HIV is a virus which attacks the immune systems (your body's defence against infections). If a person is infected with HIV (they are HIV positive). They can look and remain well for years, but they will remain infectious for life, and can pass on their HIV infection to others. HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is a collection of illness not particular disease. Being HIV positive does not mean you automatically have AIDS. There are new drugs available now which can help to keep HIV positive people well and prevent many of the illnesses which cause AIDS. These drugs are not a cure, they simply help keep people with HIV well.

HIV TESTING

A test for HIV checks for antibodies against the virus in a person's blood - a person would not have these antibodies unless they had been infected with HIV. Whether or not to have a test is your decision. No one is tested without their permission. There are staff available at all sexual health clinics who offer counselling, which may help you to decide if you are not certain about having an HIV test. At any sexual health clinic, you do not have to give your real name, which ensures your result (whether negative or positive) remains confidential.

It can take up to 12 weeks (3 months) from the time of being infected with HIV (e.g. fucking without condoms) till these antibodies can be found in a blood test, this process is called seroconversion, and this time period is often referred to as the 'window period'. Whilst this may take as long as 12 weeks, research studies have shown that most people will make antibodies or seroconvert within 4-6 weeks of becoming infected. Therefore, if you have been at risk and want to test for HIV as soon as possible, most clinics will now offer you a test six weeks after your most recent risk.

You are at risk of catching HIV from sexual contact, drugs use, tattoos and piercing, and certain medical treatments or blood transfusions received in developing countries.

Sexual contact

Anal sex - having anal sex can cause the lining of the arse to bleed, although most people don't notice this. If you are being fucked, HIV in the active partner's pre-cum or cum (ejaculate) can be absorbed through the lining of your arse during this bleeding. It is more risky to get fucked without a condom because of this, but there are still risks of fucking (being the active or insertive partner) as this blood can enter through your piss hole (meatus). It's therefore very important to use appropriate condoms and lube when having anal sex.

Oral sex - sucking without a condoms is much less risky than fucking without condoms, as long as you don't get the cum or pre-cum (ejaculate) in your mouth. A small number of men have caught HIV from swallowing the pre-cum & cum of sexual partners - never let a sexual partner cum in your mouth, and if this happens, spit it out, do not swallow. Brushing teeth before sucking cock may cause the gums to bleed, and using a mouth wash may kill the normal 'helpful' bacteria that help prevent disease in the mouth, so should be avoided before sucking cock - if you want fresh breath, suck a mint first! Obviously if you have any cuts or sores in the mouth, it is not a good idea to suck cock. To reduce risks, suck using condoms especially with clients.

Vaginal sex - HIV present in a women's sexual fluids can enter your piss hole (meatus) and cause infection. You are at risk of catching HIV if you fuck a woman without a condom.

Drugs

Many men fuck without condoms when they are off their head on drugs or alcohol. Often they regret this when they come down or sober up. Always take condoms with you when you go out clubbing or anywhere else you know you might be taking drugs - plan ahead. Sharing works (needles, syringes, spoons, filter) allows blood to be passed directly from one person to another. If you do inject drugs, always use your own works, keep them safe and never share them. Other infections such as Hepatitis B and C many also be passed on (transmitted) by sharing works.

Tattoos & piercing

HIV can be passed on by dirty equipment, used for tattoos & piercing, especially if it's not cleaned properly between people. Always use an approved & licensed parlour rather than a back-street one, or clean/sterile equipment if doing it yourself.