Liver specialist explains how hepatitis affects women; tips and tests every woman should know for early detection

By Admin

29 Jul, 2025

Hepatitis is a global health concern affecting millions, and women are particularly vulnerable not just due to biological factors but also because of social, economic, and cultural barriers. While some strains of hepatitis are preventable or treatable, the lack of awareness, access to proper healthcare, and the stigma associated with the disease continue to hinder early detection and treatment in women.

What is Hepatitis?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses or non-infectious agents. There are five primary types of hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, hepatitis B and C are the most dangerous, often leading to chronic illness, liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. WHO estimates that 1.3 million people die every year from hepatitis-related complications.

The World Hepatitis Alliance further highlights that women face greater challenges in accessing timely and quality health services due to discrimination and socio-cultural factors, making education and awareness critical.

Hepatitis in Women: A Hidden Crisis

In a conversation with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Jignesh Patel, liver specialist at HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad, highlighted that hepatitis B remains a serious, yet preventable, health issue in India. “Despite being the pillars of families and society, women often lack the awareness and resources needed for protection and prevention,” he said.

Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director at International SOS (India), pointed out that hepatitis B and C infections can stay hidden (asymptomatic) for years. Many women, especially those balancing work, home, and family responsibilities, ignore or misinterpret symptoms as stress or hormonal changes. This self-neglect causes delayed diagnosis often only after irreversible liver damage has occurred.

What Prevents Early Detection in Women?

1. Lack of Awareness:
Many women don’t know how hepatitis spreads through blood, unprotected sex, or from mother to child. Misconceptions persist, and preventive care often takes a backseat in their busy lives.

2. Inadequate Screening:
A simple blood test (S. HBsAg) can detect hepatitis B, especially important before pregnancy. However, many clinics run only during standard hours, and working women may not have the flexibility to undergo preventive tests.

3. Vaccination Gaps:
Though childhood hepatitis B vaccination is part of India's Universal Immunisation Program, many adult women especially of reproductive age miss out. Those born before the inclusion of hepatitis vaccines in the national schedule often remain unvaccinated.

4. Unsafe Practices:
Tattoos done in unlicensed parlours with non-sterile needles can transmit hepatitis. Similarly, poor knowledge about safe sex practices increases the risk. Unfortunately, stigma around hepatitis as a sexually transmitted or drug-related disease discourages women from speaking up.

5. Stigma and Silence:
Fear of being judged leads to reluctance in seeking tests or treatment. This silence delays diagnosis, care, and community awareness.

Tips and Tests Women Should Know for Early Detection

As emphasized by Dr. Patel, every woman must be proactive about liver health. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Get screened with the S. HBsAg test, especially before marriage or pregnancy.
  
  

• Complete the hepatitis B vaccination, especially if you missed childhood immunisation.
  
  

• Learn and share knowledge about how hepatitis spreads and how to prevent it.
  
  

• Practice safe sex and ensure hygiene standards for tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic procedures.
  
  

• Attend awareness drives at schools, colleges, and workplaces.
  
  

• Choose healthcare providers offering non-judgmental clinical environments.
  
  

Making Workplaces Part of the Solution

Dr. Vora notes that hepatitis education is often missing from workplace wellness programs. To close this gap, companies must develop gender-sensitive wellness policies, including:

• Accurate health information via trusted sources.
  
  

• On-site or accessible screening facilities.
  
  

• A stigma-free environment to discuss and treat health concerns.
  
  

• Digital engagement tools to educate and support working women.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Hepatitis in women is not just a medical issue it’s a public health and social equity issue. From routine screenings to awareness campaigns and safe practices, empowering women with knowledge and access can prevent unnecessary suffering and deaths.

Let’s encourage open conversations and proactive health measures. Because when women are healthy, families and societies thrive.