Hepatitis caused by viruses, known as viral hepatitis, usually tends to affect the liver, leading to inflammation of the organ. However, experts say that such viral infections, particularly hepatitis B and C, can also affect male fertility by affecting sperm function. During an exclusive interaction with HealthSite, Dr Nisha Pansare, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Pune, decoded the link between hepatitis and male infertility.
What should people know about hepatitis viruses?
There are different types of hepatitis viruses such as A, B, C, D and E. Each of these viruses will have different symptoms and treatment options will be based on the type of virus that someone is infected with. A simple test can determine the type of hepatitis a person has. Hepatitis can be spread through sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) along with many other ways. When it comes to STDs and diseases that affect fertility, HPV, HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia tend to have short-term and long-term effects.
How do hepatitis B and C affect male fertility?
There is a link between hepatitis and infertility. A large number of people are affected by hepatitis B. Hepatitis may have no effect on the normal functioning of the ovaries or uterine glands. But it can negatively affect spermatogenesis in men. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted through contaminated blood, while HBV can also be transmitted through sexual contact or through other contaminated fluids. Various studies have confirmed that many viruses can affect sperm and cause male infertility. HCV leads to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility. Semen volume and sperm count are affected. In addition, the ‘S’ protein in HBV tends to reduce sperm motility and reduce the fertilization rate in sperm by more than half. According to available evidence, couples in which the male partner had HBV were at risk of low fertility even after opting for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Men who are diagnosed with hepatitis B have a higher risk of sperm DNA fragmentation, or damage to the DNA within the sperm, which causes infertility and even miscarriage.
So, what should one do to keep hepatitis B infection at bay?
Men with hepatitis B are more likely to experience infertility compared to those without the infection. Hepatitis B is most often associated with infertility. Vaccination is an effective and completely safe way to keep hepatitis B at bay. Thus, sexually active people, people with multiple sexual partners, and the sexual partner of a known or suspected hepatitis B positive person should get the vaccine against of hepatitis B without any delay. If you are planning a baby with different types of ART, then talk to your fertility specialist about hepatitis and its management. You should follow the instructions given by your fertility consultant if you are planning to start a family.
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