4 ms·

There is no scientific proof Hep C can be sexually transmitted, many studies have concluded [0]. It's a little concerning the author of the article, an OB/GYN d

by dotBen 12y ago

There is no scientific proof Hep C can be sexually transmitted, many studies have concluded [0]. It's a little concerning the author of the article, an OB/GYN doctor, is asserting otherwise. My British education, from the 90's, taught me the risks of HSV and HPV transmission occurring despite barrier methods (condoms). I'm assuming seeing as this is being voted up that this isn't something taught in America? [0] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15128350 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15128350

refurb 12y ago
I'm somewhat surprised that this is not common knowledge in the US. I think if you're in the medical field it's common knowledge, but not among non-medical people. The explanation is simple, herpes and hpv can exist on skin not covered by a condom, thus it can still be transmitted.
- antidaily 12y ago
  It was taught that way to me in sex ed class (in the US); you can get herpes from skin conact with a condom and no signs of sores. Needless to say, we were all terrified.
  - sjtgraham 12y ago
    Asymptomatic shedding. Yes, absolutely terrifying. It's also possible to have HSV and not know because you've never had an outbreak.
deleted 12y ago
[deleted]
dalke 12y ago
That paper is from 2004. The right-hand side links to a paper from 2013 at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175457 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175457 , which says "The efficiency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by sexual activity remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCV-positive subjects and their partners to estimate the risk for HCV infection among monogamous heterosexual couples." They found that "Viral isolates in three couples (0.6%) were highly related, consistent with transmission of virus within the couple." This can be from non-sexual means, so this places an upper bound on the transmission rate; that being "approximately one per 190,000 sexual contacts." Indeed, it's very rare, if it does happen. However, that paper is titled "Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among monogamous heterosexual couples", and the paper you linked to was also for heterosexual couples. What about men who have sex with men? The paper at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24669911 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24669911 says "Outbreaks of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been reported in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in North America, Europe and Asia. Transmission is believed to be the result of exposure to blood during sexual contact." In the US context, the US Centers for Disease Control, at http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/CFAQ.htm http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/CFAQ.htm , says "Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through ... Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus", so I think it's perfectly acceptable for a US OB/GYN to follow their guidance.

by dotBen 12y ago

refurb 12y ago

I'm somewhat surprised that this is not common knowledge in the US. I think if you're in the medical field it's common knowledge, but not among non-medical people. The explanation is simple, herpes and hpv can exist on skin not covered by a condom, thus it can still be transmitted.

antidaily 12y ago
It was taught that way to me in sex ed class (in the US); you can get herpes from skin conact with a condom and no signs of sores. Needless to say, we were all terrified.
- sjtgraham 12y ago
  Asymptomatic shedding. Yes, absolutely terrifying. It's also possible to have HSV and not know because you've never had an outbreak.

deleted 12y ago

[deleted]

dalke 12y ago

That paper is from 2004. The right-hand side links to a paper from 2013 at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175457 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23175457 , which says "The efficiency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by sexual activity remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCV-positive subjects and their partners to estimate the risk for HCV infection among monogamous heterosexual couples." They found that "Viral isolates in three couples (0.6%) were highly related, consistent with transmission of virus within the couple." This can be from non-sexual means, so this places an upper bound on the transmission rate; that being "approximately one per 190,000 sexual contacts." Indeed, it's very rare, if it does happen. However, that paper is titled "Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among monogamous heterosexual couples", and the paper you linked to was also for heterosexual couples. What about men who have sex with men? The paper at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24669911 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24669911 says "Outbreaks of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been reported in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in North America, Europe and Asia. Transmission is believed to be the result of exposure to blood during sexual contact." In the US context, the US Centers for Disease Control, at http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/CFAQ.htm http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/CFAQ.htm , says "Less commonly, a person can also get Hepatitis C virus infection through ... Having sexual contact with a person infected with the Hepatitis C virus", so I think it's perfectly acceptable for a US OB/GYN to follow their guidance.