Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
SUMMER BREAK
In-person testing, home test kits and condom fit-kits orders will be paused until we're back on 6 Jan. In the meantime, visit your local GP or emergency healthcare clinic for testing Get a Test
Hepatitis B
Symptoms
If there are symptoms, they can include: loss of appetite, tiredness, nausea, jaundice and dark urine.
How can you get it?
It is transmitted by infected blood or cum entering a person’s bloodstream through:
- Condomless sex
- Sharing injecting equipment, toothbrushes or razors
- Oral sex
- Tattooing or body piercing with non-sterile equipment.
How do you know if you have it?
Hepatitis B can be detected by a blood test.
STIs
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucous lining of the penis, anus or eyes.
Keep reading… -
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucous lining of the penis, throat, anus or eyes.
Keep reading… -
Herpes (HSV)
Herpes (HSV) presents in two different types.
Keep reading… -
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (Warts) is the virus that can cause warts on the penis, anus or surrounding areas.
Keep reading… -
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV is a particularly virulent form of the Chlamydia bacteria. It is still rare, but it may become more common over time.
Keep reading… -
HIV
We comprehensively discuss HIV across our website, so we'll just cover the basics here. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses, which work by invading cells within the body then begin to continually reproduce itself.
Keep reading… -
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A causes inflammation in the liver and is the form of the virus which often comes on very quickly and is short-term but severe.
Keep reading… -
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes serious damage to the liver.
Keep reading… -
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, throat or anus and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Keep reading… -
Gut Infections
Gut Infections are caused by bacteria (such as amoebiasis, shigellosis, giardiasis and salmonellosis).
Keep reading… -
Molloscum Contagiosum
Molloscum Contagiosum (MC) is a virus that causes pimple-like lumps on the body.
Keep reading… -
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
Keep reading… -
Scabies
Scabies are tiny mites (smaller than crabs) that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.
Keep reading… -
Thrush
Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals.
Keep reading…
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Treatment
Most adults recover from hepatitis B. Some retain the virus in their body and develop a chronic infection: there are treatments for these people. Speak to your doctor.
I'm living with HIV
Co-infection with both HIV and hepatitis B may lead to more rapid progression of hepatitis B to liver cancer. Treatment for hepatitis B may also be less successful and limited by resistance to some antiviral medications that may already have been used for HIV treatment. Speak to your specialist.
Prevention
There is an effective hepatitis B vaccination and a combination hepatitis A & B vaccination - see your doctor.
If you are injecting drugs - remember the New Zealand Needle Exchange can help you access sterile injecting equipment, as well as dispose of used needles and syringes.
For more information, you can go to the Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand.