Hepatitis-- Hepatitis is a disease caused by a virus that affects the liver, sometimes causing permanent liver damage, scarring, and in some cases even death. As related to STDs, it is important to know that certain types of sexual activity can spread the virus. Transmission of hepatitis C through sex is uncommon.

Hepatitis A can be transmitted from feces to mouth. You increase your risk by rimming (sticking your tongue in or around someone's anus) and by having anal sex.

Hepatitis B can be spread through sex (oral, anal or vaginal) or through contact with an infected person's blood or body fluids. A mother can also pass it on to her newborn during childbirth. Many persons who are infected with hepatitis B virus have no symptoms. Others become ill with these symptoms: Loss of appetite; Tiredness; Pain in muscles, joints, or stomach; Diarrhea or vomiting; Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) How Common? Each year in the United States, an estimated 200,000 persons are newly infected with hepatitis B virus. More than 11,000 of these people are hospitalized, and 20,000 remain chronically infected.