Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Unlike hepatitis B, hepatitis C rarely goes away on its own. Therefore, treatment is often needed to get the virus out of the body and prevent further damage. How exactly does the treatment of hepatitis C go? We'll explain that to you.

What is the treatment for hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is treated with medications. In recent years, the quality of these medications has greatly increased. As a result, there is a greater chance of a complete cure and you will experience almost no side effects. Treatment lasts from 8 to 12 weeks. If no virus can be found in your blood for another 12 weeks after treatment, you are completely cured of hepatitis C. 

When do you get hepatitis C treatment?

Medication for hepatitis C is prescribed by a doctor. The doctor usually waits 4-6 weeks after diagnosis to start treatment because there is a (small) chance that you will heal on your own. Treatment prevents further damage to the liver and reduces and stops infectivity. The earlier you start, the smaller the chance of permanent liver damage. Therefore, test as soon as possible if you think you have become infected with hepatitis C.

The risk of hepatitis C without treatment

If the virus remains in your body and nothing is done, your liver may suffer permanent damage. For example, you may develop cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. In severe cases, this can be life-threatening. Because hepatitis C often progresses without symptoms, the infection can cause damage unnoticed. Therefore, when in doubt, it is important to always test and treat if necessary.

Arrange your test and treatment via Soapoli-online

Arrange your test and follow-up steps easily through Soapoli-online. You order a reliable home test that uses a finger prick test to take a drop of blood from your finger. You send in the sample and receive the results within a few working days. Does the test indicate that you have hepatitis C? Then our nurses will help you immediately with advice and referral for treatment. All safely, discreetly and without a visit to the doctor.

Resources

This page has been carefully compiled with information from official and independent health organizations:

STI AIDS Netherlands: NoMoreC: information and prevention for Hepatitis C.

Why choose Soapoli-online?

Soapoli-online has been offering complete STI care for more than 10 years. Think you recognize the symptoms of an STI? Take a test to find out for sure. More than 50,000 people a year already rely on our home STI testing. The test kits are available at as many as 500 pharmacies and, of course, in our online store. Our team of expert STD nurses is ready to help you every step of the way toward a healthy body. From choosing the test to ordering medication.