People’s Health

If he says he’s positive – you know where you stand and can make an informed decision about what sex to have.

If he says he’s negative – he may not be.  If he’s had unsafe sex since his last test he can’t be sure of his status.  He could be HIV positive and not know it. 

If he says nothing, don’t just assume he’s the same status as you – he may not be.

Unless you’re both 100% sure of your own as well as each other’s HIV status there is a risk of passing on or picking up HIV if you fuck without condoms.   

Condoms and lube, lube and condoms…

Condoms and lube are the surest way to prevent HIV being picked up or passed on. And they reduce the chances of other STIs too. 

If you’re going to fuck without condoms, make sure you’re 100% certain of his and your HIV status. Don’t just assume.

ACON can help you…

ACON provides free safe packs of condom and lube in pubs, clubs and parties around NSW. Pick some up next time you’re out.

For more info on HIV/AIDS and safe sex, check outwww.acon.org.au/health. 

Know your HIV status and talk about all the sex you have…

It might come as a surprise that 25% of HIV infections in gay men  happen in relationships.

HIV transmissions in relationships can occur for lots of reasons:

• Some couples stop using condoms early in the relationship before they’ve talked about HIV or had an HIV test together,
• If either partner breaks their guidelines for sex outside the relationship and aren’t able to or don’t tell their partner they have been put at risk,
• If the couple are in a positive/negative relationship and occasionally have sex without condoms.

Know your status and talk to each other…

If you decide to stop using condoms because you’ve both tested negative, make sure you set up a clear agreement for sex with each other and with other people.

If either of you takes a risk, go back to condoms until you’ve both been tested again.

Talking to each other about the sex you have inside and outside your relationship is vital for protecting each other from HIV and other STIs.

If you’re in a positive/negative relationship remember that condoms are the best way to prevent HIV transmission and know about PEP in case you need it.  

ACON can help you…

ACON runs workshops on relationships covering a range of topics including sex, negotiation and communication skills and expectations.

There are specific workshops for, gay men, gay men under 26 and HIV negative partners of HIV positive men.

ACON also has counsellors who you can talk to either on your own or with your partner. Call us on 9206 2000 or 1800 063 060 to find out more.

Or check out M8 Magazine for hints and tips about relationships, including info on improving your negotiation skills.

If you’re outside of Sydney, then you can get in touch with the staff at one of ACON’s regional offices in the Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Rivers or on the Mid North Coast

Get the sexual health checks you need…

Lots of lesbians, especially young queer women, think that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can’t happen to them. 

According to Australian research, almost one in ten young women who are same sex attracted have been diagnosed with an STI.

Sometimes, STIs will cause symptoms like itchiness or a discharge.  With some STIs, you get no symptoms at all.

If you’re not diagnosed and treated early, you could be at risk of complications later on. Most STIs are easily treatable.

Have check-ups, get treatment…

Have a full sexual health check up at least once a year, or whenever you notice any symptoms or changes to your genital area.

Most of the time, a sexual health check up will include:

• a blood sample to check for HIV, syphilis and immunity to hepatitis A and B,
• a urine sample to check for chlamydia and other STIs,
• a vaginal examination to check for lumps, discharges and other abnormalities as well as crabs, warts, syphilis and herpes.

Depending on your recent sexual history, a vaginal, throat and/or anal swab may also be required (a swab is like a cotton bud you would use to clean the inside of your ears).

Talk to you health care provider about the sex you have to determine exactly what tests you need.

ACON can help you…

ACON can refer you to a lesbian-friendly GP, women’s health centre or sexual health centre for a check up.

For more info, contact Siri at smay@acon.org.au