Unprotected oral sex -- Possibility of Hepatitis

[mark_123]

I had a very brief (not more than 10 sec) oral sex (received) from a CSW whose status is unknown. I didnt have erection and no completion. There wass no open sore/cut on my penis. 2 weeks after that I started to have itching on my scalp. Blood test has reviled a slightly higher bilirubin (1.5 against normal high 1.2) . I will get tested for hepatitis. Is it possible that I have got infected to Hepatitis A,B or C?

Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There are many potential causes of slighly elevated bilirubin, but since you don't mention fever, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, almost certainly hepatitis isn't the cause.  (Many hepatitis infections are asymptomatic.  But if there is sufficient liver inflammation to raise the bilirubin level, you definitely would be sick.)  Further, the chance of acquring hepatitis from such a brief exposure is extremely low, probably zero.  Also, hepatitis C isn't sexually transmitted (certainly not by oral sex); hepatitis A is not transmitted by oral sex; and 2 weeks is too soon for the bilirubin to be elevated due to hepatitis B.  (And that too probably is not transmitted by oral sex, or at least too rarely to worry about.)

Follow up with your health care provider.  But you don't have sexually acquried hepatitis.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[monkeyflower]

Not from that encounter. But if you haven't been vaccinated for HBV, this would be a lovely time to do so.

Just curious, what did your doctor say about the elevated bilirubin? If s/he isn't worried, you shouldn't be either :-)

[mark_123]

He has suggested a number of tests including all hepatities. Other tests include iron deficiency, complete liver panel etc. But I am more worried about hepatities B since it is not curable

[mark_123]

Also why does this link
http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/sfcityclinic/stdbasics/stdchart.asp

doesnt mention about Hep B for receiving oral sex by a man from a woman?
Some other sites (including CDC) says unprotected oral sex is a risk to Hep B

Thanks

[monkeyflower]

Oral really isn't a risk for hepatitis b.

Hepatitis b isn't curable, but it is treatable. And most people by far are like me and resolve it without any problems. My husband, on the other hand, has cirrhosis from chronic HBV, which is why I'm a big cheerleader for vaccination. You weren't at risk from this encounter, but why not get vaccinated for the future?

[mark_123]

Thanks for the reply.
I know for a fact that I didnt have any other encounter with anyone. Also I dont have any other symptoms like yellowing of skin/eyes. But of course I have only slightly elevated bilirubin level.

I will work on the vaccination once I am done with my current treatment.

Thanks a lot.

[joe2468]

hey mark,

check out my post from 7/13....maybe we should talk...

monkeyflower,

would it matter if there was ejaculation or not in terms of getting an std (which alot of ppl have been saying is almost impossible) from brief unprotected oral?

[manton]

I had 1.6  billirubin level on my last physical which the cause was fatty deposits around the liver.  My primary care doctor told me to cut out alcohol especially hard liquer.  Their is supplements you can buy to help in the health of your liver. I good diet and exercise will get the levels back in line.