Sexual health

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable and can be transmitted sexually and at birth; hepatitis C is mainly blood-borne and is now curable with short tablet courses.

Common symptoms

Often none for years
Tiredness, nausea, abdominal discomfort
Yellow eyes or skin, dark urine in acute illness

Useful to track

Vaccination status
Possible exposures
Test dates and results

Tests and conversations that may be relevant

Blood tests: hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies, and hepatitis C antibody with confirmatory PCR
Hepatitis B testing in every pregnancy
Not always included in a basic STI screen — ask

When to see a GP or specialist

Any possible exposure
Planning pregnancy
If you have never been vaccinated against hepatitis B

Urgent warning signs

Yellow eyes with vomiting, confusion or severe abdominal pain

In Australia, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Questions to take to a clinician

Was hepatitis included in my tests?
Am I immune to hepatitis B?
If positive, who will manage my care?

Log a symptom Ask about this

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)Thrush (yeast infection)Bacterial vaginosis (BV)Chlamydia

eophi shares general information reviewed against Australian guidance. It never diagnoses. If something feels urgent, call 000 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.