Hepatitis C: How common is sexual transmission?

Hepatitis C spreads mainly through contact with blood. For people who have only one partner who has the virus, the risk of getting hepatitis C through sex is low.

But the risk of getting hepatitis C through sex is higher for people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The risk also is higher when the partner who doesn't have the virus may come in contact with the other partner's blood during sex. Examples include having sex during a menstrual period or having anal sex, which may cause bleeding.

For couples in which one partner has hepatitis C but neither partner has other sex partners and there's little risk of contact with blood during sex, condoms aren't needed. But to lower the risk of spreading hepatitis C, couples shouldn't share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.

The risk of getting hepatitis C through sex is higher for people who have more than one sex partner with hepatitis C. In those situations, using a condom can lower the risk.

If you're worried that you might have hepatitis C, talk with a healthcare professional. A blood test can diagnose hepatitis C. And medicines are available that can effectively treat the infection.