There's a lot of information around on HIV these days - too much, some say. This page aims to give you a local perspective on HIV and the issues to consider if you're thinking of having a test. For issues surrounding HIV positive men, click here.
How common is HIV in Glasgow?
HIV no longer affects only specific groups of people - all of us are potentially at risk if we have unprotected penetrative sex. Although HIV is commoner in some geographical areas than others, nowhere is risk-free. Just as a guide, figures from Geniotourinary Medicine clinics show that in Glasgow 4.7% of gay men are HIV positive, Edinburgh 5.9% and London 20%. Many of these people do not know of their HIV infection - for every person who is aware, there is at least one other who is not. Rather worryingly, this is not an infection that's going away - despite all the safer sex messages, new cases of HIV infection are once again occuring with increasing frequency amongst gay and bisexual men in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
HIV testing - what, when and where?
The decision to have a test is yours alone - often taken after careful thought and discussion with an informed HIV counsellor. Most important are the emotional implications of having a test, including the benefit to you of knowing your HIV status. What impact might a positive result have on you, your work and relationships? What support would you have from family and friends if the test was positive? The test itself simply involves taking a small sample of blood from your arm. The result is back within forty-eight hours - you will always be asked to come back in person for the result, either to The Steve Retson Project itself or to the general Genitourinary Medicine clinic.
The HIV test is for antibodies in your blood - your body takes about two to three months to produce these. This is the so-called 'window period'. If you think you have been at risk of HIV infection in the past few weeks, it may be too early to have the test. However, you should still discuss your concerns with a counsellor, doctor or health adviser. HIV counselling and testing is free and confidential at The Steve Retson Project. Nobody (not even your GP) will be informed of the result, unless you request it. There is also a network of counselling centres around the city, linked with the Counselling Clinic at the Brownlee Centre, Gartnavel. The National AIDS Helpline (0800 567 123) is also an excellent source of immediate information and support.