Quick Answer

Yes, hepatitis B is an STI. It spreads through blood, semen, and other body fluids during sex, as well as through shared needles. Hepatitis A can also be sexually transmitted, but hepatitis C is less commonly spread this way.

  • Hepatitis B spreads through sex, blood, and shared needles.
  • Hepatitis A spreads through fecal-oral contact, including oral-anal sex.
  • Hepatitis C spreads mainly through blood, but sexual transmission is possible.
  • Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B, but not for C.
  • Hepatitis B can become chronic, while hepatitis A does not.
  • Using condoms reduces the risk of hepatitis B and C transmission.

Context Most Pages Skip

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, and it can be caused by several different viruses. The three most common in the US are hepatitis A, B, and C. They are distinct viruses with different transmission routes. Hepatitis B is indeed an STI because it spreads through sexual contact and blood. Hepatitis A is also sexually transmissible, particularly through oral-anal contact. Hepatitis C is primarily bloodborne, but sexual transmission can occur, especially in certain situations. Understanding which virus you are dealing with matters for prevention, testing, and treatment.

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⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.