There are several types of Hepatitis virus which all affect the liver. The three types to be aware of as gay and bisexual men are A, B and C. There are vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B, and we strongly advise all gay and bisexual men to get these. This can be done free of charge at the Sexual Health Clinic. Hepatitis C can be treated and cured with a course of tablets taken for 8-12 weeks.
Hepatitis A – What is it?
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus found in faeces (poo or shit). It is spread when very small amounts of faeces get into the mouth. This can happen during sex that involves fingering, licking (rimming), anal sex 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.
How can I prevent it?
A vaccine is available for Hepatitis A. Men who have sex with other men 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 or cut-up condom for rimming.
Hepatitis B – What is it?
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is carried in the blood and body fluids. It is passed on very easily and is up to 100 times more infectious than HIV.
It is passed on through:
• Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person without a condom
• Direct contact with the blood of an infected person e.g. by sharing toothbrushes and razors
• from equipment used for tattooing and body piercing
• and between drug users who share needles, syringes and other equipment
How can I prevent it?
There is an effective vaccine available for Hepatitis B. Men who have sex with other men should get vaccinated. Without the vaccination, risks can be reduced by using condoms and plenty of lubricant for anal sex, a barrier (dental dam, cut-up condom for rimming and avoid getting urine in the eyes and mouth if you’re into watersports).
If you inject drugs, or use steroid injections to enhance body building, you should use clean equipment every time you inject and never share any of your injecting equipment – needles, syringes, swabs, spoons, filters, water or anything else as this can pass on the virus.
Hepatitis C – What is it?
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus that damages the liver. Transmission occurs through blood-to-blood contact, and most transmission occurs as a result of sharing injecting drug equipment (including steroid use). Sexual transmission can occur too especially through unprotected anal sex, and some forms of rough sex where bleeding is likely to result (e.g. fisting).
If you are infected for a long time without it being diagnosed, it can be very serious.
How can I prevent it?
Using condoms and lube greatly reduces the risk of transmission. 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.
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.
If you inject drugs, or use steroid injections to enhance body building, you should use clean equipment every time you inject and never share any of your injecting equipment – needles, syringes, swabs, spoons, filters, water or anything else. Free injecting equipment is available at sites across Tayside.