I've got a quick question: About 6 months ago I was cleared of the Hepatitis C virus with a combination of drugs after having the disease for 20 years (I contracted it when I was 4, and I am 24 now). During that time I always thought it was a sexually transmitted disease and therefore did not enter any such relationship (Yes, that was very depressing and tragic, but that's another question entirely!), but now that I'm over it, I can.
My question is this: Since there is no possible way of anyone contracting the disease from me (since I don't have it anymore), do you still think I am morally obliged to "declare" the fact that I once had it, to future romantic partners? I know they're going to find out in the long-run, but would it scare people away from me?
I'm just not sure.
Alright! Thanks a lot.
Anthony Ray
If you no longer have it and its not contractible. leave it behind you and don't bring it up again.
eno
You would do yourself good to tell your partner about your previous Hepatitis C status.
Given the age at which you were diagnosed, it seems more likely you were infected in your mum's womb (barring any possibilities such as a tainted transfusion). The rates of sexual transmission are very low indeed (as opposed to Hepatitis B). Hepatitis C is more of a blood-borne disease, so habits like sharing needles (IV drug use, tattoing, skin piercings, etc), and sharing of personal items such as manicure and pedicure items, cuticle scissors, toothbrushes and shaving razors, are what predisposes an individual to infection.
The bad thing about this virus (and its close neighbor Hepatitis B) is that even when you are clinically cured, the liver may have suffered some damage and this could manifest many years later in the form of liver cirrhosis.
I also need to mention that conventional tests may actually miss ongoing infection. It may be better to make sure you are actually cured by taking tests to detect the presence of the HCV itself.
All in all, I think it is better you mention it to your partner. It is a question of trust.
cowboydoc
You are not "cured" of the hepatitis disease. You are in remission and could be this way for the next forty years, then again, it could "pop" out next week. Do not underestimate this vile disease, that's when it's going to "get you" I suggest you see your doctor and ask him what you can do, how to prevent another break out next time and what to do for better control. All these answers come from the Center for disease control CDC.
Ashley
Get to know your girlfriends first (and give them time to get to know you too). Then before you get sexually involved, let them know and give them a chance to decide if they want to go forward with you. If they don't you have to respect that...but there are people in this world who are not hypochondriacs and take the time to understand the risks.
Getting Hep C via sex is extremely difficult anyway. It's not that you are being "morally obliged," it's more that it may come up in the future and you don't want them to be taken off guard. It's much more painful to have a ruined relationship because of things unspoken after being with someone for years, than it is breaking it off early in a relationship.
Nice negativity cowboydoc...I'll be glad to send you every undetectable lab results I have had and will have in the future for the rest of your life to prove you wrong. Going on 7 years now...still "cured"
Orignal From: No longer infected with Hepatitis C?
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