Can condoms provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV? Yes. Whether you use latex male condoms or female condoms, they are both very effective in preventing HIV and many other STDs when used the right way every time. Condoms may prevent the spread of other STDs, like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV, genital or venereal warts) or genital herpes, only when the condom covers the infected areas or sores. To find out if you might have an STD, visit your doctor or clinic as soon as you can. Is there a 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and STDs? The only 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV and STDs is through abstinence -...
How long do results take? Rapid HIV tests can give results in 15 to 60 minutes, or on the same day. ‘Rapid’ refers to the time taken for the results and not to the time between exposure and the test. If samples are being sent to another lab, results can take from a few days or a few weeks. Rapid blood tests put a pin-prick of blood on a testing strip. This test takes about 15 to 20 minutes so you can get the results whilst you wait. Some rapid tests also work on oral samples rather than blood. Although they are sometimes called saliva tests this is not accurate. Oral samples collect cells from the surface of the gums...
How is HIV passed from one person to another?Most people get HIV through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers). But there are powerful tools to help prevent HIV transmission.Learn about your HIV risk and how to lower it.Can I get HIV from anal sex?You can get HIV if you have anal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV).Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or transmitting HIV.Being the receptive partner (bottom) is riskier than being the insertive partner (top).The bottom’s risk is higher because the rectum’s lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the...
We've all heard the myths! If you're gay men you're bound to become HIV-positive. Right? Wrong! Just because you are gay does not mean you will become HIV-positive. But it is true that the virus does affect gay men more than the general population. In the UK today the vast majority of transmissions come from men who don't know they have the virus. Hence why testing is so important. In 2019, it was estimated that there are 105,200 people living with HIV in the UK. 94% of these people are diagnosed, and therefore know that they have HIV. This means that around 1 in 16 people living with HIV in the UK do not know that they have the virus. 98%...
What Are Condoms?Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms:A male condom is worn on the penis. It is usually made of latex, a type of rubber. But some are made of materials that are safe for people with latex allergies, such as polyurethane or polyisoprene.A female condom is inserted into the vagina. It has a flexible ring at either end. One end is closed and goes into the vagina; the other end is open and the ring sits outside the opening of the vagina. Female condoms are made from materials safe for people with latex allergies. How Do Condoms Work?Condoms work by keeping semen (the fluid that contains...
