Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C in Men

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that can cause scarring and eventual failure of the liver. The virus is transmitted via infected body fluids and blood, most often due to sharing of needles or the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment. The virus can also spread through sexual intercourse and from a pregnant mother to her baby. It is critically important to detect Hepatitis C early because, although it cannot be cured, it can be treated to avoid damage to the liver. Symptoms in men are similar to those in women, though women have additional symptoms related to their menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Asymptomatic

• When Hepatitis C is first transmitted, there are no signs and no symptoms. This makes it necessary for a person to be tested for Hepatitis C. If you or your partner has shared needles or had unprotected sex in the past, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. By the time symptoms develop in some patients, the virus has already begun to damage the liver.

Flu-Like

• After the early asymptomatic phase has passed, the person with the virus may begin to suffer flu-like symptoms. These include fever, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, and joint and muscle pains, according to the MayoClinic. If these symptoms do not react to traditional flu treatment, it is worth getting a check-up and a test for Hepatitis C.

Other Mild Symptoms

• Hepatitis C does not always result in flu-like symptoms for all patients. According to the Janis Morrow Memorial website some symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, mood swings, headaches, numbness in the extremities, brain fog, shortness of breath and facial puffiness.

Liver Symptoms

• The major symptoms of Hepatitis C are connected with the liver. A patient may notice swelling or pain in the area of the liver in the early stages of the condition. As the function of the liver decreases, other symptoms may occur, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin), a tendency to bruise and bleed more easily, dark-colored urine and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver. Further symptoms of Hepatitis C include developing cancer of the liver or complete liver failure. As the liver fails, toxins in the body accumulate which can lead to enlarged esophageal veins and nervous system damage.