Can I have sex if I have FGS or MGS?
Yes. FGS is not sexually transmittable. To transmit FGS (schistosomiasis) the eggs must be passed out of the system into fresh water, where they hatch and go through a different life cycle stage in a snail. FGS cannot be passed directly from human to human.
This is the same for male genital schistosomiasis (MGS) – even if schistosomiasis eggs are in semen, the eggs cannot directly infect a person from being passed in semen, the eggs must go through the life cycle stage in the snail first.
However, it is worth remembering that some symptoms and complications of FGS may make sex painful or uncomfortable.
Is it possible to test a water source to see if it’s infected with schistosomiasis?
There is no simple way to test water to see if it is infected. The best way to avoid infection is to use a trusted water source, such as a borehole or a well, for washing and collecting water. Access to safe uncontaminated running water is the best solution to avoiding FGS (and all other neglected tropical diseases).