Oral Sex and Hepatitis C

Can hepatitis C be transmitted through oral sex? Healthcare providers and researchers do not currently believe this is the case. However, in rare cases, hepatitis C has been transmitted through sexual intercourse. For those with multiple sex partners, safer sex practices are recommended, including the use of barrier precautions such as latex condoms.

Hepatitis C Information

Oral Sex and Hepatitis C: An Overview

At this time,

hepatitis C research scientists do not believe that the hepatitis virus can be transmitted through oral sex. In rare cases, however, people have contracted the disease through sexual intercourse.

Since sexual transmission is rare, for steady sexual partners, there are not any recommendations about changing your sexual practices just because you or your partner has hepatitis C. But having more than one sex partner does increase your chance of getting the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

For those with multiple sex partners, safer sex practices are recommended, including the use of barrier precautions such as latex condoms. The effectiveness of latex condoms in preventing hepatitis C transmission is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.

If you still have questions about hepatitis C and oral sex after reading this eMedTV article, please talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can also give you recommendations regarding hepatitis C and sexual intercourse.

(To learn more about how hepatitis C is spread, click Hepatitis C Transmission.)