Hepatitis B/ C

Hepatitis is a virus which comes in several different forms.

All the different forms of hepatitis infect the liver and cause damage.

The most common forms of hepatitis spread by sex are Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. Both of these forms of hepatitis can be caught through a number of different means, including via a sexually transmitted infection.

Hepatitis B is found in semen, saliva and vaginal secretions. This means it can be spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Hepatitis C is spread by contact with an infected person’s blood, which can occur during sex due to the presence of genital cuts and sores or from menstruation.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis?

In some cases there are no symptoms for hepatitis, so a person can be carrying a hepatitis infection and not realise it. In other cases a hepatitis infection can bear a lot of the same symptoms as the flu.

The most common hepatitis symptoms are:

• Mild fever
• Diminished appetite
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Joint or muscle aches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting

Other more specific symptoms can be:

• Jaundice (ie the yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Light coloured excrement
• Itchy feeling
• Internal bleeding 

Can hepatitis be treated?

Both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can be treated, but the form of treatment depends on the type of hepatitis diagnosed and the stage of infection involved.

Anyone who thinks they have hepatitis should get tested immediately and if they are found to be positive a specific course of treatment will be devised for them.

In the case of Hepatitis C this treatment may involve a course of tablets provided over 8 – 12 weeks.

Cost of consultation about Hepatitis B or C:

At Hazelhill Family Practice, the cost for patients who wish to have a consultation about a possible sexually transmitted infection (STI)/ sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as Hepatitis B or C is as follows:

How do I make an appointment at Hazelhill Family Practice?

To book your consultation about a possible sexually transmitted infection at Hazelhill Family Practice click here.

You can also call the Hazelhill Family Practice on 094 9630091/ 094 9632170.