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, you do not necessarily need to change your sex habits. 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.

We do not know if the virus can be spread by oral or anal sex. 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.

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.

Yes! Ribavirin can cause severe 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 more than one sex partner
• have had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) before
• also have another virus such as HIV

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.

• Tips for Using Condoms
  (http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page=sex-condomtips)
  Tips from the VA National HIV/AIDS Program
• Safer Sex Resources
  (http://www.hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=ptli-01-21)
  A list of Web sites that offer information to help people make responsible sexual choices.