Hepatitis

There are several different types of Hepatitis viruses which all affect the liver, though the main three types to be aware of as gay and bisexual men are A, B and C. Some types are more serious than others, and to varying degrees, all can be passed on during sex. There are vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B, and we strongly advise all gay and bisexual men to avail themselves of these. This can be done free of charge at your local GUM clinic

About Hepatitis A
This is caused by a virus found in faeces (shit). It is spread when very small amounts of faeces get into the mouth. This can happen during sex that involves fingering, licking (rimming) or fucking the anus or handling condoms that have been used for anal sex. Food and water can become infected and this is common in countries with poor hygiene.

Symptoms
These can be mild and may include flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea, sickness and tiredness. Urine becomes dark and faeces become pale.

Prevention
A vaccine is available for Hepatitis A. Gay and bisexual men in particular should consider getting vaccinated. Without the vaccination, risks can be reduced by washing your hands after using the toilet, using condoms and plenty of lubricant for anal sex, gloves and plenty of lubricant for fisting and a barrier (dental dam, cut-up condom or non-microwaveable Clingfilm) for rimming.

Treatment
You need plenty of rest and to avoid alcohol and other drugs to allow time for your liver to recover.

About Hepatitis B

This is a highly infectious and potentially life threatening infection caused by a virus (HBV) which is found in virtually all body fluids, faeces and vomit. HBV infects the liver, and symptoms vary from minor to chronic infection, liver damage, sometimes liver cancer and occasionally death.

It is spread by direct blood contact with infected body fluids so transmission is likely to occur through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, sharing needles and other injecting equipment and sharp instruments contaminated with blood. HBV is at least 100 times more infectious than HIV (the virus that can cause AIDS) and unlike HIV, HBV remains infectious in dried blood for up to a week. Because of this HBV can be transmitted through sharing razors or toothbrushes that have blood on them.

Symptoms
HBV can cause flu like symptoms, muscle weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, pale faeces and stomach pains. It can cause jaundice where the skin and whites of the eyes become yellow. Most people do recover from their symptoms, suffer no long term damage and stop being infectious. Some people (1 in 20) become chronically infected. This means they remain infectious to others and the virus can go on damaging their liver.

Prevention
A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B. Gay and bisexual men in particular should consider getting vaccinated. Without the vaccination, risks can be reduced by using condoms for vaginal sex, condoms and plenty of lubricant for anal sex, a barrier (dental dam, cut-up condom or non-microwaveable Clingfilm) for rimming and avoid getting piss in the eyes and mouth if you’re into watersports.

Treatment
There is no cure for Hepatitis B and, no effective medical treatment for acute Hepatitis B infection, just rest and avoid alcohol and other drugs.

About Hepatitis C
This is not commonly a sexually-transmitted infection as it is passed mainly through the sharing of injecting equipment, but it is a blood-borne virus so there is a chance of transmission if bleeding occurs during unprotected fucking. Sharing toothbrushes and razors can also aid transmission.

For more information about Hepatitis C contact C Plus.