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 through blood. However, the viruses can also be present in small amounts in body fluids (saliva, semen, clit/front hole secretions, pee, poop). Even a small amount of virus that enters the body via the smallest injuries to the (mucous) skin is sufficient for transmission. Infection can therefore occur through almost all sex practices and through the sharing 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 vaccination against hepatitis A. Vaccination is recommended for:
  • Men* who have sex with men*
  • People with higher risk during sex (changing partners)
  • People with chronic liver diseases
  • People with contact to hepatitis B patients (for example hospital staff)
  • People who inject their drug or snort it
• People with HIV should also be vaccinated against hepatitis B. They have a higher incidence of hepatitis B than the average population and it is more likely to become chronic. They also have a higher incidence of cirrhosis (shrinking liver).
• 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 them to prevent transmission through shared toys.
• When fisting, gloves can reduce the risk of infection. Each person should use their own lube or lubricant pot when doing this. Important: Lubricants containing grease will attack latex. Use latex gloves only in combination with fat-free lubricant.
• Fisting causes many small injuries to the intestinal mucosa, which can promote infection with HIV. If you are still fucking after fisting, make sure you have HIV protection.
• When fisting or fucking with several partners: 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 end before having sex again.
• Use only your own utensils for consumption and refrain from sharing utensils amicably.

Symptoms

Hepatitis infection can vary widely and often goes unnoticed or is not recognized right away.

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 on its own. The infection can become chronic. Then it must be treated to prevent severe progressions 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 are infected, you should not consume any substances (alcohol and other substances) that put a strain on your liver. Medications should only be taken in consultation with a medical professional.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B can take months or years. Often, medications must be taken for life.

If you are infected with HIV and hepatitis at the same time (“co-infection”), the therapy for HIV and hepatitis must be coordinated.