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A young couple sit outside and look at a mobile phone

Most HIV transmission occurs from people who think they are HIV negative, but are living with undiagnosed HIV. This is because when someone is diagnosed, they are offered treatment soon after which reduces the virus to clinically undetectable and untransmittable levels.

This is why testing and knowing your HIV status is important. 

If you are sexually active you should test as often as every three months. This is because  tests are most accurate three months after exposure to HIV.

If you are not sexually active or in a monogamous relationship, we advise testing once a year.

If you think you might have an STI you should visit a sexual health (GUM) clinic so that you can test and start treatment as soon as possible.

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A gay couple smile in the sun

Take action!

Want to test from the comfort of your own home? 

Test for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C. Order a free & confidential postal test kit you can complete at home and return for results. Order a testing kit here This service is for men who identify as gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men and Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority heterosexual men and women. 

If you identify in another way please order a HIV and Syphilis testing kit available from https://freetesting.hiv/

There are many places to have a HIV test including a full STI screen across Greater Manchester, including GUM clinics and in community settings.  See the options in this PaSH Partnership directory

Your other options
Condoms

Condoms are the number one way of protecting yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, viral hepatitis and chlamydia.

Talking

To safely stop using condoms within your relationship, you need to be able to talk openly and honestly with each other about why you want to do it, what the potential benefits and risks might be, the ground rules for sex inside and outside (if any) the relationship and how you’ll deal with any problems that may arise.

U=U

Being HIV positive and having an undetectable viral load means you won’t pass on HIV to your partners. When a HIV positive person takes their treatment, within 6 months, they can become undetectable.

PEP

PEP is an emergency form of treatment which aims to reduce your risk of becoming infected with HIV after a potential exposure to HIV.

PrEP

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medicine for HIV negative people. It is a pill taken before sex to protect the transmission of HIV.

Emergency Support

Free & confidential sexual health services for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities 

Free & confidential support, advice and advocacy services for people living with HIV

Providing advice, support and resources for LGBT people to take control of their sexual health and wellbeing