What is Hepatitis?

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a virus that can cause inflammation or damage to the liver. There are different types of hepatitis, but the most common ones are Hepatitis A, B and C. They can all be passed on through sexual contact, however Hepatitis B is the most common one spread through sexual contact. 

What is the difference between Hepatitis A, B and C?

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a virus that is spread from faeces which causes inflammation of the liver. It’s mainly found in countries like Africa, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East. 

How is Hepatitis A transmitted? 

  • Eating food that has been washed in unclean water 
  • Drinking unclean water
  • Eating food that has been handled by someone with Hepatitis A
  • Sharing needles
  • Sexual contact 

Symptoms of Hepatitis A 

Symptoms usually develop within a few weeks of exposure and can range from mild to severe. Some people may not develop any symptoms at all. If you do develop symptoms, you may experience;

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
  • Dark urine
  • Pale stools
  • Itchy skin
  • Jaundice

Most people recover fully within a few weeks or months, and it doesn’t usually cause long-term liver damage. 

How is Hepatitis A treated?

There is no specific treatment for Hepatitis A as the virus usually clears up on its own. Treatment usually focuses on controlling symptoms, such as resting, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol. 

There is a vaccine available which is recommended for people who may be at higher risk, including men who have sex with men, if you’ve been in close contact with someone with hepatitis A, or if travelling to certain countries. 

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood and body fluids. Although transmission through sex is rare, it is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. In the UK, it is more common in men who have sex with men. 

How is Hepatitis B transmitted? 

  • Vaginal, anal or oral sex without using a condom or dam
  • Sharing needles
  • Having a tattoo, piercing or medical procedure without sterilised equipment
  • Sharing toothbrushes or razors that are contaminated with infected blood
  • If you’re pregnant and have hepatitis B, it can be passed on to your baby when giving birth - but the infection can be prevented if the baby is vaccinated straight away

Symptoms of Hepatitis B 

The early stage of infection might not present any symptoms at all - but if they do develop, it’s usually within the first 6 months after infection. Those who do get symptoms may experience;

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Depression 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Hives or an itchy rash
  • Darker urine than usual
  • Jaundice 

The infection usually lasts 1-3 months but if it lasts longer than 6 months, it can become chronic hepatitis. 

How is Hepatitis B treated?

Just like with Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B usually clears up on its own without treatment. Medications like paracetamol can help with mild pain relief and flu-like symptoms. If Hepatitis B lasts for six months or over, you may be referred to a specialist who can help control the virus with antivirals to prevent further liver damage.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a virus that infects and damages the liver. If it is left untreated, it can cause serious and life-threatening damage to the liver over many years.

How is Hepatitis C transmitted? 

  • Blood-to-blood contact
  • Sharing needles
  • Sharing razors or toothbrushes
  • From pregnant women to an unborn baby
  • Although it’s not commonly spread through vaginal sex, it can be transmitted through other types of sexual contact, with gay men or men who have sex with men at higher risk 

Symptoms of Hepatitis C 

During the early stages, there might not be any symptoms at all. However, you may experience;

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Exhaustion and severe tiredness
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach ache

How is Hepatitis C treated?

Treatment for Hepatitis C usually involves antiviral medicine designed to stop the virus from preventing further liver damage. The sooner treatment begins after exposure, the more likely the treatment is to work.

How is Hepatitis diagnosed?

If you think you might be at risk of hepatitis, it’s best to speak to your doctor or local sexual health clinic who will arrange a blood test.

How can I prevent myself from catching Hepatitis?

Condoms! Condoms reduce the risk of catching sexually transmitted infections by preventing any sexual fluids from being transferred. By using a condom (or dam) every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex reduces the risk of contracting hepatitis. We have a wide variety of condoms available from regular, king size, super king or trim as well as flavoured and fun condoms so there’s plenty of variety available. We also have latex free for those that have a latex allergy, internal condoms as well as dams.

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