I recently started dating someone who was an IDU and contracted hep B several years ago. He went through the alpha-interferon (pardon the mis-spelling) injection treatment for 6 months and has been given a clean bill of health for the past 2 years. although our relationship is fairly new, I would like to know some details of the virus such as, will we ever be able to have sex,or if the relationship goes further, is he able to have children without contracting the virus to myself and/or a fetus? I know the virus is contracted through blood, but is it still contractable if he has a "clean bill of health" or will he always be a carrier at risk for spreading the virus? Any input is greatlt appreciated.
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Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex?
I would still use precautions. I would also talk to a doctor or the health department nurse about the pregnancy thing. YOu don't need to take risks for yourself.
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Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Betty Bee
I recently started dating someone who was an IDU and contracted hep B several years ago. He went through the alpha-interferon (pardon the mis-spelling) injection treatment for 6 months and has been given a clean bill of health for the past 2 years. although our relationship is fairly new, I would like to know some details of the virus such as, will we ever be able to have sex,or if the relationship goes further, is he able to have children without contracting the virus to myself and/or a fetus? I know the virus is contracted through blood, but is it still contractable if he has a "clean bill of health" or will he always be a carrier at risk for spreading the virus? Any input is greatlt appreciated.
The key to my response to you is in the newness of your relationship. Use protection. In a new relationship ALWAYS use protection.
The fact is, you simply do not know this person well enough to know that what he is telling you is accurate or that he comprehends fully exactly what his medical circumstances are. You just don't know yet who he is.
Until you DO know him well enough to get the whole picture into perspective, you can't know (and neither can anyone here) what, exactly, he was treated for or how, if at all, the medical outcome of the treatment will affect you or future children. "A clean bill of health" can mean different things to different people, and even doctors can disagree about what the results might mean for an individual. Until you know what the gray areas are and can make an informed decision to accept what risks there may be, take care of yourself first.
You are smart to be asking these questions, but he and his doctor are the only ones who can access useful answers and it may be too soon for that discussion to take place.
Kudos to him for being forthcoming, but the information offered is not complete enough for you to make decisions. Either defer a sexual relationship until you know him better or use protection and be very careful about what activities and behaviors you participate in until you have more information about how your health may be affected.
...all information is intended for general information and is not an attempt to speak to the specifics of any one person's medical situation or decision...........
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Last edited by thanbey; 12-02-2004 at 02:07 PM.
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Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex?
My husband was born with Hep B. We used protection ( I encourage safe sex definately!) for the first couple of years. I had regular check ups, and so did he. After being together for about 5 years, I contacted a woman from the Health Dept. and she was really concerned about me having Hep B because of exposure to my husband. I was not too concerned. I tested negative for Hep B. I then chose to get the Hep B, and Hep A series vaccination. So, now I have been with my husband 8 years. I never did get Hep B, but now I am vaccinated. There will no longer be a worry in my mind, but there really never was. My advice, get the vaccination. It seems to put peoples mind at ease, and gives peace of mind as well. My husband will always be a carrier, due to being born with Hep B. At the same time... he has never gotten sick from the Hep B. He has never been in an acute stage. When people are in an acute stage...they become very sick and also this is the time when others can potentially become exposed and get the disease. I am all for vaccinations! Hope this helped. Thanks for sharing your story, and thanks for letting me share mine.
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Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex?
Make sure he has hep b and not hep c, there is a vacine for hep b and A, get it not just for this but to protect yourself always. If you ever do have children together have the child get its vacines at the appropriate age. He is lucky to have someone that cares so much. Get you both counseling and stay there, that way if either of you ever have unwanted feelings it can be handled right away. God Bless.
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Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex?
Thanks for all your responses. My boyfriend and I talked some more and he said if I wanted to go with him to speak to his doctor he would arrange the appointment. He made it clear to me that I should be open about any feelings I have regarding his hep b. He has a five year old son who did not contract the disease but was vaccinated when it was appropriate. I trust he is telling me the truth, but I may opt to speak to his doctor directly. Thanks again for sharing your opinions and stories.
Re: New boyfriend had hep B, is it safe to have sex? 
