Can Hepatitis C Be Spread By Sexual Activity?

Hepatitis C is a liver disease, which is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is contagious in nature and gets easily transmitted from one person to another.

Like other infectious viruses, the hepatitis virus lives in bodily fluids, which could be blood, semen, saliva etc. and easily gets transmitted from one person to another through them. Blood transmission is most prominent way of its transmission though other fluids are also responsible.

Various researches, reports and studies have revealed that heterosexual contact is the most common way of its transmission. Generally the infected patients were found to be in monogamous sexual relationships, as per 2013 report. Hepatitis C infection is synonymous to HIV infection in virus transmission.

The hepatitis virus is easily transmitted through sexual contact. The virus gets  easily transmitted while:

Either of the partner has multiple sexual partners.

Either of them is practicing rough sex resulting in broken skin, cut or bleeding.

Either of them is HIV infected or carries any other sexually transmitted virus

Do unsafe sex without practicing precautions such as condoms or dental dams.

Do take precautions without following them in right manner as using damaged condoms etc.

HIV infected persons are more prone to hepatitis C. In U.S. 25% HIV infected persons have hepatitis C too.

Does oral sex leads to hepatitis C?

Though there are many cases of hepatitis C spreading through sex, but there are no substantial evidences advocating oral sex to be the major cause. However, any sign of blood during oral sex can result in hepatitis virus transmission. It transmits in the similar manner the HIV infection does that is via sex. It can be caused by other means also as –

● Bleeding Gums

● Cold Sores

● Canker Sores

● Infectious throat

● Genital warts

● Menstrual blood

● Open wounds, cuts or bleeding involved in sexual areas.

HCV is more likely to spread by anal sex than oral sex. The chances of rectal tissue tearing during oral sex are more prominent and thus making it more vulnerable.

Other means of Hepatitis C transmission.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has claimed the needle sharing as the major cause of hepatitis C virus transmission. However, sharing other personal hygienic things can also lead to the spread of the disease as –

● Nail Cutters/clippers

● Shaving blades and razors

● Tooth brushes and tongue cleaners

Myths of Hepatitis C Virus

Though the menace of the virus is severe and it’s transmission easier, there is no reason to get panic or get scared to isolate and avoid the infected person.

Like HIV infection the hepatitis C doesn’t get transmitted through hand shake, hand holding, touching, hugging, embracing or kissing. It doesn’t spread while staying with infected person or using/sharing his utensils, clothes, shoes, bed or other things. Sneezing or coughing also can’t do any damage.

Breastfeeding doesn’t transmit hepatitis C, though the babies born to infected mothers are more vulnerable to have the virus. The probability of mother transmitting the virus to baby is 1 out of 25 in case the baby is delivered after her being getting infected

Who are at High Risk?

1. People injecting illicit drugs.

2. HIV infected persons.

3. Persons doing unprotected/casual sex.

4. People undergone blood transfusion or organ transplantation prior to June 1992, as it’s tests were not conducted before it.

5. People receiving blood clotting factors prior to 1987 are also likely to be the victim of this deadly virus.

Vaccine for Hepatitis C

Though it’s much discussed and most soughted for, the Hepatitis C vaccine has yet to be invented, tested and implemented. As per the old adage, prevention is better than the cure. So, the wisdom lies in adhering to the precautionary means and adopting best practices to prevent from getting infected. As on date no vaccine is available.

Precautions to avoid hepatitis C

1. To do protective sex by adopting safe precautionary practices as using condoms etc. It equally applies to oral sex.

2. To refrain from sex with infected persons.

3. To administer complete precautions while doing sex with infected person.

4. To avoid sex with open cut or wounds in genitals.

5. To avoid sexual acts that leads to bleeding as using toys or receiving anal sex. Taking drugs while having sex is equally dangerous.

6. To practice good habits and sexual monogamy.

7. To avoid sharing needles during tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture.

8. To stay away from engaging in IV drug

9. To always use sterilized equipment and other medical accessories as needles syringes etc.

10. Emedikit recommends to occasionally get tested for STIs and to advise the same to their other sexual partners also.

What to do when infected?

1. When in doubt, get tested for anti-HCV test. The test investigates hepatitis virus presence in blood, if it ever existed. In case of being ever infected the body develops antibodies to combat the virus. The test looks for these antibodies to declare the HCV infection.

2. In case of positive report a RNA or PCR test is recommended to further investigate the matter for active hepatitis.

3. One should regularly visit doctor for STI screening as the hepatic C virus may not cause early symptoms for a considerable period. Practicing unprotective sex during this period can lead to virus transmission to other sexual partner also.

What to do to stay safe?

Galaxysuperspeciality advises practicing safe sex, adopting good sex practices and getting timely STI tested to keep the Hepatitis dragon away. So, remain healthy and stay fit by adopting best sexual habits and following safe practices. As advised in HIV infections too, the best way is to prevent getting infected.