What should men know about hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver and can be short-lived or long-lasting. Men can carry it without feeling ill. Possible symptoms include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, discomfort in the upper abdomen, jaundice and dark urine. These symptoms are not specific to hepatitis B, so a test is needed rather than guessing from how you feel.

Transmission can occur through infected blood or sexual fluids. Condoms reduce exposure during sex, and sharing razors, toothbrushes or injecting equipment can pass blood between people. A diagnosis does not define your relationships, but partners should be told privately and offered testing or vaccination advice.

Book a clinician appointment for hepatitis B testing and a liver review. A Liver Function Test provides information about liver activity; additional blood tests may clarify the infection and guide decisions about monitoring or treatment. Keep the results and attend planned reviews, even if your energy and appetite are normal.

Use barrier protection until a clinician confirms a partner is protected. Do not share items that may have blood on them. Ask about Hepatitis B Vaccination for partners, household members and yourself if you are not protected. Check medicines, gym supplements and herbal products before using them.

Get urgent help for confusion, marked drowsiness, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, rapidly increasing jaundice or unusual bleeding. After a recent sexual or blood exposure, contact a clinic quickly; preventive care may be time-sensitive. Persistent fatigue or dark urine should be assessed, especially with yellow eyes.

Ask whether your result suggests a recent or long-lasting infection, which liver tests are needed, and when monitoring should happen. Ask how to discuss testing with a partner, whether vaccination is suitable for close contacts, and whether alcohol, medicines or supplements could strain your liver.