Hep C
When moving from arse to arse, wash your hands and toys and change gloves and condoms. If you’re a drug user, use your own equipment...
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes damage to the liver and can be passed on through infected blood.
Gay men who are into group sex can contract Hep C from infected blood that remains on hands, toys and cocks that have not been cleaned properly after being in one or more arses.
Hep C can also be transmitted when sharing drug equipment like needles, syringes, spoons, snorting straws and razors.
We know that Hep C can be found in semen – what we don’t know yet is whether it can be passed on through it.
A blood test will show if someone has Hep C. In about four out of five cases, the body is unable to clear the virus on its own. Anti-viral drugs can be used as a treatment.
Keep it clean fellas..
Wash your toys and hands in warm soapy water to destroy the Hep C virus.
Put a new condom over toys and use a new glove for each new arse to stop Hep C spreading.
And if you use drugs, use your own paraphernalia.
ACON can help you...
ACON provides free safe packs of condom and lube in pubs, clubs and parties around NSW. Pick some up next time you’re out. You can also get gloves as well as condoms at sex on premises venues or at your local supermarket or chemist.
For more info on HEP C and safe sex, check out www.acon.org.au/health.
If you have questions about safe sex or if you have trouble practicing safe sex, call the Gay Men’s Health Hotline on 1800 009 448 or make an appointment to see one of ACON’s counsellors by calling 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060.
If you’re outside of Sydney, then you can get in touch with the staff at one of ACON’s regional offices in the Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Rivers or on the Mid North Coast