👨❤️💋👨 Highly contagious
Hepatitis B is easily transmitted during sex (whether anal, oral or with sex toys) and through blood contact.
💉 Vaccination provides reliable protection
is recommended for all those at increased risk.
🤒 Often unnoticed
Symptoms can look like the flu or be completely absent.
🙂 Normal life possible
With treatment, a normal life is possible - regular checks and therapies keep the liver fit.
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is mainly transmitted via blood and other bodily fluids - i.e. during sex (whether with cock, arse or mouth), when sharing syringes or through minor injuries. The disease can occur acutely and sometimes become chronic. However, there are good ways to protect yourself - for example with the hepatitis B vaccination.
Symptoms and course of hepatitis B
Many people don't notice anything at first - that's the tricky thing. When symptoms do appear, they are often similar to those of flu: tiredness, fever, nausea, sometimes yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Some also have pain in the right upper abdomen. In men, potency problems or a general malaise are also common symptoms.
How does the whole thing work? Acute means that the symptoms usually go away after a few weeks. Chronic means that the virus remains in the body and can damage the liver in the long term.
Hepatitis B: Infection & transmission routes
HBV is quite contagious. It is mainly transmitted during sex - whether anal, oral or when sharing sex toys. Blood also plays a role: shared syringes, razors or toothbrushes are a risk. Via the toilet? Rather unlikely, the virus needs direct contact with blood or bodily fluids. Important: Condoms and gloves during sex help, but the best protection is still the vaccination!
Test & diagnosis of hepatitis B
Want to know if you have hepatitis B? A simple blood test will provide clarity. You can get tested at the doctor's or at specialised counselling centres and the test will show whether you have the virus in your blood, whether you have already had contact or whether you are protected.
Treatment & therapy of hepatitis B
Acute hepatitis B often heals itself. In the case of a chronic infection, there are drugs that keep the virus in check and protect the liver. Curable? Yes, in many cases! The treatment depends on how fit your liver still is and how active the virus is. Important: Regular check-ups with your doctor are mandatory to avoid consequential damage.
Vaccination: protection, duration & booster
The hepatitis B vaccination is the best protection - and is even recommended by the STIKO. The vaccination usually takes place in three steps. How long does it last? Usually for many years, sometimes for a lifetime. Booster vaccination? Can be useful, especially if you are at high risk. Side effects are rare and usually harmless (redness, slight pain in the arm). What does the vaccination cost? For many, it is free of charge - for example, for people at increased risk or in the healthcare sector. Otherwise it is often covered by health insurance.
Living with hepatitis B: prognosis, life expectancy and aftercare
You can live well with hepatitis B today - especially if you go for regular check-ups and look after your liver. With good treatment, life expectancy is almost the same as without the infection. It is important that you do not hide: Hepatitis B is no reason for shame or fear. There are many counselling centres and support services in the community.
Frequently asked questions about hepatitis B (FAQ)
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about hepatitis B - such as infection, vaccination, treatment and protection during sex. This will give you a quick overview of how you can best protect yourself and what you can do in the event of an infection.
The standard immunisation against hepatitis B consists of three individual vaccinations spread over several months. After the basic immunisation, you are usually protected for many years. A booster vaccination may be advisable after around 10 years, especially if you are at high risk, for example through frequent sex with changing partners, travelling to countries with a high hepatitis B rate or working in the healthcare sector. If in doubt, your doctor can carry out a blood test to check whether you are still protected.
Acute hepatitis B heals on its own in most people. The body gets rid of the virus in a few weeks. In the case of a chronic infection, however, the virus remains in the body and can damage the liver in the long term. Modern medication is available to suppress the virus and protect the liver. With regular treatment and monitoring, you can lead a completely normal life even with chronic hepatitis B. Cure is possible, but not always guaranteed, depending on the course of the disease and your health.
Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. This often happens during sex - whether anal, oral or when sharing sex toys. The virus can also be transmitted when sharing syringes, razors or toothbrushes. Transmission from mother to child during birth is less common. Infection via the toilet or when shaking hands is practically impossible because the virus does not simply jump over the skin or air.
The hepatitis B vaccination is free of charge for many people, for example anyone at increased risk, medical staff or people with chronic illnesses. The vaccination is also covered by health insurance for children and adolescents. If you have to pay privately, the vaccination costs around 30 to 60 euros per dose (depending on the doctor and region). It is best to ask your health insurance provider or doctor directly whether the costs will be covered.
In most professions there is no problem if you have hepatitis B. You can work as normal without any restrictions. Only in a few jobs where you have a lot to do with blood or open wounds (for example as a surgeon or dentist) can there be special regulations. It is important that you speak openly with your employer and have regular medical check-ups. There is no general ban on working.
