among monogamous heterosexual couples: The HCV partners study."
November 26, 2012
Hepatology. 2012 Nov 23. doi: 10.1002/hep.26164.
Source
University of California San Francisco, Division of Gastroenterology, 513 Parnassus Ave, S357, Box 0538, San Francisco, CA, 94143. Norah.***@****.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The efficiency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by sexual activity remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCV-positive persons and their partners to estimate the risk for HCV infection among monogamous heterosexual couples.
METHODS:
500 anti-HCV-positive, HIV-negative index persons and their long-term heterosexual partners were studied. Couples were interviewed separately for lifetime risk factors for HCV infection, within-couple sexual practices and sharing of personal grooming items. Blood samples were tested for anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and HCV genotype and serotype. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis determined the relatedness of virus isolates among genotype-concordant couples.