Tests & Treatments

What About HIV & other STI’s?

Men with STI’s may have weakened immune systems that make them more susceptible to HIV. Having some STI’s like gonorrhoea and syphilis can increase your chances of being infected with HIV by up to 10 times. Always get tested for STI’s and if you have one diagnosed get it treated and don’t play around until it’s gone.

What about testing and treatment?

Not all STI’s are as easy to check for as HIV; some STI’s need to be checked by urine analysis or rectal swab. For HIV it’s just a blood test. If you’re in Cairns and having sex, 3-monthly HIV and STI testing is recommended.

A person with an undetectable viral load for HIV is not cured! They still have HIV and they can still pass it on to their sexual partners

What about the morning after pill? (PEP)

Unfortunately it’s not one single pill; it’s a month of pills. The same ones an HIV positive person takes. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) have been effective in many people at stopping HIV infection taking hold, but it must be prescribed by a doctor and taken within 72 hours of the exposure. If you need PEP always insist that your case is an emergency and then tell the doctor what the problem is.

For more information about HIV and local contacts:

Men’s Health Line: 1800 155 141 (free call)

QAHC Cairns

290 Draper Street, Cairns, 4870

Phone: (07) 4041 5451 If calling from out of town please call 1800 177 434 (free call) and ask for the Cairns Office

e-mail: cns@qahc.org.au

Queensland Positive People

1800 636 241 (free call)

Online: http://www.thedramadownunder.info/

For testing, please talk to your doctor or contact any of the following North Queensland Sexual Health Clinics:

Cairns Sexual Health Clinic (The Dolls House)

(07) 4050 6205