posted
I was wondering if anybody knows or even heard of Lyme being spread through sexual intercourse,dont want to give it to my wife.
Posts: 5 | From Mystic Ct. | Registered: Jan 2011
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
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...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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posted
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.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Bugg
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8095
posted
For what it's worth, it says on the Columbia Tick-borne Research Center's website that there is no evidence of sexual transmission....
Posts: 1155 | From Southeast | Registered: Oct 2005
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
From all that I have read, my vote is YES. But again, not proven.
And I also feel, passed easier from male to female.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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gwb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7273
posted
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!
steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
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.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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IckyTicky
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Member # 21466
posted
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.
-------------------- IGM: 18+, 23+, 30+, 31+++, 34+, 39IND, 41++, 58+++, 66+, 83-93IND IGG: 31+, 39IND, 41+ Also positive for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae and RMSF. Whole family of 5 dx with Lyme. Posts: 1014 | From Texas | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
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??
Posts: 14 | From San Diego, California | Registered: Oct 2012
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Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
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.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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bcb1200
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25745
posted
Here we go again
-------------------- Bite date ? 2/10 symptoms began 5/10 dx'd, after 3 months numerous test and doctors
IgM Igenex +/CDC + + 23/25, 30, 31, 34, 41, 83/93
Currently on:
Currently at around 95% +/- most days. Posts: 3134 | From Massachusetts | Registered: May 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- 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). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Regarding family planning, this organization may have some detail for you:
Lyme Induced Autism -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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AuntyLynn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35938
posted
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.
Posts: 1432 | From New Jersey | Registered: Jan 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- 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 -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Haley
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Member # 22008
posted
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.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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Catgirl
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Member # 31149
posted
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.
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
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.
Posts: 192 | From New England | Registered: May 2011
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CherylSue
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Member # 13077
posted
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.
Posts: 1954 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- 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. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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posted
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.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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