Is stomach bacteria between spouses really contagious And how can we prevent its transmission

There are many diseases we often hear about and think they are simple or not contagious, but the truth can be very different, and Helicobacter pylori (stomach bacteria) is one of them. If your husband has complained of persistent stomach pain or digestive issues, it could be due to "Helicobacter pylori," which has become very common these days. But the important question many women have is: can Helicobacter pylori be transmitted between spouses? And does close contact make the infection easier to spread? In this article, we will answer all these questions in a simple way and tell you how to protect yourself and keep your home healthy.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Have Anything to Do with Sex or Intimacy?
Many people ask: Is Helicobacter pylori considered a sexually transmitted disease? The simple answer is:
No, Helicobacter pylori is not a sexually transmitted disease and is not transmitted through direct sexual contact (such as intercourse or normal physical touch).

However, there is a small exception that can happen: the bacteria can be transmitted between spouses through oral kissing, especially if it lasts for a long time. This is common during intimate moments. Helicobacter pylori lives in saliva, and kissing helps transfer it from one person to another.

So, we can say:
It doesn't necessarily spread through sex, but it can spread through kissing during intimacy.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Affect Marriage and the Relationship Between Spouses?
Helicobacter pylori can actually affect married life, but temporarily and not permanently, due to reasons like:

The fear of transmitting the infection, leading to physical and emotional distance between the couple.
Anxiety or disgust from the healthy partner, which can make the infected person feel rejected.
If treatment takes a long time or complications like stomach ulcers occur, the patient might experience depression or emotional stress.

Especially if the couple is newly married, there can be significant psychological pressure and anxiety about the relationship.

But in the end, we must understand that:

Helicobacter pylori is a temporary disease and has effective treatment.
With a little patience and understanding from both partners, the marital relationship returns to normal after recovery.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Spread Through Touch or Breathing?
This is one of the most common concerns among couples, and the truth is:
Helicobacter pylori does not spread through touch or breathing.
So, it's okay to hold your partner's hand or live with them in the same place without worrying.

The main ways Helicobacter pylori spreads are:

Contaminated food or water.
Saliva, especially through kissing.

What Is Helicobacter Pylori and How Does It Cause Problems?
Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria known scientifically as Helicobacter pylori, shaped like a spiral, and it lives in the inner lining of the stomach. This bacteria doesn’t just settle there; it also attacks the stomach lining, which causes inflammation and, at times, leads to ulcers in the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

How Does the Bacteria Cause Damage to the Stomach?
This bacteria releases an enzyme called urease.
This enzyme turns a substance called "urea" into ammonia, which reduces stomach acidity.
As a result, the stomach lining becomes weaker, and over time, it leads to erosion or inflammation.
The body becomes unable to protect itself from stomach acids, which causes pain and ulcers.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Affect Sex or the Vagina?
Helicobacter pylori is not a sexually transmitted disease, meaning it does not spread through sexual intercourse or affect the vagina directly.
However, due to the symptoms associated with the disease, like loss of appetite, anemia, fatigue, and sometimes the side effects of the treatment, it could result in:

Menstrual irregularities in women.
Mood swings or low energy, which can indirectly affect sexual desire.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Affect Sexual Desire?
Yes, it can affect libido for several reasons:

Some medications used to treat Helicobacter pylori or stomach ulcers may cause erectile dysfunction or loss of sexual desire in some men.
Also, fatigue, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition due to the infection affects both the psychological and physical state, which reduces sexual desire in both partners.

Important Tip:
If you are undergoing treatment for Helicobacter pylori, try to complete the treatment before marriage, as it usually doesn't last more than 4 to 6 weeks.

How Does Helicobacter Pylori Spread? And the Main Routes of Infection
Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can easily spread from one person to another, especially in environments with poor hygiene or inadequate health services.

Ways Helicobacter Pylori Spreads:

Through saliva
Kissing or sharing eating and drinking utensils with an infected person can transfer the bacteria.
This is the most common way the bacteria spreads from mouth to mouth.
Through contaminated food or water
Ready-made food or food prepared with unclean hands can spread the bacteria.
Drinking dirty or contaminated water also increases the risk of infection.
Through fecal-oral transmission
When a person doesn't wash their hands properly after using the toilet, they can spread the bacteria through food or touch.
Contact with vomit or infected feces
This happens in cases where a sick child or person is handled by someone else without wearing gloves or washing hands properly.

Is Helicobacter Pylori Contagious?
Yes, Helicobacter pylori is contagious and can spread very easily from one person to another if hygiene is not maintained, especially in crowded environments or developing countries.

Does Helicobacter Pylori Spread Through Breathing or Air?
The answer is: No, it does not spread directly through breathing or air.
However, sneezing or coughing from an infected person, followed by touching the mouth or eating without washing hands, can transfer the bacteria.
So, the infection can spread indirectly if someone doesn't maintain hygiene after sneezing or coughing.

Is Helicobacter Pylori Dangerous?
At first, Helicobacter pylori is not always dangerous, but if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems like:

Stomach or duodenal ulcers.
Internal bleeding.
Perforation in the stomach wall.
Difficulty in digesting food.
In advanced cases, it can lead to stomach cancer (if neglected for a long period).

Factors That Increase the Risk of Helicobacter Pylori Infection:

Living in crowded or unsanitary areas.
Sharing food or water with many people.
Poor water and sanitation services.
Living in a home with someone infected with the bacteria.

Is Helicobacter Pylori Contagious Between Spouses?
Yes, Helicobacter pylori can easily spread between spouses due to the close nature of their relationship. This bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori, primarily spreads through saliva, making kissing and sharing personal items like spoons or cups major causes of infection between couples.

Why Are Couples More Susceptible to Infection?
Because there is direct physical intimacy, such as kissing and sharing food.
The bacteria can be present in saliva or even in the stomach without showing obvious symptoms.
Many people have the bacteria and don't feel any symptoms, which makes it easier for it to spread unknowingly.

How Does Helicobacter Pylori Affect the Stomach?
Helicobacter pylori has a spiral shape that helps it hide inside the stomach lining, causing:

Inflammation in the stomach.
Stomach or intestinal ulcers.
If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications, like stomach cancer (in rare and advanced cases).

How to Protect Yourself and Your Partner from Infection?
To reduce the risk of transmission, you can follow these tips:

Avoid sharing spoons or cups.
Wash your hands well after using the bathroom and before eating.
If one of you starts treatment, both partners should follow preventive measures until the treatment is completed.
It's a good idea for both spouses to get tested for the bacteria if one of them is diagnosed, to prevent reinfection.

Proper Treatment:
Treatment usually involves a 14-day protocol that includes:

Two antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria.
Medications to reduce stomach acidity.
Sometimes, medications to protect the stomach lining.
The key to treatment is to follow the medication schedule and not stop before completing the full course to prevent the bacteria from returning.

The Impact of Helicobacter Pylori on the Marital Relationship
Helicobacter pylori not only causes stomach pain but can also significantly affect the marital relationship, both physically and emotionally. Here are some possible impacts on couples:

Decreased Sexual Desire
The pain, bloating, and fatigue caused by Helicobacter pylori can make a person feel uncomfortable and thus lose interest in intimacy.
Anemia caused by ulcers or bleeding affects the overall energy of the body and reduces sexual desire in both partners.
Effect on Fertility
In some cases, Helicobacter pylori can weaken fertility in women due to its effect on the immune system, which might attack sperm and prevent pregnancy, affecting chances of conception.
Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have Helicobacter pylori, especially if it has caused bleeding ulcers, may suffer from erectile dysfunction due to anemia or general fatigue. This affects the relationship and increases tension between the couple.
Vaginal Infections and Sexual Problems
In rare cases, the infection can be transmitted from the mouth to the vagina through oral sex, causing an irritating vaginal infection that reduces comfort during marital relations.
Urinary Tract Infections
The infection can also spread from the mouth to the partner’s genital area during intimacy, potentially leading to a urinary tract infection and making sexual relations painful or uncomfortable.
Fear and Anxiety Between Spouses
Just knowing that Helicobacter pylori is contagious can make one of the spouses feel fearful or disgusted about intimacy, especially if the infection hasn't been treated yet. This can create emotional and physical distance between them.

How Does Helicobacter Pylori Spread Between Spouses?
Helicobacter pylori primarily spreads through saliva, making it easy for couples to transmit the bacteria due to daily contact and close relationships. The main ways it spreads between spouses are:

Kissing
Deep or frequent kissing makes it very easy for Helicobacter pylori to spread, as it can be present in the mouth or on the teeth.
Sharing Food or Utensils
When spouses share a dish or drink from the same cup, the likelihood of transmitting the bacteria through saliva increases.
Oral Sex
This is considered one of the most risky methods of transmission, especially if hygiene is not maintained, as the bacteria can transfer from the mouth to the genital area or vice versa.
Sharing Personal Items
Items like toothbrushes or towels are commonly shared by couples, but if one partner is infected, it can easily spread to the other.
Lack of Hygiene
If one partner doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or doesn’t clean themselves well, especially before eating or intimacy, this could be a direct way to spread the bacteria.

How to Know If Your Partner Is No Longer Contagious with Helicobacter Pylori?
If your partner has been diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori and started treatment, you might wonder, "When will they no longer be contagious?"
Simply put, the person is contagious throughout the treatment period, which usually lasts 14 days. During this time, they will take antibiotics and stomach medications.

After completing the treatment, they won’t be considered cured until certain tests are done, about 4 weeks after the treatment ends, to confirm the bacteria is completely gone.

The most important tests to perform:

Stool Test: To check for any traces of Helicobacter pylori in the digestive system.
Breath Test (Urea Test): The person drinks a special solution, and if the bacteria is still present, the carbon dioxide levels in their breath will change.
Endoscopy (only in severe cases): If the condition is complicated or the treatment didn’t work, an endoscopy is used to take a sample from the stomach for analysis.

Important Tips to Prevent the Spread of Helicobacter Pylori Between Spouses
To protect the healthy partner and prevent the bacteria from spreading, follow these simple but crucial steps:

Avoid Kissing for a While
Kissing is the fastest way to transmit the bacteria, so it's best to avoid it during the treatment period, especially kissing on the mouth. Kissing on the face or hands should also be temporarily postponed.
Use Separate Personal Items
Each partner should have their own personal items:

A separate spoon and cup
A separate towel
A personal toothbrush

Sharing these items can easily spread the bacteria.

Complete the Treatment
It’s vital that the infected partner completes the entire course of treatment without skipping doses or forgetting. This ensures a quick recovery and prevents the bacteria from spreading to anyone in the house.
Clean Shared Spaces
Whether it's the bed, chairs, or cups that are washed and reused, it’s best to clean and disinfect shared items regularly.
Wash Hands and Brush Teeth
One of the most important ways to protect from Helicobacter pylori is:

Wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.
Clean the mouth and teeth regularly.
This helps reduce the chance of infection and protects the other partner’s health.

Wait Before Resuming Intimacy
While Helicobacter pylori doesn’t directly spread through sexual intercourse, physical contact and closeness may transmit the infection if proper precautions aren’t followed. It’s best to wait until the treatment is fully completed before resuming intimacy.

Helicobacter Pylori Treatment with Herbs
Although herbs can help alleviate the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori and support digestive health, they are not considered a substitute for medical treatment. If you’re thinking of using herbs as a supplement to treatment, here are some herbs that may be helpful in combating Helicobacter pylori:

Mastic
Mastic has antibacterial properties that can fight against Helicobacter pylori, which may help reduce the level of the bacteria causing the infection. Mastic can be taken in powder form or added to tea.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechins, which have antimicrobial effects. Drinking green tea regularly can help reduce stomach inflammation and enhance the body’s ability to fight Helicobacter pylori.
Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that have been proven effective against many microbes, including Helicobacter pylori. Garlic can be added to food or consumed fresh to help fight the infection.
Licorice Root
Licorice root has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and can help heal stomach ulcers caused by the infection. Licorice root can be consumed as a supplement or in tea form.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that turmeric may help reduce inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection and prevent bacterial growth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of the best natural remedies for Helicobacter pylori. It has antibacterial properties and may be beneficial in soothing the stomach lining and promoting the healing of ulcers associated with the infection.
Black Seed (Nigella Sativa)
Black seed has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight Helicobacter pylori and relieve its symptoms.
Ginger
Ginger contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Ginger can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by Helicobacter pylori infection.

The doctor who typically treats Helicobacter pylori is a gastroenterologist (or a general internist). These specialists are trained in diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the digestive system, such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, and Helicobacter pylori infections.

In some cases, the doctor may need to collaborate with other specialists, such as:

Internal Medicine Doctors: Who treat general health conditions that may affect the digestive system.
Nutritionists: If the treatment involves improving the diet to support medical therapy.