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Checklist for the Sexually Active

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Get regular sexual health checks for the most common STIs – syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and non-specific urethritis (NSU) – and a hepatitis C test once a year



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The more casual sex you have, the more often you should get screened.



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If you are sexually active, get checked for syphilis when you see your doctor for normal HIV monitoring, or every three months.



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Strongly consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B



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Try to notify your sexual partners if you are diagnosed with an STI.
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Sex with an HIV negative partner (or you don’t know their status)

There are a number of options that substantially reduce the risk of HIV transmission during sex.


Condoms

Correct use of condoms during sex prevents HIV transmission. Condoms also prevent transmission of most STIs which can increase risk of HIV transmission and also compromise your health.

Most condoms are made from latex and experts recommend you always use a water based lubricant such as Wet Stuff or KY with them because oil based lubricants like Vaseline or hand cream can damage the condom. Lube can also make sex with condoms more fun! If you are allergic to latex there are also condoms made of polyurethane. Polyurethane is stronger and thinner than latex and oil-based lubricants can be used with them.


Undetectable viral load

Effective HIV antiretroviral treatment can significantly reduce a person’s viral load until it is ‘undetectable’. Having an undetectable HIV viral load greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. If you have had a stable undetectable viral load for at least 6 months, take your treatment consistently, and you and your partner have no other STIs, you can be confident you will not pass on HIV. For a variety of reasons, including emotional ones, some people prefer to take additional measures such as using condoms.

A viral load test measures HIV in blood but your viral load can be higher in other body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluid, particularly if you have a sexually transmissible infection. Talk to your doctor about your particular circumstances if you are thinking of relying on low viral load as a substitute for safe sex.


Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP describes the use of HIV antiretroviral medication by people who are HIV negative to prevent HIV infection. If used effectively PrEP can dramatically reduce the risk of HIV infection. PrEP can also be combined with condoms and other prevention methods to maximise protection.

Understanding of PrEP effectiveness is growing. Your HIV-negative partner will need to speak to a specialist PrEP prescriber (doctor) about their eligibility for PrEP and how it should be taken.


Oral sex

There is hardly any risk of passing on HIV through oral sex, however this risk increases if a person has cuts or ulcers in their mouth, has an STI or if the positive partner is menstruating.


Penetration using hands

It is safe for another person to use their hands or fingers to penetrate your anus providing the person has no cuts, sores or scratches on their hands. If they do have any cuts, sores or scratches, it is advisable to use latex gloves.



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