Hepatitis C symptoms in men

Some people also notice reduced appetite, discomfort in the upper abdomen, dark urine, pale stools, itching or easy bruising. These features are shared by many illnesses, so they cannot establish the diagnosis.

Hepatitis C affects the liver, but the early infection can be quiet. Later liver inflammation may cause general symptoms such as tiredness or poor appetite, while impaired processing of bile can contribute to yellowing or itching. Alcohol, medicines, fatty liver disease and other infections can produce similar complaints. A man can have hepatitis C without sexual symptoms or without any change in sexual function.

Learn more about [Hepatitis C](/conditions/hepatitis-c/) or read about [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/), which has many possible causes.

Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if you have symptoms or a history of blood exposure, including shared injecting equipment, unsterile tattooing or piercing, or a medical procedure with uncertain infection control. Testing commonly begins with an antibody test and may include a direct test for the virus. A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) helps assess liver effects but does not confirm or exclude hepatitis C alone. Share your full medicine and supplement list.

Get urgent help for confusion, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal swelling, or yellowing with profound drowsiness. Seek prompt clinical advice for rapidly worsening abdominal pain, new widespread bruising, or feeling acutely unwell after a possible blood exposure. Urgency depends on the warning sign, not on sex or on how strongly a symptom points to one diagnosis.

Ask: Which exposure history is relevant? Do I need hepatitis C antibody and viral testing? Could another liver problem explain my symptoms? Should I change alcohol or medicine use while waiting? When will we review the results?