Hepatitis C

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, an important organ that clears toxins in your body. There are 5 strains of viruses (from A through E)  that can cause hepatitis, but the one of most concern is the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. In Ontario, gay, bi, and queer men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are more likely to encounter HCV. But stigma about HCV can stop people from asking for testing or treatment. 

What Is Hepatitis C?

• Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks your liver.
  
• It spreads when blood from someone with hepC enters another person’s bloodstream.
  
• Many people don’t know they have it because they feel fine at first.
  

Over time, untreated hepatitis can cause liver damage, scarring, or even liver cancer. But treatment can cure most people.

How Do You Get HCV?

• Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.
  
• Blood contact through cuts or wounds during sex, especially if there is blood.
  
• Tattoos or piercings done with unclean tools.
  

You cannot get hepatitis by kissing, hugging, sharing food or drinks, or casual contact.

Signs and Symptoms

Hepatitis often shows no signs for many years. When symptoms appear, they can include:

• Feeling very tired or weak
  
• Stomach pain or discomfort on the right side
  
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
  
• Dark urine or pale stools
  
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
  

If you notice any of these, ask your healthcare provider for a simple blood test.

Why Testing Matters

Stigma about HCV can keep guys from getting tested. You might worry about judgment or think you are not at risk. Yet knowing your status is the first step to care. A quick blood test tells you if you have hepC..

Testing is safe, private, and usually covered by public health. If you test positive, treatment is easier and more effective than ever.

Treatment and Cure

Modern HCV treatments are pills you take once a day for 8 to 12 weeks. Most people, over 95%, are cured after treatment. Cure means the virus is gone and cannot harm your liver.

Even if you feel healthy, treatment protects your liver and stops you from passing HCV to others.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Get Tested regularly if you are at higher risk.
   
2. Avoid sharing any injecting equipment.
   
3. Use barriers like condoms or dental dams if blood might be present.
   
4. Choose safe tattoo and piercing shops that use new, sterile tools.
   

If you think you might have been exposed to HCV, ask for testing right away. Early care prevents liver damage.

Overcoming Stigma

Many gbMSM worry about shame or blame around HCV. Remember: HCV is a medical issue, not a moral one. Health workers should support you without judgment. If you meet resistance, find a clinic or provider experienced in LGBTQ+ care.

Talking openly about HCV helps everyone stay healthy. You are not alone.

Where to Learn More

• Check out our HepC Factsheet. 
• The Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap report provides the full report, web report and related fact-sheets.
  
• Proud Prick: community stories and resources on HCV for queer men.
  
• Your local sexual health clinic: testing, treatment, and advice – often at no cost.