Hepatitis C is a well-known viral infection that affects the liver. It can spread from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact. However, people often wonder if it can transmit through oral sex as well.

In this article, we’ll explore all the necessary details to understand whether hepatitis C can transmit through oral sex or not.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It’s caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It’s a blood-borne virus, which means that it can spread through blood-to-blood contact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 70 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. The majority of people with hepatitis C don’t show any symptoms for years. Hence, they don’t know that they’re infected.

However, if the infection is left untreated, it may lead to severe liver damage, liver failure, or liver cancer.

How does Hepatitis C spread?

Hepatitis C can spread from one person to another through blood-to-blood contact. This can happen in many ways, such as:.

Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person.
Using unsterilized equipment for tattoos or body piercings.
Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected donor (rare).
Transmission from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth (also rare).

Can Hepatitis C transmit through oral sex?

The short answer is yes, but the risk is relatively low. Hepatitis C can be present in semen and vaginal fluids, but it’s not very common. The virus is primarily found in blood, so the chances of getting hepatitis C through oral sex are low.

However, there are some factors that may increase the risk of transmission through oral sex:.

If there are cuts, sores, or bleeding gums in the mouth, it may increase the risk of getting infected if you come into contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids.
If you have multiple sex partners or engage in rough sex, the risk of transmission through oral sex may increase.
Engaging in oral sex during menstruation may also increase the risk of transmission.

It’s important to note that the risk of transmission through oral sex is relatively low, but it’s not zero. Hence, it’s recommended to take precautions while having oral sex with an infected partner or multiple partners.

Precautions to consider during oral sex with an infected partner

If you’re engaging in oral sex with an infected partner, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of transmission:.

Use a barrier method like a dental dam or condom to cover the mouth or genital area. This can reduce the risk of coming into contact with infected bodily fluids.
Don’t brush or floss your teeth, use mouthwash, or chew gum before having oral sex. These activities may irritate the gums and increase the risk of bleeding, which can increase the risk of getting infected.
Avoid oral sex if you have a cut, sore, or bleeding gums in your mouth.
Get tested regularly for hepatitis C if you engage in high-risk behavior, such as having unprotected sex or sharing needles.

Conclusion

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood-to-blood contact, but it can also transmit through oral sex. However, the risk of getting infected through oral sex is relatively low, but it’s not zero.

Hence, it’s essential to take precautions, such as using a barrier method, avoiding brushing or flossing before oral sex, and getting tested regularly for hepatitis C.