There are lots of ways to prevent HIV but the way that works for everyone is to always use condoms for vaginal and anal sex. Lubricants are important to use with condoms if you have anal sex.
If you inject drugs, then always use your own equipment, and don’t share any works.
Getting tested for HIV regularly will ensure that if you do pick it up, you’ll know about it as soon as possible and you can keep yourself and others well.
People who may be at higher risk for getting HIV can take Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
This is medication that people can take to protect them against HIV.
If you would like to discuss or start PrEP contact the sexual health service on 01382 425542 (9-12pm, Mon-Fri).
If you have had sex in the past 72 hours and are worried that you have been exposed to HIV then you can access post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
This is medication that you take for 4 weeks after sex to prevent HIV after you have been exposed to it.
If you would like to discuss PEP, contact the sexual health service on 01382 425542 (9-12pm, Mon-Fri)
You can also access PEP via Accident & Emergency Departments. You don’t need to make an appointment to be seen, however, if you call 111 to arrange an appointment time it can save you waiting for longer than you need to.
Early diagnosis and treatment for HIV can help prevent serious, and possibly life-threatening, illnesses. Treatment also significantly reduces the likelihood of transmitting the virus to sexual partners as once you’re on effective treatment and your viral load becomes undetectable you cannot pass on HIV. It can take up to six months on treatment to become undetectable.
Don’t stop using condoms in a regular relationship unless you are sure that you have both had a negative test and are not having other casual sexual partners.
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