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STDs (Expert Forum)
Other STD Risks
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Warts, Yeast Infection.All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
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Other STD Risks
by Scared about this, Jun 29, 2008 02:09PM
Hello Dr.
It's been a while since I have visited the forums here. My last scare is well behind me now.
Though, I have come across some information that disturbs me in relation to HBV. According to many websites and online literature, HBV is considered a sexually transmitted disease. Many resources also state that the virus is highly infectious and is very prevalent in ALL body fluids.
1. If HBV is so highly contractible via sexual intercourse, why isn't it apart of routine STD checking protocol?
2. Of coarse I wouldn't be posting this if I wasn't concerned about exposure. Would French kissing transmit this virus? So many websites state that mucus membrane exposure to saliva is a likely route of transmition. Just when I thought kissing was okay to do, I don't feel very secure taking part in it anymore.
3. Would you consider hepatitis an STD and how likely is HBV transmissible though saliva.
4. If you do consider hepatitis to be sexually transmissible, what is a recommended window period one should wait before being tested for it?
It's been a while since I have visited the forums here. My last scare is well behind me now.
Though, I have come across some information that disturbs me in relation to HBV. According to many websites and online literature, HBV is considered a sexually transmitted disease. Many resources also state that the virus is highly infectious and is very prevalent in ALL body fluids.
1. If HBV is so highly contractible via sexual intercourse, why isn't it apart of routine STD checking protocol?
2. Of coarse I wouldn't be posting this if I wasn't concerned about exposure. Would French kissing transmit this virus? So many websites state that mucus membrane exposure to saliva is a likely route of transmition. Just when I thought kissing was okay to do, I don't feel very secure taking part in it anymore.
3. Would you consider hepatitis an STD and how likely is HBV transmissible though saliva.
4. If you do consider hepatitis to be sexually transmissible, what is a recommended window period one should wait before being tested for it?
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jun 29, 2008 02:54PM
, Jun 29, 2008 02:54PM
Indeed, HBV is an STD and always has been. It is also becoming more and more UNcommon in developed countries now that more and more people are being vaccinated to prevent the infection.
1. See above. Also, there is no treatment so that if someone is found to have HBV there is little to do about this infection which is most often self limited. In many top STD programs, if a person is tested for STDs and has not had or already been vaccinated for HBV, the vaccine is offered.
2. HBV is not transmitted by kissing (like other STDs including HIV). Whatever web site you are getting information from is greatly overstating the risk from kissing. You have no reason not to feel secure about kissing.
3. It is an STD. Transmission through kissing is not a realistic concern, nor do I suggest that ANYONE worry about salivary transmission.
4. Nearly all hepatitis B is detected using a combination antigen/antibody screening test within a month of exposure.
Reading between the lines, I see signs of high anxiety here. This is not something o worry about except in the most unusual of circumstances and certainly not because of oral exposures. EWH
1. See above. Also, there is no treatment so that if someone is found to have HBV there is little to do about this infection which is most often self limited. In many top STD programs, if a person is tested for STDs and has not had or already been vaccinated for HBV, the vaccine is offered.
2. HBV is not transmitted by kissing (like other STDs including HIV). Whatever web site you are getting information from is greatly overstating the risk from kissing. You have no reason not to feel secure about kissing.
3. It is an STD. Transmission through kissing is not a realistic concern, nor do I suggest that ANYONE worry about salivary transmission.
4. Nearly all hepatitis B is detected using a combination antigen/antibody screening test within a month of exposure.
Reading between the lines, I see signs of high anxiety here. This is not something o worry about except in the most unusual of circumstances and certainly not because of oral exposures. EWH
The CDC lists people who have "house hold contacts" with infected persons to be at risk.
What does "house hold" contact mean?
Other then that, thanks for your time.
I understand now that when it is stated (by CDC, etc) that HBV can be spread by anal, vaginal, and oral sex they are being a bit too general by failing to mention the direction of transmission and the relative risk.
The best information I could find was that HBV is basically spread blood-to-blood and genital secretions-to-blood. For example in my case (insertive oral) there is a slight risk genital-to-oral because you could be exposed to genital secretions but zero risk oral-to-genital because you are only exposed to saliva. Assuming there is no visible blood involved.
All the same after doing some research I am surprised that routine Hepatitis testing is not done but Syphilis testing is. I was also a bit disappointed that my GP has never suggested testing or vaccination to me.