How To Have a Safe Sex Summer
Sun, sand, swimming and sex are on the horizon.
Here’s what you need to do to stay safe when you're having sex this summer.
Get Vaxxed & Keep Track
Get your COVID-19 vaccination & boosters as soon as you're eligible. Vaccines & boosters lower the risk of infection and ongoing transmission, and protect yourself and your partner(s).
It's also super important that you are able to contact any sexual partners you meet, in case either of you tests positive for COVID-19. We know getting the contact details of the anonymous guy at the beach who just sucked your cock might be awkward, but at least a phone number will help ensure we keep our communities safe (please don't rely on your Bluetooth being on!).
The current scientific consensus is that people living with HIV may be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and of poorer outcomes following COVID-19. If you're living with HIV, vaccines are very important to lower your risk from severe disease.
Test for HIV & STIs
Head into your summer sexscapades knowing your status.
The most common STI symptom is to have no symptoms, so the only way to know & ensure you don't transmit HIV or STIs to your partners is to test!
How often should I be testing?
Are you a man (cis or trans) who has sex with other men?
Are you a trans woman or non-binary person who has sex with men?
Are you in a closed, monogamous relationship?
Is your partner living with HIV?
Do you use a condom every time you have penetrative sex?
Do they have an undetectable viral load?
How many sexual partners have you had in the last 6 months?
How many sexual partners have you had in the last 6 months?
Once a year
Based on your answers, you are most likely at low risk of contracting HIV and should be testing for HIV & STIs once a year as part of an annual health check.
If you’re concerned about your personal risk, we would recommend speaking to your doctor and explaining why you think you might be at risk or find a testing service right for you here.
Once a year
Evidence of HIV can sometimes not be detected by a test for up to three months. If you and your partner decide that you no longer want to use condoms or PrEP you will need to be monogamous for at least three months, and then both receive a negative HIV test result.
After this, we'd recommend testing for HIV once a year, as part of an annual health check-up.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
Because your partner is undetectable there is no risk of you contracting HIV.
You would need to be testing if your partner experiences a treatment interruption.
Every Six Months
If your partner doesn’t have an undetectable viral load then you should be using condoms or PrEP
We recommend getting an HIV test every six months.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
Once a year
We recommend getting an HIV test and a full STI screen once a year.
With regular, consistent condom use it is unlikely that you have contracted HIV. But, other STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea can still be easily transmitted through oral sex, rimming or even using spit as lube.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
Every Six Months
We recommend getting an HIV test and a full STI screen every six months.
With regular, consistent condom use it is unlikely that you have contracted HIV. But, other STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea can still be easily transmitted through oral sex, rimming or even using spit as lube.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
Every Three months
Based on your answers, we recommend getting an HIV test and a full STI screen every three months.
With regular, consistent condom use it is unlikely that you have contracted HIV. But, other STIs like syphilis and gonorrhoea can still be easily transmitted through oral sex, rimming or even using spit as lube.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text.
Once a year
Based on your answers, we recommend getting an HIV test and a full STI screen once a year.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
As you struggle with consistent condom use, you should consider taking PrEP to stay safe.
Every Six Months
Based on your answers, we recommend getting an HIV test and a full STI screen every six months.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text or email.
As you struggle with consistent condom use, you should consider taking PrEP to stay safe.
Every Three Months
If you're having unprotected sex with casual partners, then you're at high risk of HIV. You need to be testing every three months.
Get a test here and/or sign up to get testing reminders sent to you via text.
As you struggle with consistent condom use, you should consider taking PrEP to stay safe.
Sort Your PrEP
During the holidays, our normal routines often change. If you're on PrEP, make sure you take enough with you on any trips and set a reminder on your phone to take them. If you aren't on PrEP, now is a great time to book an appointment & start the process.
To help even more people safely access PrEP in New Zealand, we've partnered with MedOnline to provide a way to talk to a doctor about PrEP without even leaving the house.
The virtual clinic is a video call where a GP will guide you through the process of getting a PrEP prescription, and discuss the important stuff you need to know when you're on PrEP.
If you're eligible for, and not currently on PrEP, then you can get an initial Virtual PrEP consultation for only $19.95.
Stock up on Condoms & Keep them Close By
Make sure you're stocked up on condoms & lube. If you're heading out, make sure you take a few with you as you never know where the summer vibes might lead!
In Conclusion
Summer is a time when we often let loose & enjoy ourselves (and others!). Keep it sexy & safe this summer by:
- Getting your COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster
- Getting tested for HIV & STIs
- Making sure you have enough PrEP & setting reminders to take it (you could also consider if PrEP is right for you)
- Stocking up on condoms and lube, and keeping them close by!