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How hepatitis C is passed on during sex

Roger Pebody

Hepatitis C can be passed on during sex that could lead to contact with semen, rectal mucus or blood.

Many gay men with HIV have picked up hepatitis C during sex. Some gay men have caught both HIV and hepatitis C around the same time.

During sex, you may have contact with traces of blood or rectal mucus without noticing.

Heterosexual people rarely pick up hepatitis C during sex.

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How hepatitis C is passed on during sex

Published February 2024

Last reviewed January 2017

Next review January 2020

Contact NAM to find out more about the scientific research and information used to produce this leaflet.

Hepatitis information

For more information on hepatitis visit infohep.org.

Infohep is a project we're working on with the World Hepatitis Alliance and the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA) and World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA).

Visit infohep.org >
This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.