World Sexual Health Day

Sexual health can have a big impact on liver health, which is why this World Sexual Health Day we are focusing on the importance of using protection to limit your chances of contracting a blood-borne virus such as viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted through semen and vaginal fluids. The sexual fluids of an infected person need to get into the bloodstream of a non-infected person for transmission to occur.  Local inflammation caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis increase the risk of Hepatitis B transmission and can also lead to ulcers and breaks in the skin of the genital area.

Protective barriers such as condoms, female condoms (femidoms), and gloves can help to reduce these risks; as well as ensuring all sex toys are cleaned, and lubricants changed between each occasion,  partner, and individual uses.

For more information https://staystifree.org.au/

By practicing safe sex and engaging in regular sexual health screening with your GP or sexual health clinic, you will help to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and other STIs.

For more information on World Sexual Health Day click below.