Hepatitis A, B and C

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, and there are three common types: Hepatitis A, B and C. All three are spread in different ways:

• Hepatitis A is spread through fecal-oral contact, i.e. between ass and mouth. Often it occurs via contaminated food or water, but also through sexual contact, especially rimming (licking ass).
• Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and body fluids, such as semen, vaginal secretions, anal secretions and blood. It can be spread through sex without a condom and sharing of syringes or other injection tools.
• Hepatitis C is mainly spread through blood contact, for example through shared syringes or unsterilized tattooing tools. Sexual transmission is less common but can occur, especially in sexual practices where blood may be present, such as fisting or sharing large toys. You are more susceptible to Hepatitis C if you have other STIs.

Symptoms

Hepatitis can sometimes go unnoticed, but when symptoms appear they can be:

• Fatigue and weakness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Stomach pain, especially on the right side under the ribs.
• Dark urine and light stools.
• jaundice (yellowish skin and eyes)

Testing

When it comes to testing, it is mainly hepatitis C that you are routinely tested for, but it is also possible to take a blood test for hepatitis A and B if there is a reason.Do you suspect that you may have hepatitis? Testing for Hepatitis C is done by blood test. If you have had unprotected sex, shared needles or been in risky environments, it is wise to get tested regularly.

Treatment

• Hepatitis A usually clears up on its own within a few weeks to months, and the body builds up immunity to the virus afterwards.
• Hepatitis B can also clear up on its own, but some people develop a chronic infection that can lead to liver damage. Treatment is available to manage chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can keep the virus under control and vaccines that protect against infection.
• Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral drugs that usually cure the infection. It is important to treat hepatitis C to avoid liver damage.

Vaccine

• Effective vaccines against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are available. Vaccination is particularly recommended for men and transgender people who have sex with men, people living with HIV, and those traveling to areas with a high incidence of hepatitis. The vaccine is free in several regions for risk groups. Ask your doctor's office for details. 
• There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C yet, but protection against transmission is possible through safe injection and sexual practices.

How to protect yourself

To keep the liver healthy and avoid hepatitis:

• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.
• Use condoms during sex to reduce the risk of Hepatitis B and C.
• Never share syringes or injection tools.
• Are you sharing sex toys or will one person be fisting several people? Change condoms and gloves between each person. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself against Hepatitis A.
• Be careful with tattoos and piercings, and make sure the tools are sterile.

With the right protection and knowledge, you can enjoy sex and intimacy without worrying about hepatitis.