Safer HCV sex for gay and bisexual men

Even though safer sex advice is often similar for both HIV and HCV, the risk for HCV is more likely to be linked to blood than sexual fluids.

• UK guidelines recommend condoms.
• Use a new condom with each partner.
• Use latex gloves for fisting and a new glove with each partner.
• Condoms and gloves need to be thrown away more carefully than when just considering HIV. Unlike with HIV, the outside of the condom (or glove) may be more infectious than the inside.
• Any cause of anal bleeding, including recent surgery, increases the chance of HCV sexual transmission.
• Blood is likely to be more infectious compared to semen or rectal fluid during chronic HCV. Semen might be more infectious during recently acquired HCV.
• Don’t share lube from a pot. Traces of blood will not be visible and HCV remains infectious out of the body for at least 16 hours and perhaps for days or weeks.
• Recreational drugs can increase the risk of bleeding because blood flow is increased. They can enable sex to be rougher or to go on for longer and they can reduce someone’s awareness of their risk.
• Use condoms on sex toys. If you share sex toys, use a new condom every time.
• Be aware that in group sex HCV can be transmitted by someone who does not have HCV themselves. For example, from onward contact with traces of blood from a previous partner.
• Other STIs are linked to recently acquired HCV infection. Routine health checks are easy. Early diagnosis and treatment are important ways to look after your health and the health of your partners.
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Last updated: 1 November 2017.