What should you know about hepatitis B and sex?

The virus can be present in blood and certain body fluids. Vaginal, anal, and oral sexual activity may create opportunities for transmission, especially when there are sores, bleeding, or broken skin. A person can carry hepatitis B without feeling ill; [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) or [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) may occur, but symptoms are not a reliable way to identify infection. Hepatitis B is not spread by ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing food, or sitting nearby.

Use condoms or other barrier protection until a clinician confirms that a partner is protected. Encourage current or former partners to arrange testing and ask about [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/). Do not share razors, toothbrushes, needles, or sex toys unless they are cleaned according to medical advice; cover cuts and dispose of blood-contaminated materials safely. After a recent possible exposure, seek medical advice promptly because preventive treatment may be time-sensitive. A clinician may use [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) or other blood tests to assess your health. Read more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Contact a clinic promptly after unprotected sex with a person who has hepatitis B or whose status is unknown, particularly if you are unvaccinated or unsure of your vaccine history. Seek urgent help for yellow eyes, severe vomiting, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or bleeding. A sexual exposure does not automatically mean infection, but it is a reason to discuss testing and protection.

Ask which tests you and your partner need, whether vaccination is complete, how long to use barrier protection, and whether a recent exposure needs urgent preventive care. Discuss pregnancy, other infections, and any liver symptoms.