LymeNet Flash: Can Lyme/babesia be sexually transmitted?

This is topic Can Lyme/babesia be sexually transmitted? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Lynnapin (Member # 6580) on :

I am scared. We've been together for 8 months, have had unprotected oral sex and intercourse with condoms (I had him tested for every STD in the book before I'd do anything him and never did I think of Lyme as an issue- although he wasn't diagnosed until 4 months into our relationship). My boyfriend's LLMD says no way is it transmitted from person to person (he's well-known in the field and trustworthy) but I know Dr Stricker thinks it is. What is the consensus on this board?? Should I be tested?

Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :

I answer this with an absolute yes.

I definitely got a tick bite. My husband, perfectly healthy into his seventies, gradually started to be unable to walk. He ended up in a wheelchair and with walker. His symptoms were centered in a different area than mine: I lost my brain - he lost the ability to most motor functions.

Thank God for a fabulous genius doctor - we are both well again. But we lost some good years.

All husbands and wifes and partners that I have become friends with over the years at my doctor's office both have Lyme.

Yes, Lyme is passed on through sexual activity. It is passed on via body fluids.

Take care.

Posted by mlkeen (Member # 1260) on :

Yes, Lynn it is transmitted sexually. My llmd, well respected as well treats partners as a matter of course.

Get treated as well. The tests are unreliable and waste percious time. The sooner you get treated the less chance this disease has to get hold in your system.

Mel

Posted by fetzer (Member # 6571) on :

Do any of you know any medical abstracts/reports that this is sexually transmitted? My husband doesn't believe that this is true and isn't worried since"he's had the vaccine." I've tried to tell him that the vaccine means nothing and that he may have it (he's showing symptoms), but it would help to have some proof in literature. Thanks!

Posted by virginia/anez (Member # 6450) on :

My LLMD told me that it is easier to pass it from man to woman than woman to man.
I asked him this especifically.
His theory is that the man "deposits"into the woman more "body fluids"(eyaculation).
I'm the one with lyme an co-infections and my husband is the healthy one.
BTW He doesn't even care if he catch it.
I'm the one always suggesting him to use "protection"(condoms) and he doesn't want to!

Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :

Virginia, please give your husband a message from me. Tell him that if and when he gets the real Lyme, he will care. It's a killer. And by the way, for all, husband and wife can re-infect themselves.

Yet, I must say, many people are exposed to Lyme and will do well inspite and not get ill at this time. What can happen later in their life, is a different story. That's why pre-existing conditions (before you get exposed) are such a great factor. The toxins that you harbor and the bioterrain your body provides is either a negative or a positive. A toxic body, from all environmental exposures,and lifestyle, can get deadly ill when Lyme is added.

I had mercury fillings and crowns and root canals which was the basis for my getting extremely and deadly ill. When I finally removed all that out of my body, I got well. Same with my husband. There is close relationship between teeth and health - my doctor repeats "85% of all (ALL) disease starts in the mouth".

This got a bit away from the subject of passing the critters between husband and wife, but is important to know for many of you.

Take care.

Posted by lymebrat (Member # 3208) on :

Hello,

Unfortunately, I too believe it can be passed sexually. I have read many articles supporting this theory, but it is my own personal experience that has lead me to this decision.

It is thought that I passed lyme to both of my children via pregnancy.. and now my husband has also been tentatively diagnosed with lyme.

He and our LLMD feel it is highly probable that it was passed from me to him.

Be aware and be safe...

~LymeBrat

Posted by algr (Member # 6197) on :

What about saliva? My boyfriend and I are not sexually active, but he recently started questioning me about kissing.

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cheers,
AG

Posted by riversinger (Member # 4851) on :

While I believe it can and is passed through sexual contact, there are probably many factors involved. My ex-husband was with me for the first nine years of my illness, before I was diagnosed.

He doesn't appear to have any symptoms, though he's now an EX, and I can't observe so closely. I sent him lots of info when I was diagnosed, so he is aware of the possibility.

It could be the infection is latent, he has a strong immune system, or that it is more easily passed man to woman. Hard to know.

I would think it is important whether or not you have symptoms. If you have symptoms, then it makes sense to be tested. If you had unprotected oral sex, then you might want to be particularly aware of any gastointestinal symptoms, as Bb at least can set up shop there.

If you don't have symptoms, its harder to say. There are doctors that believe very large segments of the population are infected. Only those with compromised immune systems, or a huge load of infection are the ones who show symptoms, and even fewer end up with chronic illness.

Under this scenario, you could be infected and never show any symptoms. I HAVE heard that some symptom free people who test positive, and treat, will trigger off symptoms.

IMHO, I would do some good research before jumping into testing and treatment. UNLESS you already have symptoms. In which case I would do the testing sooner rather than later.

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Sonoma County Lyme Support
[email protected]

Posted by Lymelighter (Member # 5310) on :

quote:
Originally posted by algr:
What about saliva? My boyfriend and I are not sexually active, but he recently started questioning me about kissing.

I've never seen any studies that connect Lyme transmission via saliva, but it's certainly worth asking your LLMD.

Blood & Semen are an entirely different story.

I'm going to ask my LLMD about this.