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Q.

Are men and women equally at risk of getting and spreading hepatitis through sex?

Related Topics: Sexual Intercourse, Hepatitis
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A.

The risk is determined by a person’s behavior, not his/her gender.

Men who have sex with men are 10 to 15 times more likely than the general population to be infected with hepatitis B.

Viral hepatitis is also more common among people who come from parts of the world where the disease is endemic, including Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Infection is also more common among current or former users of inhaled or injected drugs. People with tattoos or piercings are also more likely to be infected because the needles used to create these body decorations sometimes harbor the hepatitis virus.

Of course, just because someone belongs to one of these risk groups doesn’t mean he or she is infected. And just because someone doesn’t belong to a risk group doesn’t mean he or she is free of infection.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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