Hepatitis B STD symptoms: what to know

When symptoms occur, they can include tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort under the ribs, fever, joint aches, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Dark urine may also appear. These features can occur with hepatitis B, but they can have other causes, so a symptom does not identify the infection by itself. A person can pass the virus during sexual contact without feeling unwell. Learn more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/), [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), and [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/).

If there has been possible sexual exposure, arrange a healthcare visit for hepatitis B testing and advice about other sexually transmitted infections. Do not wait for symptoms before asking about a test. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, and use condoms until a clinician explains your result and advises on protection. A clinician may review vaccination history and liver health; a [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) is one possible part of that assessment. [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/) helps prevent future infection but does not treat an existing infection.

Seek prompt medical advice for yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, marked vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, or unusual drowsiness. Go to urgent care if you feel confused, cannot keep fluids down, or become severely weak. After a recent possible exposure, contact a healthcare service promptly because preventive options may depend on timing.

Ask: Which hepatitis B tests do I need? Could vaccination or recent exposure change how my result is interpreted? Should a partner or household contact be tested or vaccinated? Do my symptoms call for liver blood tests, and when should I receive the result?