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Oregon Health Authority

Men who have sex with men (MSM)

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MSM Exposure Rates

Gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men have a higher chance of being exposed to hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV) and C (HCV). According to the most recent data from the CDC, about 10% of new HAV infections and 20% of HBV infections are among gay and bisexual men. Gay and bisexual men are at a higher risk of becoming infected with HCV if they or their partners participate in high risk behavior such as injection drug use.

Hepatitis A

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During sexual contact, HAV can be spread through direct anal-oral contact or contact with fingers or objects that have had contact with the anus of an infected person. HAV can also be spread through contact with infected drug use supplies like shared pipes, food and water.

Hepatitis B

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HBV is spread through contact with body fluids, such as semen or blood, that contain the virus. HBV is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and easily transmitted through sexual activity in which body fluids are exchanged. It can also be spread through sharing household sharps like razors and any equipment used to inject drugs like needles, syringes or cookers.

Hepatitis C 

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HCV virus spreads through contact with blood that contains the virus. For most new infections, this occurs through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection drug equipment. Rarely, it can spread through sexual contact. People with a sexually transmitted disease or HIV, multiple sex partners or engage in rough sex have a higher risk of acquiring HCV. 

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The best way to protect oneself against HAV and HBV is to get vaccinated. The MSM community has strong resilience and together with OHA we can stop the spread of viral hepatitis.