Guidelines for practicing safe sex with people with hepatitis & bull; hello healthy

Hepatitis is a disease that attacks the liver; The inflammation is caused by toxins that come from chemicals or come from viruses. There are several types of hepatitis, the most commonly known are hepatitis A, B, C. Hepatitis B and C are at risk of causing liver cancer or other chronic infections that can lead to liver damage such as cirrhosis. This disease can be transmitted, among others, through contaminated blood and sexual contact.

If a pregnant mother suffers from hepatitis B or C, it is possible that the child born will also suffer from hepatitis. Blood transfusions are also at risk for hepatitis transmission, but this risk is not great. The hepatitis B virus can be found in blood, vaginal fluids or sperm. Then, what if you or your partner suffer from hepatitis? Is there a solution to sexual contact without risk of infection?

Can all types of hepatitis be transmitted through sex?

In hepatitis A, the virus is spread through the faecal-oral route (fecal-to-mouth transmission), which can occur if there is direct oral and anal contact. Fingers can also be a means of transmission, when they come into contact with the anus of someone who is infected. Whereas in hepatitis B, transmission through sexual activity is easier than transmission of HIV. As explained above, the virus can be found in saliva, vaginal fluids, and sperm, so it can be transmitted during oral or anal sex. However, it should be emphasized that transmission will not occur by holding hands, hugging, or simply kissing.

The risk of contracting when having a kiss does exist, but it is not yet known how much risk of contracting it. If the kiss involves an exchange of saliva in large quantities, the risk may increase. In addition, be careful with mouth sores, because this also increases the risk of contracting them when kissing.

Whereas in hepatitis C, the virus is transmitted through the blood - it can be transmitted through menstrual blood, ulcers, or genital wounds. This type of hepatitis was detected in greater numbers than people who have a history of multiple partners - including sexually transmitted diseases.

How to practice safe sex with people with hepatitis?

Here are some descriptions of safe sex with the different types of hepatitis:

1. Safe sex for hepatitis A

Avoid anal-oral sex, because the virus is spread through the feces of an infected person and the virus is passed orally. Even when you use a condom, it's not guaranteed to be safe. Because the virus can still land on the hands, which in the end the virus can also be carried into the mouth.

2. Safe sex for hepatitis B

According to Michael B. Fallon, MD, lecturer in medicine at University of Texas Medical School Houston , quoted by the Everyday Health website, of the three types of hepatitis, the most easily transmitted through sexual contact is hepatitis B. When you have hepatitis B, it's best to be honest with your partner. If your partner is not immune to hepatitis B, a vaccine can be given. Vaccines can prevent your partner from getting infected. Immunoglobulin can work as an antibody, but it can also be given to partners who are exposed to your body fluids within two weeks of exposure, infection can still be prevented. Condoms should still be used, even if your partner has been vaccinated.

3. Safe sex for hepatitis C

There is no effective vaccine, so prevention is very important for this type of hepatitis. Using a condom and being faithful to one partner can reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis C. Still according to Fallon, patients with stable hepatitis C are in one partner relationship, the transmission rate is only around 2 to 4 percent per year. There is very little risk of contracting it, even so, you still have to have sex in a responsible manner, avoid risky sex.

Tips for having sex with hepatitis sufferers

Other tips that can be done, in the form of:

1. Do it as safely as possible. You need to regularly check for forms of hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Look for information on how sexually transmitted diseases are spread. Such as direct contact with blood, vaginal fluids, sperm with open sores in the vagina, anus or mouth can increase the risk of infection. Viruses are invisible, but can enter easily through the skin or mucous membranes.
3. Use condoms. It is very important to use latex condoms for various types of sexual activity. Use a water-based lubricant or lubricant to avoid damaging the condom.
4. Don't have sex when you are under the influence of alcohol. Combining alcohol and sex can be irresponsible, you may find it difficult to communicate properly, and there is a risk of using condoms the wrong way.

Talking about the disease we have is sensitive, we worry that our partners will leave us because of this. However, when a relationship does matter, you and your partner definitely have a desire to take care of each other. Maybe you want to talk to your doctor and talk to your friends before finally telling your partner, that's okay. You need to plan what you want to say when it comes to disclosing your health condition.