How Can Hepatitis be Transmitted?

How Can Hepatitis be Transmitted?

Hepatitis is an unconventional STD in many ways. For one, many people don’t think of hepatitis as a sexually transmitted disease. After all, hepatitis is a liver inflammation that can be caused by heavy alcohol and drug use, or ingesting contaminated food –– not just sexual activity. Additionally, more often than not, people tend to overlook hepatitis when discussing STDs. Nevertheless, several viral strains of hepatitis pose a serious threat to sexually active individuals. How can hepatitis be transmitted? The answers might surprise you:

What is Hepatitis?

As mentioned above, hepatitis is a viral disease that affects the liver. Sometimes symptoms associated with hepatitis are rather mild or nonexistent, while in other instances, vomiting, jaundiced skin, diarrhea, and fatigue among other symptoms may manifest. What’s more, hepatitis may be either acute or chronic –– meaning it may only last for a short while, or instead develop into a long-term disease. In the worst case scenario, hepatitis can lead to liver failure.

How is Hepatitis Spread?

There are five different types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. They all have different modes of transmission. Hepatitis A and E are typically spread through contaminated food or water. (Warning for the squeamish, watch out for this next sentence.) However, since hepatitis A is usually transmitted after an individual ingests contaminated fecal matter (even a very small amount) it can be passed during certain sexual oral activities.

Hepatitis B and C meanwhile, are more similar to other “traditional” STDs in that they are transferred through bodily fluids. Hepatitis B can move from person-to-person through blood, semen, or contact with other bodily fluids (such as vaginal fluids). Conversely, hepatitis C is normally spread through the practice of sharing needles, since it’s a blood-borne virus. Though, rough sex where blood is present can also lead to the transmission of hepatitis C.

Lastly, hepatitis D is a development that only occurs within people who already have hepatitis B.

Hepatitis Testing and Treatment

The good news for sexually active individuals in regard to hepatitis is that it’s possible to protect both yourself and your partner through simple means. Getting vaccinated for hepatitis A, B, and D will greatly lower the risks associated with spreading hepatitis through sexual contact. Furthermore, seeking out regular STD tests –– particularly when you begin seeing a new partner –– can help you stay on top of your sexual wellness and mitigate the effects of many STD-related issues.