Hi I have just discovered that my boyfriend of 5 months

[missbusybee]

is positive for hepatitis C.? I would like to know is anybody else in this position and what should I do. I really dont want to give him up but I dont want to get this disease either. He used drugs many years ago but has stopped. I have never used drugs. Please help.

[Aubrey C]

Having multiple sex partners is a risk factor involved in contracting Hepatitis C. However, the risk of becoming infected through sex is relatively low. Please refer to the article I've cited below. Here's my advice: Make an appointment with a doctor and bring your boyfriend if possible. Talk to your doctor about the risks of unprotected sex and your chances of becoming infected with protected sex. You may decide the boyfriend is worth these risks. Also, the best course for you is to cease having sex with this man until you are married. If you do break up you would not have put yourself at unnecessary risk. Will this impact your future pregnancies if you become infected? Do you want to have to tell all future partners about YOUR infection? Things to think about.

www.medicinenet.com (http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=14454)

[Cathie]

Use protection from now on. Go to your doctor and explain the situation. Get tested. Make sure your bf is on meds for it, and if you already test positive, begin to take meds yourself. Hep C is no longer the fatal disease it used to be (unless left untreated), but it is still generally speaking chronic. You might want to get checked for other STDs also such as HPV, HIV, HSV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, etc. Combinations of the infections can make one disease worse. Best of luck....

[Scarlett M.]

Hepatitis C is absolutely an STD, because it can be transmitted during any sexual activity that involves blood communication. First time sex, anal sex, etc, etc. It's possible, and is therefore considered an STD.That said, the Center for Disease Control does NOT recommend abstinence or even condoms for monogamous sex partners already known to be free of other illnesses. There is no reason to give him up just because he has Hep C. Many will never even prevent symptoms - and just this year they've announced a possible cure in the way of combo treatment with Interferon and Ribavirin. That's not a guarantee, yet, but it's hopeful. You should be careful not to share toothbrushes, manicure clippers, etc, however, because minuscule blood exchange can pass it. Hep C can live up to 4 days on a dry toothbrush - something to remember.More info here:

hubpages.com (http://hubpages.com/hub/Sexually-Transmitted-Diseases---Hepatitis-C-FAQ)

[Amanda D]

hep c is usually not tresmented through sex. at first my husband wanted to use condoms in fear that he would get it from me. but he does not have it and now we dont use condoms. if you have only 1 partner the chance goes down. even lower if you stay away from rough sex such as anal. dont share rozors, toothbrushes and nail clippers and you should be fine. if you have ?s contact me.

[SusieQ]

Hepatitis C: is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have the disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). You may be at risk for hepatitis C and should contact your medical care provider for a blood test if you:were notified that you received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C. have ever injected illegal drugs, even if you experimented a few times many years ago received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July, 1992 were a recipient of clotting factor(s) made before 1987 have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis have evidence of liver disease (e.g., persistently abnormal ALT levels) http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htmCan HCV be spread by sexual activity? Yes, but this does not occur very often. See section below on counseling for more information on hepatitis C and sexual activity. Can HCV be spread by oral sex?There is no evidence that HCV has been spread by oral sex. See section on counseling for more information on hepatitis C and sexual activity. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#3b