Ronald* (26) has chronic hepatitis B

Ronald (26) found out he has hepatitis B when he was 19. It has become chronic: “I feel healthy, but I'll probably never get rid of it.”

Chronic

"My second STI test ever and boom: hepatitis B. I was 19 and had only had sex with a boy three times. What made it extra sour was that I had already had the first of three hepatitis B vaccinations. Apparently that wasn't enough; you're not fully protected until the third vaccination."

Ronald, now 26, has chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a virus that you easily contract through sex. Usually the body cleans up the hepatitis B virus itself. If this happens then you are naturally protected against it afterwards. But sometimes hepatitis B becomes chronic. The virus then remains present in your body and can eventually cause liver damage, or even liver cancer. “Probably I won't get rid of it.”

Check-up every six months

Not a pleasant prospect, but Ronald remains sober for the time being: "The nurse told me that fortunately hepatitis B does not often cause serious problems in the short term. If complications arise, then usually only in the long term. It also happens that people have an inactive form of hepatitis B. You then carry the virus with you but it does not cause any unpleasant consequences."

In Ronald's case, the virus is currently active, but treatment with medication is not necessary. He is monitored by his general practitioner for this; every six months Ronald has to have his blood tested. Ronald: "And what I have to take into account is that I can transmit the virus to someone else. Although I notice that actually everyone I ask is vaccinated against hepatitis B. So it doesn't hinder my sex life."

Vaccination

Hepatitis B is highly contagious, especially through the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals. Even if you fuck with a condom, there is a risk of transmission. Fortunately, you can easily prevent hepatitis B by getting vaccinated. A full vaccination consists of three shots that protect you against the virus for the rest of your life. With the first vaccination, your blood is tested. If this shows that your body has already eliminated hepatitis B on its own, you do not need follow-up vaccinations. Your body has created its own immunity. If you have not yet been exposed to hepatitis B, you get a second shot, one month after the first. And after another four months the last one follows.

The hepatitis B vaccination is completely free for men who have sex with men. Look here to see where you can get it in your area. Note: it is important that you get all three vaccinations, only then are you fully protected. Ronald: "I feel good and healthy now. I would have preferred not to have hepatitis B, but it's not like it affects my life immensely. But if you are reading this and have not yet had yourself vaccinated against hepatitis B, I would say make an appointment today."

Editor's note

Man tot Man regularly interviews men about how they protect themselves from HIV and STIs and their sexual experiences. We think it is important that people are well informed and can think carefully about how they want to protect themselves. We hope the various personal experience stories contribute to that. They do not necessarily represent the point of view of Man tot Man.

*Because the interviewee wishes to remain anonymous, Ronald's name is fictitious. Therefore, a stock photo has also been used here.
Stock photo: Kampus Production

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