I was wondering if anybody knows or even heard of Lyme being spread through sexual intercourse,dont want to give it to my wife.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
There are no studies saying for sure one way or the other. However, Lyme bacteria have been found in all bodily fluids, and some LLMD's believe it is possible for Lyme to be transmitted sexually (both directions).
Prevention: Condoms, abstinance...
Posted by 5vforest (Member # 29365) on :
Please search the forums. This topic has been discussed many times.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Been with my husband for 37+ years.. He is healthy.
It may be passed a little more easily from male to female.. but nothing has been proven.
Posted by Bugg (Member # 8095) on :
For what it's worth, it says on the Columbia Tick-borne Research Center's website that there is no evidence of sexual transmission....
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
From all that I have read, my vote is YES. But again, not proven.
And I also feel, passed easier from male to female.
Posted by gwb (Member # 7273) on :
Same answer as steve1906. Lot's of information recently has come out indicating that is is spread through sexual intercourse. Use the search function here and you'll find links to articles that say yes it is, others saying no it's not, and others saying, it's not clear one way or the other.
Like Razzle said, "Prevention: Condoms, abstinance..." Good advice!
Gary
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
Lyme Disease Part of the Anapsid.org Chronic Neuroimmune Diseases Information Resources for CFS, FM, MCS, Lyme Disease, Thyroid, and more... Last updated December 18, 2009
Recovery of Lyme spirochetes by PCR in semen samples of previously diagnosed Lyme disease patients
Gregory Bach, DO, International Scientific Conference on Lyme Disease, April 2001
Objective Lyme disease, being a spirochete with pathology similar to syphilis, is often found difficult to treat due to the spirochete invading sanctuary sites and displaying pleomorphic characteristics such as a cyst (L-form). Because a significant portion of sexually active couples present to my office with Lyme disease, with only one partner having a history of tick exposure, the question of possible secondary (sexual) vector of transmission for the spirochete warrants inquiry. Additionally, sexually active couples seem to have a marked propensity for antibiotic failure raising the question of sexually active couples re-infecting themselves through intimate contact. Methods Lyme spirochetes/DNA have been recovered from stored animal semen. Recovery of spirochete DNA from nursing mother's breast milk and umbilical cord blood by PCR (confirmed by culture/microscopy), have been found in samples provided to my office.
Results Surprisingly, initial laboratory testing of semen samples provided by male Lyme patients (positive by western blot/PCR in blood) and the male sexual partner of a Lyme infected female patient were positive approximately 40% of the time. PCR recovery of Lyme DNA nucleotide sequences with microscopic confirmation of semen samples yielded positive results in 14/32 Lyme patients (13 male semen samples and 1 vaginal pap).
ALL positive semen/vaginal samples in patients with known sexual partners resulted in positive Lyme titers/PCR in their sexual partners. 3/4 positive semen patients had no or unknown sexual partners to be tested.
These preliminary findings warrant further study. Current a statistical design study to evaluate the possibility of sexual transition of the spirochete is being undertaken. Our laboratory studies confirm the existence of Lyme spirochetes in semen/vaginal secretions. Whether or not further clinical studies with a larger statistical group will support the hypothesis of sexual transmission remains to be seen.
A retrospective clinical study is also underway. We are reviewing the medical records, collecting semen samples of patients who were previously diagnosed with current and previously treated Lyme disease are being asked to provide semen,pap and blood samples for extensive laboratory testing.
Conclusion With the initially impressive data, we feel the subsequent statistical study on the sexual transmission of the Lyme spirochete will illuminate a much broader spectrum of public health concerns associated with the disease than the originally accepted tick borne vector.
Posted by IckyTicky (Member # 21466) on :
My hubby didn't have any symptoms until 9 years into our marriage. No tickbite history. My LLMD says he has seen far too many married couples come in, both with Lyme, for it not to be at least SOMETIMES sexually transmitted. He says Lyme is transmitted just like AIDS is. Sex, blood, invitro.
And I absolutely believe it. My youngest two were born with LD.
Posted by NatureGirl44 (Member # 39326) on :
Condoms and abstinence are good options. But is using condoms enough? What about foreplay...if a man touches a lyme infected woman vaginally, then puts his condom on using the same hands, will this spread lyme??
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
I think it is. It's possible your wife already has it. Most people don't show bands until provoked by abx. But she may have gotten bit and not known it as well. The nymphs are so tiny, no one notices them even after they've fed. They literally are the size of the period on the end of this sentence.
You might want to get her tested too. My husband got tested just to use as a benchmark. He had no symptoms, at least none that either of us recognized. Low and behold, he had it.
If your wife has it, at least she can get the jump on it like my hubby did. He's had a much easier time than I have treating it.
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
Here we go again
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- It does not seem to be transmitted sexually, all the time, every time for every person who may have lyme.
It can be, though, but is not necessarily so, it seems, across the board. Precautions and education are vital, though.
The thing is, that it really could be and we just don't know. Lyme can be dormant for years, even decades. Tests are very tricky, at best.
Your wife should be able to decide for herself what she wants to do about this.
KIDS?
If you are thinking of having children (or more children) it is important to know that lyme can be passed to fetus by either mother or father.
This is why it's so important to treat before conceiving and then get LLMD advice beforehand if you are thinking of starting a family.
Of course, where the father is concerned, passing it would occur only during conception. Whereas, the mother could pass it anytime during her pregnancy if infected.
(Though your wife does not have lyme, it's still good to know that) Many women with lyme will wait until in remission to conceive - and then also be monitored by a LLMD all during pregnancy.
Lyme is not the only tick-borne or chronic stealth infection to consider when conceiving. Bartonella is just one other that can be passed to baby from mother (but not sure about if from father). -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Regarding family planning, this organization may have some detail for you:
Lyme Induced Autism -
Posted by AuntyLynn (Member # 35938) on :
NatureGirl -
If you want to be absolutely safe, follow the same precautions you would if you knew one partner had VD.
Think about this: Syphillis is transmitted orally, so is herpes. Exchange of fluids is key when discussing AIDS.
If you are worried about "clean hands" use a pair that you know are clean! (Like yours?)
Use common sense.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- CANDIDA (systemic fungal infection) is, too often, a result from antibiotic use (when protective measures were not in place before starting antibiotics).
This fungal infection CAN be spread by kissing and by sexual relations. It's important to know that so that precautions can be in place.
BOTH partners should be on PROBIOTICS and learn about how to avoid candida - and treat if present.
Good dental health is even more important so that kissing can be enjoyed without the fear of passing back and forth candida.
Either Berberine or OLE are excellent to guard against and curtail candida.
OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT - LINKS -
Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :
Catgirl. What did your husbands tests show? Which bands etc? Did he also test for co-infections and did he take abx to treat?
Just curious. My boyfriend doesn't think he has symptoms, but I would like to get him tested. It's been rough getting him to do it.
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
My hubby had the same bands I did (23, 39, 41). He doesn't think he has any co infections. His doc keeps asking him (tested him for co infections too) but no other odd symptoms. I however am loaded with them.
Yes, he is taking abx. He was surprised that they made him feel better, even though he said he never felt bad at all. He just thought how he felt was normal.
Posted by robbiem (Member # 32092) on :
The first LLMD I saw several years back, who was considered fairly fluent and top notch indicated that indeed it can and does get transmitted sexually. He said that it is more likely for the infection to cross over via male to female than the other way around.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
My LLMD says that when exposed to air the spirochetes die. If it does transfer, it is more likely from male to female. Slim evidence suggests this may be true.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Remember that intimate activity - and even kissing - can include blood transfer.
Tender tissue can bleed, as we see often in the mouth. Women often have vaginal tears during intercourse. Men can also have some bleeding, even if unseen to the eye, with tender tissue.
Blood transfer raises the risk. -
Posted by GiGi (Member # 259) on :
Yes, not only Lyme, but also parasites and all other invaders.
A still healthy functioning immune system will deal with it. If the toxic burden is to high, it won't.