Gay Men's Health: Scotland's Charity for Gay Men |hepatitis

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SCOTLAND’S CHARITY FOR GAY MEN

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

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease infecting the liver. Transmission occurs through blood-to-blood contact, and most transmission occurs as a result of sharing injecting drug equipment. Sexual transmission can occur too however, particularly as a result of unprotected anal sex, and some forms of rough sex where bleeding is likely to result (e.g. fisting).

Unlike Hepatitis A and B, if you have had hepatitis C once you are not immune to it and can be infected again, potentially many times. If you are infected for a long time without it being diagnosed, it can be very serious.

Symptoms

It is difficult to recognise the symptoms of Hepatitis C because not everyone has symptoms, they are not always the same for those who do, or symptoms may be present but not obvious. Jaundice, diarrhoea and weight loss are the most common physical symptoms. Sometimes people find they suddenly don’t like alcohol and fatty foods; this can also be a warning sign for Hepatitis C. Other physical and mental symptoms can include feeling sick or generally unwell, an extreme tiredness and depression.

Prevention

Using condoms and lube greatly reduces the risk of transmission. Hepatitis C is a good reason why men living with HIV and having sex with other positive men should use condoms and lube, as having both HIV and hepatitis C at the same time (often called “co-infection”) can cause serious treatment complications.

Guys who have group sex shouldn’t share sex toys and lubricants and should change condoms after each partner.

Furthermore we would recommend you use gloves for fisting, and don’t share household items that might have come into contact with blood; such as razors, toothbrushes or nail scissors.

Treatment

In 4 out of 5 cases the body won’t be able to get rid of Hepatitis C by itself. Anti-viral drugs can be prescribed, but this can take up to 48 weeks and is not always successful on the first attempt. The earlier it is taken the more likely it is to work. Anti-viral drugs are less likely to be successful if the person also has HIV, but treatment is still possible. Like all drugs they can have side effects, such as depression. If possible we recommend you stay away from drugs, fatty food and especially from alcohol, which can damage the liver.