Understanding Hepatitis B: Causes, Treatments, and Its Connection to IVF

When preparing for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), patients are often surprised by the number of medical tests they undergo before starting their cycle. One of the most common screenings is for hepatitis B, a viral infection that can have implications for both overall health and fertility treatment outcomes. Understanding what hepatitis B is, how it spreads, and how it can be managed is essential for anyone considering IVF.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus can lead to both acute infections (short-term illness that may resolve within weeks or months) and chronic infections (long-term disease lasting more than six months). Chronic cases are more serious, as they increase the risk of liver complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, or liver cancer.

HBV is highly contagious and can survive outside the body for several days, making transmission relatively easy compared to other viruses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B, making it a major global health concern.

Causes and Transmission

The hepatitis B virus spreads primarily through blood and bodily fluids. Common modes of transmission include:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner

• Sharing needles or syringes, often associated with intravenous drug use

• Blood transfusions with unscreened blood (rare in developed healthcare systems today)

• From mother to child during childbirth (perinatal transmission is one of the most common routes globally)

• Accidental exposure in healthcare settings, such as needle-stick injuries

It is important to note that hepatitis B cannot be spread through casual contact like hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drinks.

Symptoms

Not everyone with HBV will experience noticeable symptoms, which is why the infection is sometimes called a “silent disease.” However, when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Abdominal pain, especially near the liver

• Dark urine or pale stools

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

In chronic hepatitis B, many patients remain asymptomatic until serious liver damage has occurred. This is why regular screening is critical.

Treatment and Management

There is currently no complete cure for chronic hepatitis B, but effective treatments exist to control the infection and prevent complications.

1. Antiviral Medications

Drugs such as tenofovir or entecavir are commonly prescribed. They don’t eliminate the virus completely, but they reduce viral load and protect the liver from damage.

2. Regular Monitoring

Patients with hepatitis B should undergo routine blood tests and liver scans to assess liver health and detect complications early.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically active can help reduce liver stress.

4. Vaccination

The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. It not only protects individuals from contracting HBV but also prevents mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.

Hepatitis B and IVF: Why Screening Matters

For patients pursuing IVF, hepatitis B screening is a mandatory step in most fertility clinics worldwide. This is done for several important reasons:

1. Protecting the Baby

If a woman is positive for hepatitis B, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to her baby during pregnancy or delivery. However, with proper medical intervention—including antiviral treatment during pregnancy and newborn vaccination at birth—the chances of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%.

2. Protecting the Partner and Medical Staff

Since HBV is spread through blood and body fluids, IVF clinics must take extra precautions in the laboratory and operating theatre. Screening ensures safe handling of eggs, sperm, and embryos.

3. Tailored IVF Protocols

Patients with chronic hepatitis B may require adjusted medication protocols or closer monitoring during IVF to ensure their liver is not negatively affected by hormonal stimulation or other treatments.

4. Embryo and Gamete Safety

In rare cases, HBV may affect sperm or eggs. Advanced techniques such as sperm washing or careful laboratory handling are used to minimize risks. Some clinics also employ NGS (next-generation sequencing) and other advanced embryo testing to ensure optimal outcomes while protecting embryo health.

IVF Success and Hepatitis B Patients

The good news is that hepatitis B does not prevent successful IVF outcomes. With modern medical care, patients with HBV can undergo IVF, achieve pregnancy, and deliver healthy babies. The key is early detection, treatment if needed, and close collaboration with both fertility specialists and hepatologists (liver specialists).

Many clinics in fertility destinations such as North Cyprus—where advanced technologies like AI-based embryo selection and NGS testing are available—routinely handle patients with hepatitis B. They provide comprehensive care, ensuring both maternal health and the safety of the baby throughout the fertility journey.

Conclusion

Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection, but with screening, treatment, and vaccination, its risks can be effectively managed. For individuals and couples pursuing IVF, being tested for hepatitis B is not just a routine step—it is a safeguard for their own health, their future baby, and everyone involved in the treatment process.

Fertility clinics worldwide are well-equipped to guide hepatitis B-positive patients through safe and successful IVF journeys. With modern science and careful medical oversight, hepatitis B does not have to stand in the way of achieving the dream of parenthood.