Aa
Monogamous Sex and Transmission
I have to admit it: I am terrified to have sex with my husband, now that I am 14 weeks inot Treatment, and have been Und for over 10 weeks.
My husband is also genotype 1a, but caught it before we met. He is not ready (psychologically) to get his hep C treated.
I am going to be 50 yrs old this summer, so it's not like how it was, when I was in my child-bearing years, and popping out babies. My fear is that the vagina can easily suffer from a very mild abrasion, the tissue is sensitive, and it looks like a few layers of skin can be rubbed off, even from only a few minutes.
I am mainly worried that sperm may contain Hep C, doesn't it contain white blood cells? Also,if I am getting sore, he could be chafing also. I gave up kissing years ago, anyway, I am a huge germaphobic.
If I still got my period, I could pretend that I wanted to wear a condom, to prevent pregnancy, but mine stopped when I was 47 yrs..sigh. I am allergic to latex, but I suppose they have some other products out there, but the whole thing seems lie a marriage breaker~
My husband is also genotype 1a, but caught it before we met. He is not ready (psychologically) to get his hep C treated.
I am going to be 50 yrs old this summer, so it's not like how it was, when I was in my child-bearing years, and popping out babies. My fear is that the vagina can easily suffer from a very mild abrasion, the tissue is sensitive, and it looks like a few layers of skin can be rubbed off, even from only a few minutes.
I am mainly worried that sperm may contain Hep C, doesn't it contain white blood cells? Also,if I am getting sore, he could be chafing also. I gave up kissing years ago, anyway, I am a huge germaphobic.
If I still got my period, I could pretend that I wanted to wear a condom, to prevent pregnancy, but mine stopped when I was 47 yrs..sigh. I am allergic to latex, but I suppose they have some other products out there, but the whole thing seems lie a marriage breaker~
Once you hit week 20 or so the deed may become so perfunctory your husband might be the one who feigns a headache! :) :)
I think it must have taken a lot of courage for you to make this post. What an awful predicament for you. No matter how many reassuring replies you get it may not help with being terrified, and that's a total turn off.
I understand how you feel. I have always been a bit infection-phobic and since discovering I have hepc (mega-freakout) even more so. In fact I can't see me ever exchanging bodily fluids with somebody again unless they've got a certificate from the STD clinic done the day before. (and yes, I know hepc is not an STD). It doesn't change anything that I know I am being irrational.
So it seems to me that your husband has got to give a little here if he doesn't want a wife frozen with terror every time he comes near her. The least he can do is use condoms and schedule his tx. You are past the point where the issue is if he will re-infect you, and into the realms of how strong your relationship is and how much you both are willing to work together to preserve it.
dointime
I understand how you feel. I have always been a bit infection-phobic and since discovering I have hepc (mega-freakout) even more so. In fact I can't see me ever exchanging bodily fluids with somebody again unless they've got a certificate from the STD clinic done the day before. (and yes, I know hepc is not an STD). It doesn't change anything that I know I am being irrational.
So it seems to me that your husband has got to give a little here if he doesn't want a wife frozen with terror every time he comes near her. The least he can do is use condoms and schedule his tx. You are past the point where the issue is if he will re-infect you, and into the realms of how strong your relationship is and how much you both are willing to work together to preserve it.
dointime
The only way I could have contracted Hep C gen 1 was a blood transfusion in the 70s. I never engageed in any other risky behavior. I was married twice and have two children. I had many sexual partners having mostly unprotected sex.......Nobody else caught it........Hundreds maybe a thousand of encounters of all kinds of activity....no one tested positive.....Extremely unlikely to transmit...
My answer was.......you aren't serious are you. They didn't make me
sign a paper ;)
sign a paper ;)
They asked me if I could get pregnant and as I am nearing 60 and not sexually active (O youth!) I assured them it would not happen. I guess they believed me because other than signing a paper to that effect, was not required to do anything else.
"after I started taking the Procrit, I did experience cramps, and felt like maybe one of my ancient old eggs" Even though that is potentially serious, the image that came to my mind gave me a great belly laugh. You are funny.
"after I started taking the Procrit, I did experience cramps, and felt like maybe one of my ancient old eggs" Even though that is potentially serious, the image that came to my mind gave me a great belly laugh. You are funny.
Thank you Hector...now, can you tell me when they are going to come out with a female version of Viagra???
It is really hard for me to be turning THE BIG 50 this summer. I guess this is why they call it "mid-life crisis."
I have survived The Seven Year Itch, within my partnership...so perhaps I am approaching the 14 yr Itch (it feels like fiber-glass is under my skin...oh yeah, that's the ribavirin)
All this stuff just takes second fiddle to my health, bottom ( )( ) line~
It is really hard for me to be turning THE BIG 50 this summer. I guess this is why they call it "mid-life crisis."
I have survived The Seven Year Itch, within my partnership...so perhaps I am approaching the 14 yr Itch (it feels like fiber-glass is under my skin...oh yeah, that's the ribavirin)
All this stuff just takes second fiddle to my health, bottom ( )( ) line~
Actually a good point, Ninja~ after I started taking the Procrit, I did experience cramps, and felt like maybe one of my ancient old eggs (maybe the last one) was going to drop!
Knowing my luck, I coukd get pregnant two yrs after my last period, I have heard of this happening before,thus the name, "late in life baby"
Knowing my luck, I coukd get pregnant two yrs after my last period, I have heard of this happening before,thus the name, "late in life baby"
I really wanted him to at least be interested in participating in one of the latest Trials!
For some reason, he was borderline anemic, so he was discluded from the Trial as well. It's pretty hard to get into one of those trials!
But he shpuld find out WHY he is anemic, I mean...he doesn't get aperiod, so where is the blood loss coming from?
For some reason, he was borderline anemic, so he was discluded from the Trial as well. It's pretty hard to get into one of those trials!
But he shpuld find out WHY he is anemic, I mean...he doesn't get aperiod, so where is the blood loss coming from?
LMAO, Oh face it girl. Ya just dont like your hubby? hehe just kidding. But maybe?
Heck I never had a headache in my life, but I used that line or other ailments daily with X husband. Tell him your fridged ;-)
Heck I never had a headache in my life, but I used that line or other ailments daily with X husband. Tell him your fridged ;-)
I was told not to worry about it....snip & menopause...that's two...plus stay away...that's three......
From the INCIVEK HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION label.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-----------------------
• Pregnancy: Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon alfa: Ribavirin
may cause birth defects and fetal death; avoid pregnancy in female
patients and female partners of male patients. Patients must have a
negative pregnancy test prior to initiating therapy, use at least 2 effective
methods of contraception, and undergo monthly pregnancy tests. (5.1,
8.1)
5.1 Pregnancy: Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa
Ribavirin may cause birth defects and/or death of the exposed fetus. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male patients. Ribavirin therapy should not be started unless a report of a negative pregnancy test has been obtained immediately prior to initiation of therapy.
Because INCIVEK must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, the contraindications and warnings applicable to those drugs are
applicable to combination therapy. Female patients of childbearing potential and their male partners as well as male patients and their female partners must use 2 effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for 6 months after all treatment has ended. Female patients should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment and during the 6-month period after stopping treatment. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male patients as significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17.1)]. Refer also to the prescribing information for ribavirin.
Female Patients
Hormonal contraceptives may be continued but may not be reliable during INCIVEK dosing and for up to two weeks following cessation of INCIVEK [see Drug Interactions (7)]. During this time, female patients of childbearing potential should use two effective non-hormonal methods of contraception.
Examples may include barrier methods or intrauterine devices (IUDs) [see also Use in Specific Populations: Pregnancy (8.1) and Patient Counseling
Information (17.1)]. Two weeks after completion of INCIVEK treatment, hormonal contraceptives are again appropriate as one of the two required effective methods of birth control; however, specific prescribing information recommendations should be followed for the contraceptives.
8.1 Pregnancy
Because INCIVEK must be used in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon alfa, the contraindications and warnings applicable to those
drugs are applicable to combination treatment. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male
patients.
INCIVEK/Peginterferon Alfa/Ribavirin Combination Treatment
Pregnancy Category X: Animal studies have shown that ribavirin causes birth defects and/or fetal deaths while peginterferon alfa is abortifacient [see
Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. See the prescribing information for ribavirin.
Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin; and therefore ribavirin is
contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and ribavirin prescribing information]. Interferons have abortifacient effects in animals and should be assumed to have abortifacient potential in humans (see peginterferon alfa prescribing information).
Extreme caution must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients while taking this combination. Women
of childbearing potential and their male partners should not receive ribavirin unless they are using effective contraception (two reliable forms) during
treatment with ribavirin and for 6 months after treatment. Systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking INCIVEK.
Therefore, two alternative effective methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices and barrier methods, should be used in women during treatment with INCIVEK and concomitant ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
A Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry has been established to monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnancies in female patients and female partners of
male patients exposed to ribavirin during treatment and for 6 months following cessation of treatment. Health care providers and patients are
encouraged to report such cases by calling 1-800-593-2214.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hector
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS-----------------------
• Pregnancy: Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon alfa: Ribavirin
may cause birth defects and fetal death; avoid pregnancy in female
patients and female partners of male patients. Patients must have a
negative pregnancy test prior to initiating therapy, use at least 2 effective
methods of contraception, and undergo monthly pregnancy tests. (5.1,
8.1)
5.1 Pregnancy: Use with Ribavirin and Peginterferon Alfa
Ribavirin may cause birth defects and/or death of the exposed fetus. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male patients. Ribavirin therapy should not be started unless a report of a negative pregnancy test has been obtained immediately prior to initiation of therapy.
Because INCIVEK must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, the contraindications and warnings applicable to those drugs are
applicable to combination therapy. Female patients of childbearing potential and their male partners as well as male patients and their female partners must use 2 effective contraceptive methods during treatment and for 6 months after all treatment has ended. Female patients should have monthly pregnancy tests during treatment and during the 6-month period after stopping treatment. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male patients as significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin [see Contraindications (4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1), and Patient Counseling Information (17.1)]. Refer also to the prescribing information for ribavirin.
Female Patients
Hormonal contraceptives may be continued but may not be reliable during INCIVEK dosing and for up to two weeks following cessation of INCIVEK [see Drug Interactions (7)]. During this time, female patients of childbearing potential should use two effective non-hormonal methods of contraception.
Examples may include barrier methods or intrauterine devices (IUDs) [see also Use in Specific Populations: Pregnancy (8.1) and Patient Counseling
Information (17.1)]. Two weeks after completion of INCIVEK treatment, hormonal contraceptives are again appropriate as one of the two required effective methods of birth control; however, specific prescribing information recommendations should be followed for the contraceptives.
8.1 Pregnancy
Because INCIVEK must be used in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon alfa, the contraindications and warnings applicable to those
drugs are applicable to combination treatment. Extreme care must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and in female partners of male
patients.
INCIVEK/Peginterferon Alfa/Ribavirin Combination Treatment
Pregnancy Category X: Animal studies have shown that ribavirin causes birth defects and/or fetal deaths while peginterferon alfa is abortifacient [see
Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. See the prescribing information for ribavirin.
Significant teratogenic and/or embryocidal effects have been demonstrated in all animal species exposed to ribavirin; and therefore ribavirin is
contraindicated in women who are pregnant and in the male partners of women who are pregnant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and ribavirin prescribing information]. Interferons have abortifacient effects in animals and should be assumed to have abortifacient potential in humans (see peginterferon alfa prescribing information).
Extreme caution must be taken to avoid pregnancy in female patients and female partners of male patients while taking this combination. Women
of childbearing potential and their male partners should not receive ribavirin unless they are using effective contraception (two reliable forms) during
treatment with ribavirin and for 6 months after treatment. Systemic hormonal contraceptives may not be as effective in women while taking INCIVEK.
Therefore, two alternative effective methods of contraception, including intrauterine devices and barrier methods, should be used in women during treatment with INCIVEK and concomitant ribavirin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
A Ribavirin Pregnancy Registry has been established to monitor maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnancies in female patients and female partners of
male patients exposed to ribavirin during treatment and for 6 months following cessation of treatment. Health care providers and patients are
encouraged to report such cases by calling 1-800-593-2214.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hector
I know I've seen it talked about on here before and a guy who had a vesectimy I spelled that wrong and was older with and older wife who I'm guessing was not of child bearing age but that part I am unsure of he said he had had the vesectomy like 10* years prior anyway he was even told to wear condoms with his wife so two form Haha. I don't know just what I remember reading because this was a big question for me when I started treatment so I've looked it up on Here I know there is a thread. But I'm to lazy to look for it and post link to it so there ya go. Maybe its a case by case thing.
Wow, that's the first time I've heard anyone say that about using birth control even if you are way past reproductive times. None of my doctors have said anything to me about that. Maybe it's more to cover those cases where some women seem to start menopause but then their ovaries start working again for a while. Mine quit releasing eggs over 16 years ago – and probably more like 24 years ago judging by my failed attempts at fertility in my early 30's (not even fertility drugs would wake up my ovaries) – it would seem completely ridiculous for me to use birth control at this point. Two methods sure sounds important if one could remotely be fertile however.
I know what you mean about the vaginal dryness and how easily it can chafe. I finished menopause at age 42 and I've had to use lubricants ever since. In recent years (I'm 58 now) that didn't even do enough, so my doctor prescribed a small dose of hormone cream that is applied directly in the vagina and that really helps a lot. I wouldn't use it if it was systemic, but she says hardly any of it goes beyond the vaginal tissues. Look into it, it could save your marriage.
I was told no matter what age no matter if your passed child bearingyears or even if your tubes or tied, you should be on on two kinds of birth control condoms and one other kind. And I've seen many post on here mentioning this.
I know, the problem is with me. I dont treat my menopause with anything like HRT, so I have some atrophy.
After we were intimate, only for a couple minutes, I looked in the mirror, and there seemed to be broken skin in the inside.
I may have to face the reality that I am aging, and go get some water soluble lubricant. Since he wasn't bleeding, then I am not that worried.
What got me thinking, was the lecture my Doctor gave, last tuesday, concerning Hep C transmission, via cocaine straws. She said that blood doesn't even have to be visible to the human eye, for there to be Hep C virus on the straw.
So I began comparing the mucousa of our nostrils (tough non-absorbant skin, with hairs on it, meant to filter out toxins) with the mucousa of the vagina: a very thin, absorbant kind of tissue, which is meant to keep sperm alive...a moist, warm and friendly environment.
But, if the skin on the penis is healthy and non-chafed, and sperm doesn't contain small amounts of blood, then I suppose a penis is not like a nassaly infected coke straw.
Although, the inside of the penis, the tube where urine and sperm travel through, can bleed, if exposed to trauma, such as squeezing, etc~
After we were intimate, only for a couple minutes, I looked in the mirror, and there seemed to be broken skin in the inside.
I may have to face the reality that I am aging, and go get some water soluble lubricant. Since he wasn't bleeding, then I am not that worried.
What got me thinking, was the lecture my Doctor gave, last tuesday, concerning Hep C transmission, via cocaine straws. She said that blood doesn't even have to be visible to the human eye, for there to be Hep C virus on the straw.
So I began comparing the mucousa of our nostrils (tough non-absorbant skin, with hairs on it, meant to filter out toxins) with the mucousa of the vagina: a very thin, absorbant kind of tissue, which is meant to keep sperm alive...a moist, warm and friendly environment.
But, if the skin on the penis is healthy and non-chafed, and sperm doesn't contain small amounts of blood, then I suppose a penis is not like a nassaly infected coke straw.
Although, the inside of the penis, the tube where urine and sperm travel through, can bleed, if exposed to trauma, such as squeezing, etc~
Purely anecdotal, but my husband and I have been married for 16 years, and I have not been infected, nor have we taken any special precautions in that department. According to our doctors, it is very rarely transmitted sexually, and there are often extenuating circumstances. You really are OK to stay connected with your husband in this way. Hoping he gets treatment, though. You might motivate him once he sees you SVR.
http://www.liverdisease.com/transmissionhcv.html
Sexual Contact
Sexual contact, whether it be genital, oral, or anal, appears to be an extremely inefficient means of HCV transmission. In fact, many studies evaluating this mode of transmission have failed to detect the presence of HCV in either the saliva, semen, or urine of HCV-infected people—except when these body fluids have been contaminated by the person’s blood.
However, it is important to emphasize that HCV has the potential to be transmitted through intimate contact if there is active bleeding -such as during menses (if the woman is infected with HCV), or if there are breaks in the skin or in the lining of the mouth, vagina, penis or anus. Breaks may occur for a variety of reasons including the presence of active, bleeding herpes sores or as a result of traumatic or rough sex, especially anal intercourse.
Sexual Contact
Sexual contact, whether it be genital, oral, or anal, appears to be an extremely inefficient means of HCV transmission. In fact, many studies evaluating this mode of transmission have failed to detect the presence of HCV in either the saliva, semen, or urine of HCV-infected people—except when these body fluids have been contaminated by the person’s blood.
However, it is important to emphasize that HCV has the potential to be transmitted through intimate contact if there is active bleeding -such as during menses (if the woman is infected with HCV), or if there are breaks in the skin or in the lining of the mouth, vagina, penis or anus. Breaks may occur for a variety of reasons including the presence of active, bleeding herpes sores or as a result of traumatic or rough sex, especially anal intercourse.
i was married for 28 years, I didn't find out I had it until 2 yrs after I was divorced. My ex was fine (well at least he said he got tested, not quite sure if he really did, but that's what he said, so that's what I'll go with). My new partner is also Hep C positive, but he is type 1 (I'm type 2). He treated in 99 but relapsed. He was married for 18 yrs, his ex got tested every few years and was clear every time.
it's not really a STD. Both partners have to be bleeding...blood to blood transmission. it's very rare that monogamus couples infect each other unless they are having rough sex or something. The CDC doesn't even suggest monogamus couple wear condoms. The link below from the CDC says monogamus couple have about a 1.5% chance of transmitting.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/hepatitis-c.htm
it's not really a STD. Both partners have to be bleeding...blood to blood transmission. it's very rare that monogamus couples infect each other unless they are having rough sex or something. The CDC doesn't even suggest monogamus couple wear condoms. The link below from the CDC says monogamus couple have about a 1.5% chance of transmitting.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/hepatitis-c.htm
NO !
It is not in sperm, it is spread in blood.
It is not an STD !
They only way it is spread sexually is with rough sex. You might want to stay away from anal sex, but even that is okay without blood to blood contact.
All you have to think is blood to blood.
Not blood to semen, or semen to blood or vaginal secretions and blood or saliva and semen, etc.
I'll dig up some links for you.
You are worrying yourself over nothing. If you don't believe me, ask your doctor.
It is not in sperm, it is spread in blood.
It is not an STD !
They only way it is spread sexually is with rough sex. You might want to stay away from anal sex, but even that is okay without blood to blood contact.
All you have to think is blood to blood.
Not blood to semen, or semen to blood or vaginal secretions and blood or saliva and semen, etc.
I'll dig up some links for you.
You are worrying yourself over nothing. If you don't believe me, ask your doctor.
I sent you a PM. Just a reminder that CDC is wanting to get
all the Boomers tested real soon here. Better tell him to get
started on treatment or he might have to stand in line. : )
all the Boomers tested real soon here. Better tell him to get
started on treatment or he might have to stand in line. : )
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Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
