Sexual risk

Can you get Hepatitis C from having sex?

There is a very small risk of people who are diagnosed with Hepatitis C, passing on the virus to sexual partners.

If you or your partner are infected with Hepatitis C, you should consider wearing condoms for sexual activities which potentially involve blood e.g anal sex, sex during menstruation. You should also avoid activities that nick or cut the skin to expose blood, such as biting or scratching.

Co-infection with HIV

People who are co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, particularly gay or bi-sexual men, may be more likely to pass on Hepatitis C to a sexual partner.

For this reason, if you or your partner are co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C you are advised to always practice safe sex and use condoms. You should also avoid activities that nick or cut the skin to expose blood.