That’s the main message from Terrence Higgins Trust’s latest health promotion campaign, which encourages people with HIV to have regular sexual health check-ups.  

Andy Cooper, Campaigns and Resources Officer at THT said:  “A good sex life is viewed by many as an integral part of a fulfilling life, and this doesn’t have to alter because you are HIV positive.   However, people with HIV are still at risk from other sexually transmitted infections, and taking steps to look after your sexual health is important whatever your HIV status. 

Andy continued:  “Pathways for sexual health care for people with HIV are not always clear, even to health care workers.  The campaign aims to encourage people with HIV to ask their local clinic about the services available, as well as covering some of the more practical aspects of the risks associated with STIs when you are living with HIV.  Treatment for STIs is usually the same for people with HIV as for anyone else, unless the person’s immune system is significantly damaged.  It’s very important to complete any course of treatment for an STI in full, and to return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment to ensure that the infection has cleared.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• Two separate advertisements will run in Positive Nation in February, March and April

• The main messages carried in the advertisements are:

• The larger the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk of contracting an STI, even if both partners have HIV

• Some STIs have no symptoms, making having a sexual health check-up even more important