Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver.
There are several different types of hepatitis, but only hepatitis A and B can be transmitted through unprotected sexual activity.
Hepatitis B (also called HBV) is a virus that can damage your liver. It’s carried in blood and other body fluids, which means it can be passed on through:
- Unprotected sex (without a condom) – vaginal or anal
- Sharing needles for drug use
The chance of getting hepatitis B in the UK is low, but the virus is extremely infectious. If you think you may have been exposed, it’s important to seek advice.
Hepatitis A (also called Hep A and HAV) is present in the poo of someone who has the infection. It can be passed on through:
- Unprotected sex (without a condom) – oral or anal sex with an infected person
- Injecting with works that have been contaminated with an infected persons blood or poo
Hepatitis A is less common in the UK but is more common in other areas of the world so you may need to check for vaccinations before travel
Hepatitis C (also called HEP C or HCV) is a virus that can damage your liver. It’s carried in blood and other body fluids, which means it can be passed on through:
- Unprotected sex (without a condom) – vaginal or anal
- Sharing needles for drug use
- Sharing razor blades or toothbrushes
Hepatitis C symptoms can often be mistaken for other illnesses and you may not show any noticeable symptoms until the liver has been significantly damaged – which means you could have the infection without realising.
Some groups of people are at an increased risk of hepatitis C, including:
- ex-drug users and current drug users, particularly users of injected drugs.
In many cases, hepatitis can have no symptoms, but symptoms can include:
- flu-like symptoms
- pain in your upper tummy, usually under the right side of your ribs
- pale poo
- darker pee than normal
- feeling very tired
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- a high temperature
- losing your appetite
There is a vaccine for people who may be at a higher risk of hepatitis B including:
- Gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with other men
- Sex workers
- People living with HIV
You can also reduce your risk by:
- Using condoms for vaginal and anal sex
- Not sharing needles for drug use
A hepatitis A vaccination is recommended if you are travelling to countries where hepatitis A is common.
How hepatitis is treated depends on the type, what’s caused it or how serious it is. Some types, such as hepatitis A, usually get better without treatment for the virus. Hepatitis B usually clears by itself over time (approximately six months). If the infection continues for several months, this is known as chronic hepatitis, and treatment will usually be recommended. This may include antiviral medication, and medicines to help relieve symptoms such as itchiness, pain and sickness.
Hepatitis is usually detected with a blood test. Testing is available at:
- sexual health clinics
- GPs
- some drug treatment centres (hepatitis C)
You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.
