Email 256: Oral Sex and Hepa B

Posted by Pozziepinoy on 11:42 AM
Hi can I ask Dr. Philip if what is the risk of getting Hep B through giving oral sex and the partner ejaculated in the mouth? There was no cuts or bleeding during the activity. Please and thanks!


CONTRIBUTOR’S RESPONSE

Hi,

Thank you for the question.

Hepatitis B virus can cause chronic liver disease – and has the potential to be fatal. It is considered to be 100 times more infectious than HIV and  Hepatitis B viral particles are in semen, vaginal secretions, stool, tears, saliva, sweat and blood (including menstrual blood). There is clear evidence that Hepatitis B can be transmitted through vaginal and anal intercourse, but it is unproven whether it can be transmitted through oral sex. Since it is so contagious, there is a theoretical risk of transmitting Hepatitis B through cunnilingus, fellatio or analingus. The operative word here is theoretical, meaning the possibility is there based on the manner on how it is transmitted but this not seen at the clinical level.

In the context of your exposure, the possibility is extremely low to non-existent especially that you do not have any open wounds of bleeding gums. Other types of STD can however be transmitted like herpes just through mucosal contacts.

Regards,

Phillip Tjr (MD)
Philippine Contributor






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