Dear NICKIKY,

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. The group of viruses that infect the liver are called hepatitis viruses. Some types of hepatitis can cause very serious diseases and — in extreme cases — may lead to death. There are three types of hepatitis virus: that can be sexually transmitted: A, B, and C. Hepatitis A is usually spread by food contaminated with feces, but it can be spread sexually as well. Hepatitis B is often transmitted sexually. Hepatitis C is rarely spread sexually.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is most often passed through direct contact with an infected person's blood. It is more likely to spread during sex if either of the sex partners has another sexually transmitted infection.

Condoms greatly reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, so be sure to use one when you have vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. Infection through oral is sex is much less likely than by unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse. If you would like to further reduce the risk of infection during oral sex play on a man, you can use latex condoms. For oral sex on a woman, you can use Glyde dams, dental dams, a cut open condom, or plastic wrap.

The type of hepatitis most likely to be sexually transmitted is hepatitis B (HBV). It is spread through semen, vaginal fluids, and blood.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.