Hi Dr's, I know I am not supposed to ask questions about past experiences, especially Hep B from my ocd, but Dr. Handsfield said if I had a new exposure then I could ask.  About three months ago I had an encounter with a FSW where I was receiving oral without a condom, during the incident she cut the shaft of my penis with her teeth.  I didn't realize until after we were finished, but I saw a slight cut that had blood from it.  I got tested for everything except Hep C, because I didn't think you could get Hep C from oral, but with me doing all the research I have from my hep B scare, I learned things about Hep C as well.  I don't believe that the FSW was bleeding in any way, but I couldn't be certain for sure.  Am I at any risk for Hep C from this situation?  I would really appreciate it if one of you could answer this for me, I wanted to know if I should get tested for Hep C like I did all the other stds (all negative)....can you see any real risk here or is it just theoretical?  Should I get tested or is this such low risk there is no need.  I am in a ton of pain right now, with terrible fear and I trust the two of (Dr. Hook and Dr. handsfield) so much that there really isn't anyone else I would want to ask......my PCP and Dr. friends say the risk is incredibly low and I don't need to get tested - do one of you concur.  I won't let my OCD get out of hand - but if you could answer this question I would be so appreciative - please help if you can.  Thanks for what you do, it makes a huge difference in people's lives, especially mine - I know if one of you answers, I will be able to move past this - please help.

Welcome back to the Forum.  I'll go state to your question.  Hepatitis C is not an STI with the exception of being rarely transmitted to the receptive partner in receptive rectal intercourse.  There are no data that hepatitis C is transmitted through oral sex.  I'm unaware of data to suggest that hepatitis C virus is present in oral secretions.  The encounter you described DID NOT place you at risk for acquistion of hepatitis C.  There is no reason for concern and no reason for testing.  ---

Thanks  a lot Doctor for your answer - I also shaved my private areas the night before and I am assuming this is no addition risk either - may have had some tiny cuts from this that would have been a day old - again assuming no risk.

Correct.  Still no risk.  You need to move on.  EWH ---

Thanks for your help Doctor Hook, I will try very hard to do so.  I also need to put the Hep B fear away - which I talked about with you and Dr. Handsfield in helping me get over my past false positive HBcAB - as in 2013 I had a test where HBcAB, HBsAG, HBsAB all were negative.   Your last answer to me was trust the 2013 test.........which I am trying to do, but my OCD keeps saying why is the 2013 test accurate and the 1999 test is not, yet I know the answer (the 2013 test had much better sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy - and if the 1999 test was accurate the HBcAB would have remained positive because it stays positive for life - or at least longer than 14 years........is my logic correct as to why the 2013 is definitive?  I know this is my OCD and I know you all have told me this - but I think I am strong enough to handle this now and move on - but it would really help me if you could confirm my logic as to why the 2013 test is definitive.........do that I am sure I can truly put this behind, stop bothering you with OCD crap and finally put this away.............thanks again for everything Dr. Hook, I hope you realize how much you have helped me and countless others over the years.......I need to trust the 2013 test, for the reasons I stated above - correct?  Thanks again.

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each clients question. This is my third and final response. ---

Doctor Hook - I saw this thread was still open and I actually had one other question about Hep C transmission - I am pretty certain I know the answer already - but if I had tiny cuts on my fingers from biting my hands (can't remember if it was fresh - might have stinged while I was fingering a FSW - but would this be any risk for being infected by Hep C?  I just got tested again for Hep B - so I am now totally over that so thanks to you and Dr. handsfield - but could this fingering with a possible possible fresh cut - but more likely one from hours before - could fingering a FSW and coming into contact with vaginal fluids put me at risk for hep C?

No risk.  EWH---