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Effective and Painless Treatment for Hepatitis C
By Øystein Sager Backe, nurse and board member of Chemfriendly Norway..
Photo: Einar Hyndøy and Nina Hernæs.
Hepatitis C is a virus transmitted through blood. In Norway, the most common route of infection is sharing drug-use equipment, but sexual transmission also occurs. Those of us who take part in chemsex, have anal sex without a condom, and share sex toys should be aware that this can put us at risk. It is therefore recommended to get tested a couple of times a year — or more often if one has been in a risky situation.
Transmission through user equipment
For those who practice slamming, it is important never to share any of the equipment — this applies to syringes/needles as well as filters, mixing cups, and similar items used to prepare injections. Users and members of Chemfriendly have also reported contracting infections from sharing straws used for snorting drugs.
Sharing glass pipes for smoking meth or crack may also pose a risk. There is little documentation on this, but we recommend avoiding sharing to be on the safe side.
Sexual transmission
Other activities that may involve exposure to blood also carry a risk of infection. Sex involving prolonged penetration creates friction, which may lead to small wounds, for example on the glans of the penis and in the rectum.
For those who practice slamming, it is important never to share any of the equipment — this applies to syringes/needles as well as filters, mixing cups, and similar items used to prepare injections. Users and members of Chemfriendly have also reported contracting infections from sharing straws used for snorting drugs.
Sharing glass pipes for smoking meth or crack may also pose a risk. There is little documentation on this, but we recommend avoiding sharing to be on the safe side.
Sexual transmission
Other activities that may involve exposure to blood also carry a risk of infection. Sex involving prolonged penetration creates friction, which may lead to small wounds, for example on the glans of the penis and in the rectum.
‘Sister Øystein’ (Øystein Sager Backe) is a nurse and a board member of Chemfriendly Norway.
Photo: Nina Hernæs
Fisting or the use of sex toys is a typical risk situation, as these activities can cause small wounds and tears, for example in the rectum. Small drops of blood may then collect on fingers, sex toys, or under the foreskin of the active partner. If the blood contains the Hepatitis C virus, it can be passed on to others who have wounds, for example in the rectum.
Testing
Fortunately, hepatitis C is easy to detect and very easy to treat. You can get tested at your general practitioner’s office or at clinics that deal with sexual health. Feel free to contact Chemfriendly if you would like guidance on where to get tested and receive treatment.
“The Silent Epidemic”
“Åge” is a queer man who occasionally takes part in chemsex. He told Chemfriendly how his Hepatitis C infection came as a surprise, as he had never really considered the risk of this infection.
Hepatitis C usually causes no symptoms, though some people experience temporary illness shortly after being infected — such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and, in some cases, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The fact that one often does not notice being infected is the reason Hepatitis C has been called “the silent epidemic.” It is also why many people are unaware they are carriers and may unknowingly put others at risk of infection.
Fortunately, hepatitis C is easy to detect and very easy to treat. You can get tested at your general practitioner’s office or at clinics that deal with sexual health. Feel free to contact Chemfriendly if you would like guidance on where to get tested and receive treatment.
“The Silent Epidemic”
“Åge” is a queer man who occasionally takes part in chemsex. He told Chemfriendly how his Hepatitis C infection came as a surprise, as he had never really considered the risk of this infection.
Hepatitis C usually causes no symptoms, though some people experience temporary illness shortly after being infected — such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and, in some cases, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The fact that one often does not notice being infected is the reason Hepatitis C has been called “the silent epidemic.” It is also why many people are unaware they are carriers and may unknowingly put others at risk of infection.
Sister Øystein works daily at the Hepatitis C clinic in Oslo.
photo: Nina Hernæs
It is important that you seek treatment.
Hepatitis C can lead to serious illness or damage if it is not treated. The virus causes inflammation of the liver, which gradually leads to the death of liver cells and their replacement with scar tissue. In the end, this can result in cirrhosis and, in the worst case, liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
Fortunately, it usually takes several years from the time of infection until serious liver damage develops. And any liver damage that has occurred will often improve once the virus has been treated.
Hepatitis C can lead to serious illness or damage if it is not treated. The virus causes inflammation of the liver, which gradually leads to the death of liver cells and their replacement with scar tissue. In the end, this can result in cirrhosis and, in the worst case, liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
Fortunately, it usually takes several years from the time of infection until serious liver damage develops. And any liver damage that has occurred will often improve once the virus has been treated.
If you have questions about Hepatitis C, you can contact Chemfriendly via Facebook, Instagram, our theme group on Gaysir.no, or by e-mail. You can speak with both peers and professionals, and we can refer you to the right place to get tested for Hepatitis C.
If you take part in bareback or chemsex parties, you may also benefit from reading our advice on how to prevent Hepatitis C at parties.
Publisert 14.04.2026.