Hepatitis B immunizations are essential for preventing the virus hepatitis B. Hepatitis B virus is a serious health disease that can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, liver failure, and death. The vaccine for hepatitis B should be used if you are sexually active with multiple partners, someone with hepatitis B, injects drugs, comes in contact with human blood regularly, and in many other instances that can put you at further risk for developing the infection.
Hepatitis B is a serious condition with virtually no symptoms during the early onset of the infection. Symptoms that develop over time can include yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomach aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and joint pain. Some people become noticeably sick with the virus within the first six months, while others may develop a chronic infection that does not become present for many years. Hepatitis B can be transmitted through contact with the blood of someone else infected, or having sex with an infected person.
How does the vaccine affect menstruation?
The hepatitis B vaccine works by exposing your body to a small dosage of the virus, allowing your body to develop immunity to the disease. While changes in the menstrual cycle are not a typical side effect of the vaccine, it is possible that women who receive the hepatitis B vaccination may experience changes in their menstrual cycles that are unusual. Menstrual irregularities, including shorter or missed periods, are common side effects of the actual hepatitis B disease.
Periods may also be lighter in menstrual flow and come at irregular times in relation to your normal menstrual cycle. Irregularities in your menstrual cycle are not a common known side effect of the vaccination, so it is possible that if you are experiencing menstrual irregularities it is the result of an underlying cause.
Hepatitis B is also known to disturb the hormonal changes that occur in women during the menopausal phase. Women who experience changes in their menstrual cycle or menopausal phase after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine might be experiencing an interruption in their typical hormone levels, and should seek advice from their healthcare professional.
If you are experiencing these side effects, they might either be underlying or the cause of hepatitis B already being present in your body. Every woman’s response and reactions to the vaccinations may not be the same, and it’s important to disclose what you might be experiencing with your doctor in order to find its cause.
Can hepatitis B be transmitted through menstrual blood?
It is proven that hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with someone who is infected with the virus. It is also a common theory that someone can develop the infection after coming into contact with the menstrual blood of someone who has hepatitis B. If you already have developed the virus, make sure you properly dispose of your sanitary pads and tampons and avoid having sex during your period.
Is the vaccine safe?
The hepatitis B vaccine is generally a very safe vaccination, and most recipients either experience no related problems or very mild side effects. More common side effects include fever, irritability, pain and soreness at the injection site, headache, tiredness, and fatigue. Side effect are usually not severe and do not require medical attention.
The best way to prevent hepatitis B is to get the vaccine for it. The hepatitis B vaccine is effective in ensuring that you do not develop the infection if you come in contact with the virus. It’s usually given as 3-4 shots over a 6 month period.
There is no specific treatment for the HBV infection. There are medicines available for people with chronic hepatitis B, although they are not definite and affect each individual differently. The risks associated with hepatitis B outweigh the risks of the side effects from the vaccination, so getting the vaccination is important in ensuring that you can prevent the disease from infecting you.
