Heterosexual HCV transmission

The risk of sexual transmission of HCV in heterosexuals who are HIV negative is reported as less than 1% per year. 

This is so low that condoms are not routinely recommended. 

In these studies, couples did not use condoms, but also did not have anal sex or have sex during menstruation. So the low transmission rate might be from not having blood-to-blood contact. 

Although contact with menstrual blood has not been reported as a common factor in heterosexual partners, this has not been well studied.

In people living with HIV, the risk for sexually acquiring HCV is higher than that for HIV negative heterosexuals. 

One study reported that sexual exposure is a risk factor for HIV positive women who do not inject drugs but have male partners with HCV.

There is very little information about whether these women were using HIV treatment. Also for whether their HIV viral load was undetectable and whether their partners were also living with HIV.

Last updated: 1 November 2024.