In July, the World health Organization takes steps to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and how it can impact people from all walks of life in every corner of the world. At Stark Women’s Center, we also are working to make all our patients, young and old, aware of the impact of hepatitis infection.
Hepatitis viruses – the most common are hepatitis A, B, and C – cause acute inflammation of the liver. They are passed through contact with bodily fluids, usually unsafe sex or shared needles, but also may pass through close contact with an infected person or through contaminated water. A hepatitis A infection typically resolves itself over several months, but hepatitis B and C can become chronic, leading possibly to liver disease, cancer and even death.
The impact for women can have added complications, especially relative to a hepatitis C infection.
- For women in child-bearing years, the scarring on the liver caused by a hepatitis infection can cause birth control to fail as the body is less able to process the estrogen used in birth control.
- For pregnant women, both hepatitis B and C can be passed to the unborn child during pregnancy and during birth.
- Treatments for hepatitis C have been shown to cause birth defects, so consultation with a doctor is crucial before becoming pregnant.
- For menopausal women dealing with a hepatitis infection, liver damage can become more pronounced as estrogen levels drop.
Symptoms, screening and treatment
Most often, hepatitis produces no symptoms. Even those with chronic conditions may not be aware until liver damage presents decades after infection. This makes screening extremely important.
New guidelines from the CDC now recommend a one-time screening for Hep C for every adult over the age of 18 and screening for pregnant women during each pregnancy. Since there is no vaccine for Hep C, this is critical for providing the earliest possible treatment and the best prognosis for managing an infection.
Vaccines for Hep A and B are readily available today, and are typically provided during childhood – at birth for Hep B. As a result, the rates for these infections have declined significantly in the last several years.
The doctors at Stark Women’s Center are always available to discuss your concerns about hepatitis and provide screening as recommended to best protect our patients from chronic disease. While symptoms may not be present, if you are experiencing any of the following, we suggest making an appointment at our clinic.
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Certain factors could put you more at risk for contracting hepatitis, including traveling to a country where the disease is prominent or living with someone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis. Contact our team today to learn more about hepatitis and how to prevent and treat it.