Unprotected Sex / Testing / HIV testing

hiv testing

If you are having sex with different casual partners, it is a good idea to get tested for HIV at least once a year. Testing every 3 - 6 months is recommended for men who have a lot of sex with different guys.

You may also consider having a test if you have had unprotected anal sex, or starting a new relationship (check out "Talk, Test, Test, Trust""). The HIV blood test detects HIV antibodies not the virus itself. This is NOT a test for AIDS. Antibodies are part of the body's natural defence system, which show up when germs or viruses enter the body. HIV antibodies can take up to

12 weeks to show up in a test from when HIV was first passed on. This is called the "window period".

What happens in a HIV test?

Taking a sexual history - The doctor or nurse will take a sexual history before testing. They will ask you questions about your sex like including:

  • Current and previous sexual partners
  • Partners from overseas
  • Sexual practices (i.e. anal or vaginal sex, fisting)

Pre test discussion

In Victoria and New South Wales the law requires that you receive a pre and post test discussion about HIV and HIV testing.

This has to happen in person. The pre test discussion will help you to decide whether or not you need to have it. The doctor, counsellor or nurse will talk to you about:

  • What the test is for;
  • What it would mean if the test were either Positive or Negative;
  • Safe sex and safe injecting;
  • How to get support during the waiting time.

Remember, the decision about whether to have a test or not is yours.

Before taking a test, you might want to think about telling one or two friends so that you have some support. Think about whom you might tell - it's a good idea NOT to tell everyone you know,

otherwise they all might want to know the result. When you do tell people that you are taking the test, or the test results, be very clear about how confidential you want that kept. You might not want them to tell other people. Some people find talking to a trained counsellor helpful while they are thinking about issues around HIV.

Getting the results

By law, these can only be given to you in person and accompanied by post-test counselling. If you test HIV+ the doctor, counsellor or nurse can help you consider the following issues:

  • Coping with the result;
  • The effect on family and friends;
  • Thinking about who to tell;
  • Possible discrimination by employers, doctors, dentists or even other gay men; and
  • What support you can access.
  • What treatment options are available to you?

You may also be asked to help contact your past and present sex partners. Someone will be available to help you do this confidentially. Discrimination in housing, employment, insurance, finance and travel are mostly illegal. You might also be able to take legal action if someone tells someone else you're HIV+ without your permission.