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Summary

  • Sexual health is about more than freedom from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Good sexual health also involves being happy about your sexuality, your choices and opportunities, and the sex you have.
  • People with HIV continue to enjoy sex and relationships after an HIV diagnosis.
  • However, having HIV is likely to affect the way you feel about sex at some point. You might like to seek support from partners, friends, or professionals to deal with concerns and problems.
  • Sexual problems can be caused by both psychological and physical issues. Help and support are available for both.
  • Knowingly passing on HIV to a sexual partner without telling them about your status first (‘disclosing’) can lead to a criminal conviction of ‘reckless transmission’. In Scotland, the offence includes having sex with a partner when you know you are HIV positive but have not told them of your status. Advice and support are available to help you with disclosure. It’s important to get expert advice immediately if you have a complaint made against you.
  • People living with HIV can pass on HIV during anal or vaginal sex, but properly used condoms can prevent HIV – and other STIs – being passed on.
  • There is some risk that HIV can be transmitted by oral sex, but the risk is very low.
  • It is now known that being on HIV treatment (if you meet certain conditions) greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission. Doctors now believe it is as effective in preventing HIV as when condoms are used properly.
  • Other uses of anti-HIV drugs to prevent HIV infection are PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis, used after a high-risk exposure to HIV) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis, used by HIV-negative people to avoid HIV infection in certain situations).
  • It is important to take advantage of free and confidential services such as regular sexual health check-ups, treatments and vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and to reduce the effects of HIV and the likelihood you might pass it on. 
  • There are several STIs and most can increase your chances of passing on HIV during sex, as well as potentially causing health problems.

 

HIV & sex

Published January 2016

Last reviewed January 2016

Next review January 2019

Contact NAM to find out more about the scientific research and information used to produce this booklet.

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.