Hepatitis B is an infection that can be spread through sexual contact.
In the realm of liver infections, hepatitis stands out as a significant concern. Hepatitis, which describes inflammation of the liver, can be caused by various viruses, with Hepatitis A, B, and C being the most common [1].
Hepatitis A primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route during sexual activities, often through oral-anal contact or by touching contaminated hands or sex toys during sexual contact [1].
On the other hand, Hepatitis B is readily transmitted through sexual contact involving the exchange of infected body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and saliva. Unprotected sex, especially with multiple partners or in the absence of vaccination, increases the risk. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth and through sharing contaminated needles or sharp objects [3][5].
Hepatitis C is much less commonly transmitted sexually. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is uncommon and usually occurs in the presence of blood exposure, such as through rough sex or when other risk factors like HIV are present. It is mostly spread by blood contact (e.g., needle sharing) [2][4].
Safe sex practices, vaccination (for hepatitis A and B), and avoiding blood exposure are key prevention measures. It's important to note that hepatitis B is considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is the most common cause of chronic liver infections [6].
Symptoms of hepatitis B can be asymptomatic, but they may include fatigue, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, hives, joint pain, dark urine, fever, or high temperature [7]. A doctor may order a hepatitis B surface antigen test, hepatitis B core antibody test, or hepatitis B surface antibody test to diagnose hepatitis B [8].
A hepatitis B surface antibody test can check a person's immunity to hepatitis B. A positive test may mean that a person is immune to hepatitis B or has recently recovered from the condition [9]. The hepatitis B core antigen test can detect a past or current hepatitis B infection. A positive result usually means a person has acute or chronic hepatitis B [10].
Hepatitis B contributes to roughly 820,000 deaths per year and progresses to liver cancer in 25% of cases [11]. The hepatitis B vaccination is recommended as a safe and effective risk prevention strategy for certain groups, including sexually active people with more than one sex partner during the previous 6 months, people seeking evaluation or treatment for an STI, sex partners of people with hepatitis B, and men who have sex with men (MSM) [12].
In addition to hepatitis B, a person can also acquire hepatitis A and hepatitis C through sexual contact [1]. Hepatitis B affects about 296 million people worldwide, including 6 million children under the age of 5 [13].
Prior to 1992, HCV was commonly transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants, but with increased and improved safety and screening guidelines, the transmission risk via these medical procedures is very minimal [14].
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/index.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm
- https://www.hepatitisb.org/about-hepatitis-b/how-is-it-transmitted/
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/risk/sexual.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279369/
- https://www.hepatitisb.org/about-hepatitis-b/how-is-it-transmitted/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279369/
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/testing.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/testing.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/testing.htm
- https://www.hepatitisb.org/about-hepatitis-b/facts/
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/prevention-vaccination.htm
- https://www.hepatitisb.org/about-hepatitis-b/facts/
- https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/risk/transfusion.htm
- Mental health is equally important as sexual health, particularly when dealing with the consequences and stress of living with a viral hepatitis infection.
- While hepatitis C is less commonly transmitted sexually, it can still be a concern in the context of health-and-wellness, especially when other risk factors like HIV are present or during rough sexual activities.
- Achieving optimal health involves not only preventing sexually transmitted infections like hepatitis B, which is a leading cause of chronic liver infections, but also getting vaccinated against viral hepatitis and practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of other sexually-transmitted diseases.
