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Can Lyme's Disease Be Contracted Through Sexual Intercourse?

Posted on Thu, 23 Mar 2017

Question: Hello. I recently found girl of my dreams (so far) but just found out that she has Lyme disease. We haven't had any sexual contact yet. Can Lyme disease be transmitted through intercourse? We both want a family someday, so this could be a real deal-breaker, and I don't want to get it myself (or future children). It looks like there was a study done a few years ago but one doctor was basically saying it wasn't indicative of a real world scenario. Your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No evidence of genetic transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdoferri, a bacterium that gets into human body by the bite of infected tick (immature nymphs). Generally it is believed to be common in hikers and in population native to woods.
There is a very small evidence that the vaginal secretions and semen samples are positive for Borrelia in subjects with Lyme disease. It is not well established evidence that the disease spread by intercourse to the opposite sex.
Given this evidence you should not doubt your prospective partner, instead test for vaginal secretions for Borrelia sps...... by culture.

You can contact a local lyme disease expert for more evidences and experiences.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (2 days later)

Dr. Parinam,

Thank you so much for your help/ answer on this.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please close and rate the answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am glad my answer addressed few of your concerns, please rate our discussion here.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar