Us Mob and HIV

Testing

Getting tested for other illnesses

STIs Having sex means you could also have other STIs (sexually transmissible infections). Condoms can help protect you from most STIs, but you can still get some STIs even when you use condoms. They can make you really sick and damage your body if you do not get treatment.

If you have an STI, it is easier to get or pass on HIV. You should ask for an STI test at the same time as your HIV test.

There are very high rates of some STIs in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Getting an STI test is a step to improving the health of our communities.

Hepatitis Sharing needles and syringes can spread HIV but also infections like hepatitis B or hepatitis C. If you have been sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment tell your doctor and get tested for hepatitis B and C at the same time as your HIV test.

Lots of STIs have no symptoms. Have regular sexual health checks. And make sure you use use condoms and lube. You can talk to your doctor if you are worried about anything.

 

Check out video for more information on other illnesses by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.

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