GHT Homepage Insight Testing, Testing

Testing, Testing
19th May 2008

Lynda Shentall examines why it's more important than ever to encourage undiagnosed people to test, and to keep on testing regularly

Most people know that living with HIV is very different now than it was ten years ago. Life-extending treatments, where available, have dramatically changed the quality and life expectancy for many positive people. Knowing you are HIV positive means you can get the right medical care as and when you need it. It means you have the knowledge you need to negotiate safer sex with partners. It means you can make informed choices about what is right for you and your life. Today there is more support than ever when coming to terms with a positive diagnosis.

Over half of gay men have never tested for HIV
Yet studies show that most sexually active people in the UK have not taken an HIV test. More surprisingly, after twenty-five years of targeted campaigns and messages for gay men, the latest studies show that over half the sexually active gay men in the UK have never taken an HIV test.
HIV diagnoses have continued to rise year after year. Recently research evidence has proved that the majority of new infections in the UK today come from people who don't know their HIV status. There are now 1500 people undiagnosed in NW England. It is vital that we all take the lead in encouraging people to test regularly for HIV.

Most people who already use George House Trust are very clear about not wanting to transmit the virus to other people. Almost half of the advice and information we give concerns sex and relationships, and how to tell others about being HIV positive. Despite often difficult situations, many people have already taken the bravest step, taking the test.

Clinics are best for support
HIV testing is a complex issue. Whilst the test itself is very simple, the results could have a dramatic impact on your life. That's why we would always encourage people to test in a medical environment, whether that is at a GUM clinic, or in a community setting. Details of where to test can be found on our website under Ask GHT - Find your Local Services at www.ght.org.uk

The reason we encourage people to test in this way is that you receive the support you need before and after taking the test. Pre-test advisers at all testing centres will talk to you confidentially about any risks you may have taken during sex. They will help you to prepare for the outcome of the test, positive or negative, and they will tell you where you can obtain more advice and support.

Staying negative
The advantages of testing positive in this type of medical setting are clear. But for those people who test negative, it's important to get the right advice and support in order to stay negative. This includes having regular HIV tests, and sexually active gay men are now advised to test every year at least, by the Health Protection Agency.

We know that people who have just tested negative are likely to then have riskier sex, increasing the chances of becoming positive, so expert support from the clinic is valuable in staying safe. Regular testing and access to good advice and support are great ways to protect your health.

More testing information at www.ght.org.uk