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The hepatitis B virus is found in the body fluids of an infected person. It is very infectious (much more than HIV) and people are most infectious several weeks before symptoms show and for a few weeks after. A man can be infectious even if he shows no symptoms.
In men the virus can be found at levels high enough to infect another person in:
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Blood (including in dried blood for at least a week) |
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Cum |
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Pre-cum |
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Spit |
It’s not believed to be in things like piss or sweat in high enough levels to infect others.
The virus can get into the bloodstream through tiny (maybe invisible) breaks in the skin of the mouth, genitals or arse. Or it gets into the bloodstream directly through things like sharing drug or steroid injecting equipment (needles, spoons, syringes, ‘works’ in general), and also by sharing razors, toothbrushes, etc.
Gay and bisexual men are more at risk of hepatitis B and the risk gets bigger the more men they have sex with.
These kinds of sex between men can spread the virus:
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Anal sex without condoms |
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Oral sex |
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Rimming |
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Fisting without gloves |
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Possibly kissing and ‘watersports’ (sex involving piss) – but neither are thought to pass on the virus often. |
The virus can live for at least a week in dried blood, so could be spread by sharing sex toys, razors, toothbrushes, etc. that have this on them.
Although not a risk in the UK, in countries with less strict hygiene controls hepatitis B can be spread through tattooing, piercing, medical procedures or blood transfusions.
Do you have a question about Hepatitis B that is not answered on this website? Try www.britishlivertrust.org.uk, www.hepb.org.uk or www.hepbsafe.com.
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