Is hepatitis C contagious sexually?

The virus spreads when infected blood reaches another person’s bloodstream. Sexual situations involving bleeding, sores, rough contact or shared equipment can create that route. Risk is also affected by other infections and individual circumstances, so a clinician can give personalised advice without judgement.

Hepatitis C may cause no symptoms; fatigue is possible but does not establish infection. A sexual partner cannot be assessed accurately from symptoms alone.

Use barriers when there may be blood exposure, avoid sexual contact while either person has bleeding or open sores, and do not share items that can cut the skin. Discuss testing with a GP after a concern or known exposure. A liver function test may support the review, but hepatitis C-specific blood tests are required.

If infection is confirmed, follow the treatment plan and ask how long precautions should continue. Keep communication with partners factual and supportive.

Arrange prompt advice after a sexual exposure involving blood, a broken condom with bleeding, or shared skin-piercing equipment. Seek urgent care for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe swelling of the abdomen or rapidly worsening jaundice.

Ask whether testing is needed now or later, which precautions fit your relationship, whether a partner should test, and whether other blood-borne infections need assessment. Ask how to protect privacy during testing and follow-up.