Your sexual health over party season

When you're living with HIV it is important to avoid STIs, as these can have a knock-on effect on your immune system and can increase your viral load. This could make you more infectious and therefore more likely to pass on HIV if you have unprotected sex.

The best way to avoid HIV being passed on is to use condoms. Some STIs, such as chlamydia, don’t have any symptoms so you may not know you have one. If you have had unprotected sex or think you have an STI, have a check up at a sexual health clinic to find out and get treated.

HIV can also be passed on through oral sex. The risk is very low, however, and you can reduce it further by avoiding oral sex if you have any bleeding, ulcers or cuts in your mouth, especially if you have just had dental work.

If you have unprotected sex and your partner doesn’t have HIV, there is a course of treatment called Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which may prevent them becoming HIV positive. PEP is a month-long course of antiretroviral treatment.

You need to take PEP within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV but the quicker you start it the better. Ideally your partner should go to a sexual health clinic or the Accident and Emergency department (A&E) of the nearest hospital straight away, as the sooner it is started the better chance it has of working. A&E is open every day of the year, so over the New Year it is the best place to access PEP. Find out more about PEP.

Sometimes it’s hard to remember to protect ourselves, especially in the heat of the moment or after a few drinks. Alcohol and drugs can lower your inhibitions and make you do things you wouldn’t normally do.

If you are partying over the festive season carry condoms and lube with you. That way you will be prepared and your evening can go off with a bang!