Safer Sex

Hepatitis C is not generally spread through sex, however transmission can occur if blood is involved. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through blood and sexual fluids.

Following these guidelines can help stop the transmission of hepatitis B and C, as well as sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and chlamydia.

1. Always use condoms, latex gloves and dams where appropriate. These are all available from most chemists, from the WA AIDS Council (at 664 Murray Street, West Perth or from the WAAC Van) and Family Planning WA Sexual Health Services (located at 70 Roe Street, Northbridge).
2. Use a water-based lubricant to prevent skin trauma caused by friction. This applies equally to both anal and vaginal sex.
3. If using sex toys, make sure they have been washed thoroughly with lukewarm or tepid soapy water beforehand. This also goes for any bondage or S&M equipment.  If sharing sex toys, it is important that they be used with a condom (a new condom each time) and that water-based lubricant is used.

It is important to remember that some infections can take up to six months to be detectable in a blood test. This is the case with both hepatitis B and C, while HIV takes up to three months. It is therefore possible to transmit these viruses without knowing you are infected.

For more information, contact the Information and Support line at HepatitisWA on (08) 9328 8538 (metro) or 1800 800 070 (country).

Page last updated: Wednesday 15 September, 2010