Sexual Transmission, Symptoms, and Medical Management of Hepatitis C
In the realm of health, understanding the risks and treatments associated with diseases like Hepatitis C (HCV) is crucial. This article provides an overview of the transmission, risk factors, and treatment options for HCV.
HCV, a liver infection, can be treated effectively with antiviral medication, with over 95% of individuals achieving a cure [1]. The specific sexual practices that increase the risk of transmitting HCV are primarily those involving potential blood contact. Anal sex, due to the increased likelihood of mucosal trauma and blood exposure, is associated with a higher risk of transmission [1].
Engaging in rough sex or having multiple partners increases the risk of HCV transmission due to more frequent micro-injuries and possible blood exposure [2]. Additionally, the presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases the risk by causing mucosal inflammation or ulcers that facilitate blood-to-blood contact [2].
Condomless sex generally carries a low risk of HCV transmission unless blood exposure occurs, so routine condom use for HCV prevention is not routinely recommended in monogamous couples without STIs [5]. It is important to note that sexual transmission of HCV involves contact with infected blood rather than semen or vaginal fluids alone, unlike Hepatitis B [3][5].
Chronic HCV infections can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the long term. HCV can cause both acute and chronic infections, and certain risk factors can increase the chance of transmission, including having multiple sexual partners, sharing needles or injecting drugs, and living with certain conditions like HIV, thalassemia, or hemophilia [4].
Injection drug use is the most common mode of HCV transmission in the United States. People can get an HCV test at their local general practitioner, hospital, or dedicated sexual health clinic. A blood test can detect the presence of HCV and looks for anti-HCV antibodies [6].
Many people who contract HCV do not show initial symptoms, but symptoms may appear 2 weeks to 6 months after infection and include fatigue, fever, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, gray-colored stool, pain in the joints, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), and lack of specific symptoms in chronic cases [7].
The outlook for acute HCV infection is generally good, but in people with untreated chronic hepatitis C, the outlook may differ, as they may develop cirrhosis or liver cancer [8]. The CDC recommends universal hepatitis C screening for all adults over 18 at least once in a lifetime and all pregnant women during each pregnancy [9].
Examples of medications that doctors may prescribe to treat hepatitis C include daclatasvir, ribavirin, peginterferon alfa-2a, simeprevir, sofosbuvir, elbasvir, and ledipasvir [10]. In people over age 12 with chronic HCV infections, the CDC recommends pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for treatment [11].
A study found the likelihood of sexual transmission of HCV among heterosexual couples to be 1 per 380,000 [12]. The CDC reports that 80-90% of people with an acute HCV infection can clear it with antiviral medication [13].
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C FAQs for the Public. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C Transmission Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/pdf/risk-factors.pdf
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Hepatitis C Transmission. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/hepatitis-c/transmission
[4] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Hepatitis C: Risk factors. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20373389
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/prevention.htm
[6] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Testing. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/testing.htm
[7] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Hepatitis C: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20373389
[8] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Hepatitis C: What are the complications? Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/hepatitis-c/what-are-the-complications
[9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Screening. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcv-testing.htm
[10] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcv-treatment.htm
[11] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcv-treatment/direct-acting-antivirals.htm
[12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Transmission Risk. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/pdf/risk-factors.pdf
[13] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Hepatitis C: Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcv-treatment.htm
- Hepatitis C, a chronic disease affecting the liver, can be treated effectively with antiviral medication, curing over 95% of individuals [1].
- Sexual practices involving potential blood contact, such as anal sex, increase the risk of transmitting HCV due to mucosal trauma and blood exposure [1].
- Engaging in rough sex or having multiple partners can elevate the risk of HCV transmission due to more frequent micro-injuries and possible blood exposure [2].
- Presence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can increase the risk of HCV by causing mucosal inflammation or ulcers that facilitate blood-to-blood contact [2].
- Chronic HCV infections can result in severe health complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the long term [8].
