Hep C is caused by infected blood entering a person’s bloodstream, mainly through unprotected fucking and sharing injecting equipment.  It can also be transmitted through sharing drug snorting equipment, crack pipes, toothbrushes, razors, also oral sex and tattooing or body piercing with unsterile equipment.

Strictly speaking Hep C isn’t considered an STI, however there is now definitive evidence that it is being passed on during sex – and especially during group sex if the play is particularly rough. It can be transmitted when tiny amounts of blood are present on fingers, fists, toys or dicks which are moved from one arse to the next without being cleaned.

Fucking without condoms is the main risk for sexual transmission and this risk is amplified with any sort of arse play that affects the inner lining the anus.  This means fisting, bareback fucking, rough sex, unwashed sex toys, prolonged fucking sessions – especially chemsex and group sex all significantly amplify the risk of contracting Hep C.  All of these acts involve the possibility of broken skin and blood, making it an easy entry point for Hep C to get inside your bloodstream.

Symptoms for Hep C may be absent and can take years after the initial infection to show up. If they are present, symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, pain under the ribs, sweating and intolerance of fatty diets.

75% of people infected with Hep C may carry the virus in their blood for life 15% of these people may develop cirrhosis of the liver. A small number of people with cirrhosis may develop liver cancer or liver failure.

Hep C can be detected with a blood test.

It’s wise for sexually active guys to test regularly for HEP C, at least once every year, but more so if you are having lots of sex, any unprotected sex, chemsex or group sex.   For HIV positive people it is also advised to test more regularly.  

There is no vaccination against Hep C.  If you have had Hep C and cleared it, you will retain antibodies in your blood, however, it is possible to catch it again.  People that are not able to clear Hep C, will need to be regularly monitored with blood tests to check liver function.

There are treatments available to help clear Hep C and to help stop the progression of liver damage, cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver cancer or liver failure. These treatments may not be suitable for all people and this can depend on a range of different issues. 

The earlier you detect Hep C in your body, the better, as you can take steps to reduce the risk of passing it on, and also be assessed by a liver specialist who can decide whether or not you would benefit from treatment.  As with all STIs the longer you leave it, the worse it will get.

Speak to your doctor about treatment options.

To reduce the risks of catching Hep C avoid coming into contact with another person’s blood.

Always use condoms and water based lube when fucking, if fisting use gloves and lube and keep sex toys like dildos covered.  If you are sharing the love around be sure to use new condoms, new gloves and clean covered toys between different partners.

Always wash your hands and any sex toys thoroughly before and after sex (particularly if you are having a prolonged session).

Avoid sharing drug taking equipment and personal toiletries, especially: needles, crack pipes, snorting straws/notes, razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers etc…

This is a common, yet serious, combination of viruses to have.  Being HIV positive can increase the amount of Hep C in the bloodstream meaning that the risk of passing on Hep C increases.

For guys who are dealing with both HIV and Hep C, treatment for both is possible, however, treatment for HIV will take priority and this is because untreated HIV will increase the levels of Hep C in the system.  Some people will need treatment for both especially if the liver is showing signs of liver damage.

The problem here is that some HIV medications will also cause inflammation of the liver and for this reason starting treatment for both HIV and Hep C at the same time is generally not recommended.   Starting HIV treatment has also been may also briefly reactivate Hep C symptoms.  People who have both Hep C and HIV will need to closely monitor their liver function and avoid antiviral (anti HIV) medications associated with liver problems.