[Question #8584] Hepatitis B Worry
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42 months ago
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Drs. Handsfield/Hook, About 8 months ago I had an exposure with a 22 yr. old male in Fort Collins, CO. I received oral sex and we tried unprotected anal with me as the insertive partner. I only penetrated him about the depth of the tip and it lasted for 10-15 seconds before I pulled out. I was worried so I carefully checked my penis. Saw no blood or fluids. After that incident I tested negative for HIV and started doxicycline for 10 days. I have now just become aware it may have been possible to contract hep B. I have had no symptoms at all. He may have been vaccinated for hep B since it has become routine part of immunizations, but I don't know for sure. He said he routinely gets tested for STDs. I didn't ask about Hep B. He said he doesn't have many partners and usually uses a condom. I have received oral sex before from a man, but this is the first attempt at intercourse. 1) What are the odds I was infected with Hep B? 2) If he had Hep B, I'm I now infectious? 3) would there have been symptoms by now? 4) could I have been infected and "cleared" the Hep B? I'm worried about Hep B infection. Thank you for your time and expertise!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
42 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. I happened to be on the site when your question arrived so you are getting a response somewhat more quickly than is the norm. I'll be glad to comment
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You do not mention your age but since the early 1990s it has been routine for children to be vaccinated for hepatitis B with the first vaccination occurring soon after birth. Odds are that your partner and perhaps you were vaccinated. if so, hepatitis B is not a concern. Even if you (or he) was not vaccinated however, the likelihood of infection is virtually zero. There are no data to suggest that hepatitis B is transmitted by oral sex. Likewise the lack of full penetration makes your risk of hepatitis B from your penile-anal contact unlikely as well. Finally, even when exposed, most single exposures to infected/infectious partners do not lead to infection. Personally, given the information I have provided, I would not be worried.
Thus, in response to your questions:
1. As noted above, close to zero.
2. Not everyone who acquired hepatitis B becomes symptomatic but most (70%) do. Symptoms typically occur, within 60 days of exposure although the virus can typically be detected in blood tests at 30-60 days
3. See above, you are far beyond when symptoms would be anticipated to appear.
4. Most persons who acquire hepatitis B clear the infection. As noted above however, your risk for infection is close to zero.
I really would not worry if I were you. If you wish however, you could get a hepatitis B blood test which would tell you if you were infected, as well as whether or not you were vaccinated. (Persons who are vaccinated have only hepatitis B surface antigen antodies while persons who have been infected tend to have antibodies to both the hepatitis B core antigen as well as the hepatitis B surface antigen.
I hope his information helps. Please don't worry. EWH
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42 months ago
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Dr. Hook, Thank you so much for your quick reply. I feel much better. I am 50 and I don't know whether I have ever been vaccinated for Hep B. though I doubt it? I suppose it is possible there was a little more than the tip inserted and it lasted 20-30 seconds, not the 10-15 I remember. Would that make a difference to your analysis?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
42 months ago
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This really does not change my assessment. I really would not worry EWH---
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42 months ago
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help, time and expertise.