The Hidden Connection Between Hepatitis B and Erectile Dysfunction

The Hidden Connection Between Hepatitis B and Erectile Dysfunction 

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When men hear about Hepatitis B, they would not think of erectile dysfunction (ED). But it turns out that this highly infectious disease can cause ED, which means that erectile issues can be a sign that you're infected with Hepatitis B. We will be discussing the link between Hepatitis B and ED, key information about Hepatitis, and how to prevent yourself from getting infected. 

What is Hepatitis B? 

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus that leads to inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B can either be acute or chronic. Some people capable of fighting the virus only experience acute Hepatitis B for the first few months, while others live with its effects for the rest of their lives. Around 83% of the 1.3 million deaths due to viral hepatitis in 2022 were specifically because of Hepatitis B. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 254 million people carry Hepatitis B. 

The Hepatitis B virus can stay alive outside the body for at least seven days, contributing to its contagiousness. The way it’s transmitted is through contact with the bodily fluids of the infected person, such as blood, saliva, and semen. Hepatitis B is usually transmitted through sexual contact among male adults, but it could also be due to reusing syringes when taking drugs. It takes anywhere between 30 to 60 days before the virus can be reliably detected by blood tests or laboratory exams. 

Symptoms of Hepatitis B 

Hepatitis B has an incubation period of anywhere between 30 to 180 days. The incubation period is the time it takes before symptoms manifest. But despite having an incubation period, most people with Hepatitis B are asymptomatic, which means that they are not receiving any treatment which is crucial for surviving chronic Hepatitis B. Since they are unaware that they have Hepatitis B, they may be unintentionally spreading the virus too if they have an active sexual life with multiple partners. 

If a person infected with Hepatitis B does end up showing symptoms, it’s usually during the acute stage of the disease. Here are the initial symptoms of Hepatitis B: 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Abdominal pain 
• Fatigue 
• Malaise 
• Dark urine 
• Jaundice 

Except for jaundice or the yellowing of the skin and eyes, these symptoms are also shown by other more common diseases. So, unless the person is trying to test specifically for Hepatitis B or is aware they are at risk for it (e.g. they told the doctors they had unprotected sex with many people), they can be misdiagnosed. Not all these symptoms will also be exhibited by everyone. Acute symptoms also stop even if the person still has an active infection, which means that Hepatitis B can turn “silent.” 

When Hepatitis B reaches the chronic stage, it can take several years before the next set of signs appear. What makes Hepatitis B so deadly is that it damages your liver, and it usually only becomes noticeable once it’s already advanced: 

• Liver fibrosis (mild scarring of the liver) 
• Liver cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver) 
• Fulminant hepatitis (acute liver failure) 
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) 

So, for Hepatitis B, prevention and early detection are paramount. Being aware of the disease, your actions, and what your body tells you is key. And sometimes, Hepatitis B has unusual symptoms like ED. 

Hepatitis B and Erectile Dysfunction 

Recent research examining the connection of erectile dysfunction to chronic liver diseases has found that 76.4% of men with Hepatitis B also have ED and that 60.3% of these cases are severe. It also showed that those who are experiencing liver cirrhosis because of chronic Hepatitis B have a higher risk of severe ED. While it’s true that there might be indirect factors involved like hypertension and diabetes mellitus, there are a plethora of studies that show high rates of ED among male Hepatitis B patients. 

This means that it’s worth investing in further research for Hepatitis B and ED, especially when it comes to better treatment for patients. ED can be a side effect of medications, as seen on males with hypertension who use beta-blockers and diuretics. In viral hepatitis, those with Hepatitis B are also at risk of getting Hepatitis D. Hepatitis D is a serious type of viral hepatitis that is strongly linked with serious liver consequences. Interferon, the drug that’s used to manage Hepatitis D, can lower libido and affect erectile function. 

Given that prescription can cause issues with male sexual health, it’s also important to note that those with Hepatitis B tend to have mental health disorders given the incurable nature of their condition. Depression and anxiety are known psychogenic causes of ED, and the psychotropic drugs that are used to treat these may also negatively affect erectile health. Hepatitis B can also disrupt testosterone production since the virus can hurt the gonads (testes). Men with liver issues also have lower levels of testosterone. 

How Alcohol Complicates ED and Hepatitis B 

It can be easy for men who are asymptomatic or lack awareness of Hepatitis B to overlook the possibility of being infected. If men with Hepatitis B consume a lot of alcohol, they may attribute the ED to only the alcohol and/or think that their liver issues are simply due to their drinking. While it helps to cut back or eliminate alcohol, these men are at risk of having their livers damaged to the point of irreversibility by their untreated Hepatitis B. After all, chronic liver inflammation can lead to too much scarring (fibrosis and cirrhosis) that can stiffen the liver. 

Hepatitis B patients who continue to consume alcohol are at increased danger of faster progression of Hepatitis B and liver complications. There is a possibility of being diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis instead since you don't need a virus to cause liver inflammation. The word "hepatitis" means inflammation, so other liver diseases with inflammation typically have it. Note that inflammation is not necessarily a bad thing because it's part of the liver's natural defence. Issues happen if they become chronic. 

Preventive Measures Against Hepatitis B for Men 

There are ways to manage Hepatitis B with ED. But since Hepatitis B still has no cure, it’s better to just avoid catching it altogether. Not only does this protect your health, but it will also keep your loved ones safe. Here are the actions you can take to protect yourself from Hepatitis B: 

• Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine – there are vaccines for Hepatitis B for all ages. We recommend going to the nearest hospital or clinic to get the Hepatitis B vaccine for your age range. You may need to get boosters since some vaccines may only be guaranteed to be effective for a certain period. Try to get everyone you know, especially your immediate family, to get the Hepatitis B vaccine too. 
• Ask new sexual partners to get tested – while this may seem awkward for some, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are having sex with multiple partners, it’s best to get them tested for Hepatitis B and other STDs. As a gesture of goodwill, you can choose to offer to pay for the testing and accompany them to the clinic. You can also get tested yourself so that both of you have an assurance that you’re both safe to have sex with. 
• Use plain condoms – when having intercourse, we recommend using condoms especially if you are not yet vaccinated. Condoms will decrease the exchange of fluids between you and your sexual partner, so there is less chance of anyone getting infected. This will also protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unplanned pregnancies. Flavoured condoms might be less effective, so pick plain ones instead. 
• Avoid oil-based lubricants – some opt to use them for a better sexual experience, but they can make your condom less effective in protecting you. But don’t worry, you can just use water-based lubricants. These are much safer for your partner as oil-based lubricants can cause irritations and may make intercourse more painful. 
• Don’t accept reused syringes – Hepatitis B is transmitted when the bodily fluid of an infected person enters someone else’s bloodstream, so only proceed with medical procedures that use syringes from sealed packets. That means they are for one-time use. Similarly, do not share syringes with someone else, whatever your purpose is for using injections. Be very wary of anything that can pierce you. When getting a tattoo, make sure that they thoroughly disinfect the needles that will be used on you. 

Outlook 

The surge in the number of Hepatitis B cases around the world has been alarming. But by taking the necessary steps, you will be able to protect yourself and your loved ones while helping our community. But whether you have Hepatitis B or not, it’s best to get checked by an expert if you are having difficulties in your sexual health. Book an appointment with us for a thorough examination and comprehensive treatment of your ED.