Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV isn’t treated it can progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, with early testing and … read more
Articles Tagged: HIV/AIDS
I’m gay and use a condom every time I have anal sex. However, I love giving and receiving oral sex (and swallowing). Can I catch HIV from oral sex? Wearing a condom in oral sex makes no sense. Is there some way to protect myself and partner from STIs?
Thanks for your question. Congrats on wanting to make sure you have safer sex. As you know there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with any type of … read more
I got my first boyfriend recently. We’ve had oral sex, but not anal sex. We were watching tv and saw an ad for PrEP medicines. Since we are gay, should we just get on PrEP now to prevent HIV or are these medicines only for older guys? If not now, when?
Thanks for your question and for thinking about your sexual health. PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, which means to help prevent something from happening, such as a disease. PrEP is … read more
I’m a bi male and plan to possibly have sexual relations with a guy, and I’m afraid of getting HIV/AIDS. When I turn 18, would PrEP be a good idea?
Thank you for your question. It’s great that you are being proactive about your sexual health! As you may know, PrEP stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a pill that … read more
Living with HIV: Staying On Track
Communicating with your health care provider(s) Talking with your health care provider (HCP) is an important part of staying on track and on top of your meds. However, it can … read more
Living with HIV: Social Life
How friendships help/hurt med adherence Friends often impact our everyday decisions. For example, your friends can affect your decision to take your meds in either a positive or negative way. … read more
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are sometimes called STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases. STIs include: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Hepatitis B Herpes HIV/AIDS Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Molluscum Contagiosum Pubic Lice (“Crabs”) Scabies Syphilis Trichomoniasis Who gets … read more
Living with HIV: Health Resources for Guys
Medications: Getting organized is the first step towards making sure you’re adherent to your treatment regimen. It’s important to know about what meds you’re on, how to get them, and … read more
Living with HIV: Dealing With Your Emotions
Your feelings can affect when and why you take your HIV medications. Both negative and positive emotions can affect how well you stick to your med schedule. It’s possible that … read more
HIV Testing
It’s now recommended that everyone over 15 years old should get tested for HIV at least once. If a young person is having sex without protection (e.g. not using condoms) … read more