[Question #11255] Hep C - fisting

15 months ago

Hello Doctors,

A few days ago I performed vaginal fisting on a woman without a glove. When I finished I could not see blood on my hands, however a little bit later I did see on the lower bodypart of the woman some red mucous.

I have therefore a question regarding hepatitis C (being aware that it is not an STD). This was a one time incident. However the internet says that performing a traumatic sexual activity like fisting is increasing the risk of a hepatitis C infection.

1. How risky was this behaviour?

2. Is a Hep C infection likely if she had Hep C?

3.When should I get checked for Hepatitis C?

Thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment, starting with the fact that there are very limited data on the risk of acquiring hepatitis C through heterosexual contact of any sort because it is vanishingly rare. Amongst men who have sex with other men, hepatitis C is a relatively rare consequence of receptive rectal intercourse for the receptive partner. This is thought to reflect the sometimes traumatic nature of such exposures, which might lead to bleeding. Even amongst persons who practice receptive rectal intercourse, however Hepatitis C is quite rare

In the situation you describe, unless your partner was a parental drug user it is unlikely she had hepatitis C. Even if she did, as the insertive partner, your risk for infection is low. Testing is always a personal decision however, if I were you, I would not be worried in the least it would not pursue testing. If you choose to pursue testing, I would wait at least six weeks to six weeks after the event.

I hope this information and perspective is helpful to you. EWH.

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15 months ago

Thanks for the quick reply Dr Hook.

Just one follow-up question. I was under the impression that in regards to Hep C, the insertive partner is more at risk than the receptive partner, as my hand (and any potential cuts on it) are exposed to the blood of my partner (which I assume is likely present during fisting).

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

Both partners are at some risk but the risk for the receptive partner is higher. EWH---