What should I know about viral hepatitis and sex?

What should I know about viral hepatitis and sex?

Hepatitis is a type of inflammation that affects the liver. Common symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Some cases of hepatitis are mild and have no symptoms, while more severe cases can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

Hepatitis viruses are the most common cause of hepatitis, but other types of infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol, drugs), and rare autoimmune diseases can also cause hepatitis.

Hepatitis of viral origin is usually caused by one of five viruses: A, B, C, D, or E. Most of these viruses can be transmitted sexually:

Type How is it
transmitted?
How might sex increase a person’s risk?
Hepatitis A
(HAV)
Contact with feces from an infected
person.
HAV can be transmitted through any sexual activity
involving the anus, including anal sex, anilingus (oral
stimulation of the anus) or the use of sex toys.
Hepatitis B
(HBV)
Contact with
infected blood,
vaginal fluids,
saliva, and semen.
HBV can be transmitted through vaginal, oral,
and anal sex. It may also be transmitted
through the use of sex toys. Deep kissing could
be risky.
Hepatitis C
(HCV)
Contact with
infected blood

Any sexual activity that might involve bleeding, cuts, or sores.
HCV may also be transmitted through menstrual blood.

Hepatitis D
(HDV)
Occurs in people
infected
with hepatitis B.
Sexual activity with a person who is infected
with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
(HEV)
Contact with
contaminated
water or food.
Hepatitis E is not thought to be
sexually transmitted.

 


Scientists have studied the ways hepatitis might affect sexual function.

In 2014, researchers reported that women with chronic hepatitis C infection were more likely to be diagnosed with sexual dysfunction than healthy women. The findings were based on participants’ scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a tool that assesses women’s sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, pain, and satisfaction.

In addition, a 2019 study found that men with chronic hepatitis C infection had poorer scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) compared to healthy men. The IIEF evaluates erectile and orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss sexual issues with their patients who have hepatitis.


Reducing Risk

The following steps may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted hepatitis:

  • Get tested for hepatitis and know your partner’s status.
  • Use a condom and/or dental dam during every sexual act.
  • Limit your number of sexual partners.
  • Get vaccinated against hepatitis A or B. (Vaccines are not currently available for hepatitis types C, D, and E.)

Resources

 

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