With the number of people in the UK infected with HIV reaching an all-time high, now is as good a time as ever to be aware of your sexual health.
There are nearly 110,000 living with the condition and around a quarter are unaware that they even have it. This means that there is an increased risk of them passing the infection on to others through unprotected sex.
Although this is a scary statistic, the figures, released by Public Health England (PHE), also indicate that overall more people are being diagnosed earlier. With various clinics offering free and confidential advice, as well as screenings, there is no need to feel alone.
Doctors are now stressing the importance of getting tested early if you have had any unprotected sex or sexual contact in recent weeks or months. Not only could it put your mind at ease that you are free from infection, but, if you do find out that you have contracted the virus, you can be treated quickly and can live a long and healthy life. By being informed and aware of your sexual health you can protect yourself, and others.
Hollyoaks is set to launch a new storyline that will see the first gay character in British soap history to be diagnosed as HIV-positive. By working with the Terrence Higgins Trust, the show hopes to highlight just how easy it is to contract the virus and how being alert and looking after your sexual health is essential. They also aim to show the effect the condition has on relationships and life in general. The hope is that more young men will feel able to gain the confidence they need to get screened as well as enjoy safe and healthy sex.
There should be no stigma in getting tested for HIV or in living with the condition. National HIV Testing week is now in full swing and hopes to end the stigma associated with the virus and the people who live with it. Statistically gay men are more at risk of contracting the virus so there is a push towards members of the gay community coming forward to get tested in the run up to World Aids Day on December 1.
Along with the push for gay people to get tested, there is also a push on practising safer sex to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
You should never feel pressurised into having sexual contact with anyone and, if in doubt, walk away. Remember that being under the influence of alcohol and drugs can alter your perception and make you more susceptible to making ill-advised decisions such as forgetting to use condoms. If you do have unprotected anal or oral sex then visit your GP or local NHS Trust, which offers screenings, free condoms and confidential advice.
Klaus Erling Johansen, a GUM Specialist nurse at CNWL says: “It couldn’t be easier to get yourself checked out so there’s no need to take the risk of passing on an infection. Anyone who is sexually active should be tested regularly.”
National HIV Testing week is the perfect time to end the stigma associated with this virus and will enable more people to gain the education they need to enjoy healthy sex lives. Be informed and stay safe.
