I want to ask about saliva, vaginal juices and endometrial lining shedding.
I know there is some research showing sperm can infect others, but lucky for me--I dont have to deal with THOSE wiggling buggers! I got enough wiggling buggers with the ketes!
My Gyn-surgeon has researched Bb and found it in endometriosis lesions. For a link to his website and slide show go to:
thanks tutu! That is a site I hadnt been to before. But it still leaves so much up in the air??
Anyone else want to recommend a page or give an opinion?
Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :
>> I personally do not believe that enough evidence exists to support the idea of sexual transmission of Lyme.
One could also argue the reverse: that there is not enough evidence to support that it is NOT sexually transmitted.
Perhaps the illness is being transmitted, but in most cases, the non-ill partner has a sufficiently strong immune system to stay asymptomatic. Regardless, they could be a ticking time bomb for some future stressful event which could act as a trigger.
I don't know what the answer is, but from what I've seen, I don't believe that there is an answer.
It would seem prudent to take precautions, including making sure that the non-infected partner maintains a healthy immune system.
Posted by tequeslady (Member # 6832) on :
I know my LLMD believes it can be sexually transmitted.
I don't think it's worth taking a chance. It appears to be advisable to use protection.
Posted by duke77 (Member # 5051) on :
My LLMD believes it is very possible to transmit sexually. He has lots and lots of married couples that both have Lyme to back it up. I have read about one well known LLMD that treats both people regardless (even if one of them is exhibiting no symptoms) to stop them from passing it back and forth.
Posted by chroniccosmic (Member # 7789) on :
Does anyone's LLMD actually advise precautions with your partner?
I'm still new and have only had a couple of visits with my LLMD and that is a topic we hadn't gotten to. I was sitting there with my husband and nothing was mentioned about precautions.
My husband isn't concerned but I am. I'm wondering if this was covered with any of you in your visits? If so, what precautions do your docs suggest.
Any info apppreciated! Posted by tequeslady (Member # 6832) on :
Yes. Condoms.
quote:Originally posted by chroniccosmic: Does anyone's LLMD actually advise precautions with your partner?
I'm still new and have only had a couple of visits with my LLMD and that is a topic we hadn't gotten to. I was sitting there with my husband and nothing was mentioned about precautions.
My husband isn't concerned but I am. I'm wondering if this was covered with any of you in your visits? If so, what precautions do your docs suggest.
Any info apppreciated!
Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :
but what about KISSING? mouth to mouth?
Kissing does NOT transmit AIDS (only one documented case)or any other STD's---Does it transmit syphilus?
NOT kissing your partner is a very hard thing indeed and leaves one feeling very lonely and isolated.
Posted by psano (Member # 7785) on :
Not being able to wet kiss your best friend would be unbearable.
Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :
Some STD's can be spread with oral contact. Google "syphilus chancre" images, and you'll find pictures of syphilus sores inside the mouth and on the lips.
Herpes virus can be spread with oral contact. Vaginal secretions probably carry the Lyme bacteria. Use a dental dam.
Carol
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
I SUPPOSE we could all wear a rubber glove on our mouth. Kind of like having sex with a boot on also. I sent some of this type of info to my wife and she never even responded to it.
SHE has no symptoms at this point and we have been married for almost 5 years of my six year infection. Yet I was very, very sick with LD last fall. A relapse from the abx Cipro.
Jim Posted by duke77 (Member # 5051) on :
Jimbob,
I am not trying to worry you because there is no definite proof of sexual transmission. You have to remember that many of the people with Lyme exhibit no symptoms or very minor symptoms for many years. This is why many people have had it for years until something triggers it to come out in full force.
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
duke77:
Please let us know IF they ever PROVE that LD can be passed back and forth between spouses.
Jim Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
Theres alot of info about body fluids and transmission in this artical.
Three pages of the artical.
Posted by pomegranite (Member # 3339) on :
I have seen 4 different LLMD's and had different responses to the q of sexual transmission. Also heard a comment on the subject at the San Franciso Orthomolecular health conference on Lyme.
They are:
1. yes it is transmissable and transmissable by kissing. (SF LLMD)
2. It is theoretically possible that it could be sexually transmitted, but it has never been proven. Following HIV safer sex protocals should suffice. (NY LLMD)
3. Doesn't believe it is sexually transmitted. Would be So tremendously epidemic if that were the case, even more so than what LLMD's see in terms of frequency of the disease. Many couples were both have the disease, also were probably exposed at the same time. Use HIV recommendations re: safer sex if it makes you feel better, but he thinks its just fine. And once you are under treatment really unlikely to transmit. (Northern Cali LLMD)
4. Uncomfortable w topic. Possible. Less likely while under treatment to transmit, if transmission does happen. Follower HIV safer sex guidlines. (Northern Cali LLMD)
5. Orthomolecular Health Conference---Probably is transmissable, but probably with much lower frequency than most other sexually transmitted diseases.
My own personal experience is that I was undiagnosed for 21 years during which I was single and dating. Nobody I dated has come down with any illness. I'm in touch w nearly every one of them. My personal experience tells me that #2 and #5 make most sense. No reason in my experience not to kiss. No reason in my experience not to be diligent about using condoms.
Pomegranite
3.
Posted by treepatrol (Member # 4117) on :
I understand that it might be harder for a woman to transmit it nto a man but not as hard for a man to transmit to a woman.
I read it somewhere quite a long time ago. Something to do with woman being more acidic and a man being alkalie.
Posted by Gretchen P (Member # 8403) on :
I was diagnosed in Nov 05. I think I have probably had it 5-6 yrs. Igenex testing on me was positive, testing on hubby was negative. My llmd does not think it is sexually transmitted, but why take the chance, I would feel awful if my hubby got it from me. But then again I feel if they do not come up with a new safe vaccine we will all end up with it eventually. AS far as the kissing goes I draw the line there. I kiss my hubby every day! Posted by Lymied (Member # 6704) on :
Hi Trails!
Thanks for Dr. Cook's site. It is excellent and I will be passing it along to a couple friends who have endometriosis.
I have never been officially diagnosed with endo but have all the symptoms...
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