The effects of hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a disease and STI caused by the hepatitis B virus. This virus infects the liver. Sometimes your body clears the virus itself, but in other cases it remains present and causes a chronic infection.
Hepatitis B long-term consequences.
When hepatitis B is not treated, the virus can cause long-term damage to the liver. In some cases, the body does not clear up the infection itself, so the virus remains active. This is called chronic hepatitis B. A chronic infection can cause the liver to work less and less well. Also, with long-term inflammation, the risk of liver cancer increases. In severe cases, the liver may even fail completely, which is life-threatening.
Hepatitis B and pregnancy
Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. A newborn can therefore get a chronic infection right from the start, which can cause serious liver damage later on. In the Netherlands, you are therefore tested for hepatitis B at the beginning of pregnancy.
The treatment of hepatitis B
Whether you need treatment depends on whether the infection is acute or chronic. An acute infection, which is cleared up by the body itself, often requires only monitoring. A chronic infection may require medication to suppress the virus and prevent further liver damage.
Unsure if you have hepatitis B? Do a test
Hepatitis B can have major consequences for your health, even if you have no symptoms. And because you can pass on the virus even without symptoms, this infection can spread unnoticed. That is why it is very important to test when in doubt. At Soapoli-online you can easily order a hepatitis B test, which you can take yourself at home. Within a few days you will receive the results and know where you stand.
Resources
This page has been carefully compiled with information from official and independent health organizations:
- STI AIDS Netherlands - Hepatitis B
- STI AIDS Netherlands - Hepatitis B treatment.
- STI AIDS Netherlands for professionals - Hepatitis B testing and treatment
Take good care of your health with Soapoli-online's STI self-tests. Not sure yet which STI your symptoms fit with? Then first do our free STI Testing Guide!