It is widely known that viral hepatitis can be spread through ingestion of contaminated food or sharing dirty needles. However, this liver-damaging disease can sometimes also be spread through sexual contact.
Well, each type of hepatitis virus has a different risk of being transmitted through sexual intercourse. Read on for the full information below.
1. What is the risk of transmission of hepatitis A through sex?
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hepatitis A virus (HAV) can occur from any sexual activity with an infected person and is not limited to faecal-oral contact (a form of transmission through the mouth from objects, food, or drink). contaminated with the feces of a person infected with the virus).
Sexually active people are considered at risk for hepatitis A if men have sex with men, live with or have sex with an infected person, or use injecting drugs.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent transmission of hepatitis A among people who are at risk of infection.
2. What is the risk of transmission of hepatitis B through sexual intercourse?
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the type of hepatitis most commonly associated with sexual transmission, as it is present in semen, body fluids, and blood shared during unprotected sex. It is also transmitted through sharing needles or razors and other exposures to blood, such as from mother to baby during birth, citing Verywell Health .
The main route of transmission is through blood and body fluids, and is not transmitted by other routes. You cannot catch the virus from a toilet seat or from casual contact with anything an infected person has touched. The good news, hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination.
3. What is the risk of transmission of hepatitis C through sex?
Transmission of hepatitis C through sexual contact is generally considered very rare, and it is not considered the main mode of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Hepatitis C virus is not easily transmitted through sexual contact. Usually, the hepatitis C virus is transmitted through exposure to blood that is shared with a needle during injection drug use, and to a much lesser extent through exposure in health care settings. Several cases of hepatitis C infection have been reported through occupational and perinatal (before and after delivery) exposures.
However, although not common, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sexual activity. Having a sexually transmitted infection, having sex with multiple partners, and having anal sex seem to increase a person's risk for hepatitis C. The risk is particularly low among heterosexual couples in casual relationships.
Men who have sex with men with multiple sex partners who are coinfected (simultaneous infection by two viruses) with both HCV and HIV have been shown to transmit hepatitis C.
There is currently no hepatitis C vaccine. The best way to prevent it is to avoid behaviors that can spread the disease, especially sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs.
There is also a recommendation for a one-time hepatitis C test for all adults (18 years and over) and regular testing for people with risk factors.
4. Are men and women equally at risk of contracting and spreading hepatitis through sexual intercourse?
This risk is determined by a person's behavior, not gender, although some studies suggest that men are more likely to pass HCV to women than vice versa, as reported by WebMD.
Men who have sex with men are 10 to 15 times more likely to be infected with hepatitis B than the general population.
5. Are certain sexual acts more likely to transmit hepatitis?
Any sexual activity that can cause blisters, cuts, or other trauma is very risky.
Anal sex is considered riskier than vaginal sex, and both are riskier than oral sex. Oral-anal contact is also a risk.
To minimize the risk of transmitting the virus, experts say that any sexually active person who is not in a monogamous relationship should take precautions, such as using condoms, dental dams , female condoms, and finger cots or finger stools . between you and other people's body fluids and blood, in addition to getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
6. Is it possible to get hepatitis through kissing?
It is rare to get hepatitis by kissing an infected person. However, deep kissing that involves the exchange of large amounts of saliva may transmit HBV, especially if there are cuts or abrasions in the mouth of the infected person.
7. Can sex toys and vibrators transmit hepatitis?
Transmission through vibrators and sex toys is possible because HBV can live outside the body for a week or more. Soaking the vibrator in boiling water may reduce the risk. However, it is safest to avoid using these objects until sexual partners have received hepatitis vaccination.
8. How effective are condoms in stopping the sexual transmission of hepatitis?
Latex condoms are believed to be at least 99 percent effective. Unless you are in a monogamous relationship, it is best to use a condom in every sexual relationship.
Some experts recommend sticking with regular condoms. Scented or flavored condoms are more likely to fail. In addition, for latex condoms, avoid using oil-based sex lubricants because they can tear the surface of the condom. This is because the minerals in the oil are destructive.
To minimize the risk of getting hepatitis through sexual intercourse , use a condom (for men) every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Understand how to use condoms properly to prevent exposure to bodily fluids during sexual contact. Not only hepatitis, this will also reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and genital herpes.
For maximum protection, consult a doctor about vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. It should be emphasized that although vaccination can reduce the risk of hepatitis, it does not reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases. Safe and healthy sex remains important as part of preventive measures.
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