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'Three steps to safe sexual health' from THT

By Graham Robson
Dec 13, 2011 - 10:24:16 PM
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HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is highlighting 'three steps towards safe sexual health', after the numbers of new HIV diagnoses rose to the ‘highest ever’ recorded figure.
 
According to figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), in 2010 there were 3,000 gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the UK, the highest yearly figure since records began.

The three steps, which THT hope will reduce the spread of HIV on the scene, are:
 
1.     Use condoms with every new partner, and continue using them until you’ve both been tested for HIV and other STIs.

2.     Attend a full sexual health check up at least once every six months, and more frequently if you have a high number of partners or a symptomatic STI.

3.     If you have HIV, visit:http://MyHIV.org.uk to gain detailed information and advice on living well with HIV, including personal support from other people living with HIV through the community forums and start treatment when a doctor advises.  Modern HIV treatment reduces onward transmission as well as lengthening your life.
 
Despite only making up 3% or 4% of the general population, gay and bisexual men account for 69% of all HIV infections.  Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, believes these figures should act as a wake up call to the community.

Paul said:
“Thirty years ago, AIDS devastated gay communities across the UK, but also gave rise to an unprecedented community response. Effective drug treatments have made it possible for someone diagnosed with HIV today to live a long, healthy life, but that doesn’t mean we can take our foot off the gas in trying to stop its spread.

“HIV isn’t happening somewhere else or happening to other people; it’s happening right now, and the people who have or are at risk of contracting HIV are our friends, our lovers, and the guys who work on the scene. They are the men you meet at social groups, in saunas, online or on the dance floor. HIV affects all of us and it’s up to all of us to stop the spread of HIV in our community.”
 
For more information, visit:
www.tht.org.uk


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