Cervicovaginal shedding of hepatitis C viral RNA is associated with the presence of menstrual or other blood in cervicovaginal fluids

Our findings are consistent with a low likelihood of sexual transmission of HCV. The results suggest that shedding of HCV RNA in the female genital tract is associated with the presence of blood, and requires the presence of a cervix. Clinicians should consider advising premenopausal women who are concerned about transmitting infection that infectivity may increase during menstruation.