Positive Life NSW

STIs are an important health issue for people with HIV. Once common among gay men, sexually transmitted infections declined in the 1980s and early 1990s as the result of the focus on HIV prevention, but they have returned – in epidemic proportions – among gay men across the developed world in recent years and among HIV positive gay men in particular.

STIs can have serious health implications, particularly if not treated. Syphilis in particular can have a severe impact and be harder to treat in HIV positive people. Having an STI can increase the risk of passing on or getting HIV and it can also make managing your HIV more difficult.

If you are sexually active and HIV positive, testing for STIs should be an important part of maintaining your health and well being, as well as the health and well being of your partners.

Ten reasons to test for STIs:

1. STIs are at epidemic level among gay men and positive gay men in particular.
2. STIs increase the risk of passing on HIV.
3. STIs can be more serious for people with HIV.
4. Having lots of sex partners means the risk of getting an STI is even higher.
5. Any sexually active man can catch an STI.
6. The type of sex you are having is risky (e.g. fucking without a condom).
7. Positive men who bareback together may be at a higher risk of getting an STI.
8. You may have experienced unusual discharges, rashes, itching and pain during sex or when pissing.
9. STI symptoms are not always obvious and frequently there are no noticeable symptoms.
10. It is important to look after your health and that of your partners.

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