Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a variant of liver inflammation that is transmitted relatively easily during fucking or substance use. In severe cases, it can be chronic.

Transmission

Hepatitis B is very contagious and is mainly transmitted via blood. However, the viruses can also be found in small amounts in body fluids (saliva, semen, front hole secretions, pee, poop). Even a small amount of virus that enters the body via the smallest injuries of the (mucous) skin is sufficient for transmission. Infection can therefore occur through almost all sex practices and through the shared use of utensils for substance use. There is also a risk when sharing toothbrushes, razors and nail scissors, and when piercing and tattooing with non-sterile equipment.

• The safest protection against hepatitis B is vaccination. It is usually given together with the vaccination against hepatitis A. Vaccination is recommended for:
  • Men* who have sex with men*
  • People with higher risk sex (changing partners)
  • People with chronic liver disease
  • People with contact to hepatitis B patients (for example hospital staff)
  • People who inject their drug or snort it

• People with HIV should also get vaccinated against hepatitis B. Hepatitis B occurs more frequently in them than in the average population and it is more likely to become chronic. Cirrhosis of the liver (shrunken liver) is also more common among them.
• If you have already had hepatitis B, you are usually immune and cannot contract it again.
• Condoms and internal condoms can reduce the risk of infection. You can also use these to prevent transmission through shared toys.
• When fisting, gloves can reduce the risk of infection. Each person should use their own lubricant or lubricant pot. Important: Lubricants containing grease attack latex. Use latex gloves only in combination with fat-free lubricant.
• Fisting causes many small injuries to the intestinal mucosa, which can favour infection with HIV. If you are still fucking after fisting, make sure you have HIV protection.
• When fisting or fucking with more than one partner: Change the condom, gloves or toy before you fuck someone else.
• Toys should be cleaned thoroughly with soap before each new use and, if possible, a new condom should be used with each new person you have sex with.
• Inform your sex partners and wait for the medical treatment to finish before having sex again.
• Use only your own utensils for consumption and refrain from friendly sharing of utensils.

Symptoms

A hepatitis infection can take very different courses, often remains unnoticed or is not recognised immediately.

Two to three months after infection, flu-like symptoms (fever, joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite) may occur. Sometimes there is itching or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Often the body copes with the infection itself. The infection can become chronic. Then it must be treated in order to prevent severe progressions up to liver failure.

Test & Treatment

Hepatitis B is detected by a blood test.

In the acute phase, only the general symptoms are treated.

If you have an infection, you should not consume any substances (alcohol and other substances) that put a strain on your liver. You should only take medication in consultation with a medical professional.

The treatment of chronic hepatitis B can take months or years. Often, medication must be taken for life.

In the case of simultaneous HIV and hepatitis infection (“co-infection”), the therapy of HIV and hepatitis must be coordinated.