odd vax and sperm question

[caro113]

I have an odd question about vaccinating. DP just got a new job and they want to test for TB by injecting him with some of the bacteria and then checking his skin reaction in 48 to 72 hours. I for one would not allow myself to have such a test because I don't like the idea of having my body exposed to such bacteria. But it's DP's body and it's DP's choice.
So here is my concern. We are going to TTC soon and I concerned about that disgusting bacteria getting into his sperm. Is that even possible? We are both committed to not vaccinating our babies, so we don't want to start off with the possibility of his sperm being exposed to such bacteria.
I know this question is really odd and probably really stupid, but I really have no idea if I should be worried or not.
TIA

[emma1325]

Originally Posted by caro113

I have an odd question about vaccinating. DP just got a new job and they want to test for TB by injecting him with some of the bacteria and then checking his skin reaction in 48 to 72 hours. I for one would not allow myself to have such a test because I don't like the idea of having my body exposed to such bacteria. But it's DP's body and it's DP's choice.
So here is my concern. We are going to TTC soon and I concerned about that disgusting bacteria getting into his sperm. Is that even possible? We are both committed to not vaccinating our babies, so we don't want to start off with the possibility of his sperm being exposed to such bacteria.
I know this question is really odd and probably really stupid, but I really have no idea if I should be worried or not.
TIA

I don't have any answers, but I wanted to say that it's not a stupid question at all. I would probably have the same concerns.

[Marnica]

I don't know about the sperm, but I don't blame you for your concern. Its not just the bacteris either...there are toxic preservatives in the tb skin test. I have refused it at my job. Im supposed to get one once a year and have until this year. I am breastfeeding and there is no way Im getting this now (or ever again). So far they are not pushing me about it.

[Tanibani]

FYI - there is a relatively new (few years old) TB BLOOD test (no injections) and I can't remember the name - quantaferon gold?
http://www.cdc.gov/TB/pubs/tbfactsheets/qft.htm

There is a CDC article online that says it's more accurate than the skin injection.

I did research AFTER I consented to the skin test and my left arm (2 yrs later) still doesn't feel the same.

[caro113]

I will check that out, but the paper he got specifically says its the menoux thing and says "intradermal PPD" which, to me, means the skin injection. I really really want him to refuse it, but I don't want to force him. He's starting work at a jail so I guess it's possible for him to get TB at some point, but really, what are the chances? He had the test before when he was a cop in Arizona and a corrections officer (like he is now again) in Wisconsin but that was years ago, way before we ever got together.

Would it really be wrong to tell him it could affect the baby we may conceive? I mean, I believe it may, but I also believe a lot things that most others don't. Hmmm Any thoughts on that idea?

[caro113]

Originally Posted by Marnica

I don't know about the sperm, but I don't blame you for your concern. Its not just the bacteris either...there are toxic preservatives in the tb skin test. I have refused it at my job. Im supposed to get one once a year and have until this year. I am breastfeeding and there is no way Im getting this now (or ever again). So far they are not pushing me about it.

May I ask what kind of job it is? If you're uncomfortable with that, I totally understand. I'm just concerned that they will say "well fine, then you don't have to take the job". He has really wanted to get back into the field for a few years now and is hoping to finally accelerate at a job he loves. I can't take that away from him. *sigh* ... we need a sighing face

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by caro113

May I ask what kind of job it is? If you're uncomfortable with that, I totally understand. I'm just concerned that they will say "well fine, then you don't have to take the job". He has really wanted to get back into the field for a few years now and is hoping to finally accelerate at a job he loves. I can't take that away from him. *sigh* ... we need a sighing face

I work in a health care facility and have for 5 years. I have gotten the test every year but this one. I looked back in my hiring papaerwork and there is nothing in there about this test being "required" for my job. After you are hired they tell you it is required, but too bad. If they don't tell me up front they can't hold it over my head. Im BF this year and that is my reason for refusing so far so good.
FYI I got my last TB test 3 months before I got pregnant and all was well. Im not sure I would tell your DH something that night not be true. There really is no data about the tb skin test and fertility. You could tell him that...that there is NO data so it would be a gamble at best