How do you get hepatitis through sex? & bull; hello healthy

Hepatitis is a disease that attacks your liver (liver). This disease is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Because it is caused by a virus, hepatitis can be passed from one person to another. Transmission includes sharing food with people with hepatitis, sharing needles, and having sex. However, that doesn't mean you can't have sex at all. Hepatitis transmission through sex can be prevented and the possibility is suppressed by practicing safe sex. To find out more about how sex spreads hepatitis and how to prevent it, read on for the following information.

How can sex transmit hepatitis?

Hepatitis caused by viruses is divided into 3 types, namely hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. All three have a risk of transmission through sex. This is because the hepatitis virus lives in human body fluids, for example in blood, semen, rectal fluid (in the anus), and vaginal fluids. If there is contact between these body fluids, the virus will also move to infect sexual partners. Learn the various possibilities for transmission of each type of hepatitis below.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Usually the hepatitis A virus is transmitted through feces. Thus, the most likely transmission of HAV is through anal sex. However, any contact with the rectum, for example oral-anal is also a risk of transmitting HAV. The use of condoms alone is not enough to prevent transmission because when you remove a condom that has been infected with HAV through anal sex, the virus can move to your hands. It is recommended that sexual partners who do not have HAV have had the hepatitis vaccine before engaging in sex with a person who has HAV.

ALSO READ: Various Things That Can Make Us Cause Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Among other types of hepatitis virus, hepatitis B is the most widely transmitted through sex. In fact, the possibility of transmitting HBV through sex is much greater than transmission of HIV. The reason is, this virus can be found in vaginal fluids, semen and saliva. Although there are no cases of HBV transmission through kissing, the risk remains, especially if the person with HBV has thrush or has sores in his mouth and lips. In addition, the risk of contracting this virus through sex is also many times greater if you frequently change sexual partners.

ALSO READ: How Hepatitis B Can Develop into Primary Liver Cancer

Hepatitis C (HCV)

This virus lives in the blood. So, having sex during menstruation, canker sores, or having an injury increase your risk of transmitting or contracting hepatitis C. Frequently changing sexual partners, about more than five different people each year, will also increase your risk of contracting HCV. Meanwhile, people who do not have multiple sexual partners are very unlikely to get HCV, even if their partner has the disease. According to data compiled by WebMD, only 2% of people are infected from a partner who has HCV in a sexual relationship that is monogamous (not changing partners).

ALSO READ: A Guide for Those of You Living With Hepatitis C

Tips to prevent the risk of transmitting hepatitis through sex

If you or your partner has certain types of hepatitis, you should always take precautions to reduce the risk of transmission. This does not mean that because there is a possibility of transmitting hepatitis through sex, you and your partner cannot make love. Here are tips for safe sex with hepatitis sufferers.

1. HAV and HBV vaccines

When your sexual partner is diagnosed with hepatitis, you should be vaccinated for hepatitis right away. Currently the vaccines available are the HAV and HBV vaccines, while there is no vaccine for HCV. However, even though you have been vaccinated does not mean that the risk of transmission is completely gone. When making love, you and your partner still have to practice safe sex.

2. Always use condoms

Any sexual activity that is done with a partner, you should always use a condom. Try to choose latex-based condoms that don't add flavor or fragrance for maximum protection. Avoid using vaginal lubricants, as they can damage the quality of condoms, especially if they are made from oil.

ALSO READ: Get to know the different types of condoms and their pluses

3. Avoiding risky sexual activity

It's best not to engage in sexual activity that can increase the likelihood of transmission, for example making love during menstruation or touching a part of the body that has a wound. Avoid sexual activity that is violent enough because it can cause blisters or sores. It would also be wise if you and your partner do not share or use the same sex toy. If you use each other's sex toys and make sure there is absolutely no contact between the sex toys and your partner, always wash and clean them with boiling water afterwards.

4. Not changing partners

Making love with only one partner who has hepatitis is safer than it is with some people who may not have hepatitis. The reason is, sometimes the symptoms and signs of hepatitis cannot be recognized just like that. If you are used to changing sexual partners, you are also more vulnerable to the dangers of transmitting hepatitis through sex.