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Ignorance Isn't Bliss

Recent research carried out by the Testing Barriers Project at Gay Men's Health in Edinburgh has indicated a significant rise in numbers of gay men in the city who are choosing to have an HIV test. Over 70% of the men who took part in the survey said they had had an HIV test but there are still large numbers of gay men who do not know their HIV status.

The decision to have an HIV test is, of course, a personal choice and there are many reasons why some men may choose not to have a test, including fear of a positive result and the possible effects of HIV stigma and discrimination. Although many self help and support organisations exist some men may think they could not cope with the impact on their lives of a positive HIV diagnosis. In fact, most people do cope and find their own way of dealing with being HIV.

There are however some very important advantages in knowing your HIV status - whether positive or negative. These include:

HIV TREATMENTS HAVE IMPROVED

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, new treatments are helping many people with HIV to lead full and active lives. If you are HIV positive, the sooner you know the better. Your doctor will be able to monitor the HIV infection and advise on possible treatments. If you start treatment long after being infected with HIV you may be at greater risk of becoming ill or developing AIDS.

PEACE OF MIND Whether you are HIV negative or HIV positive you can take control and decide what to do next - there will be no more uncertainty or guessing about your HIV status.

HEALTH CARE

If you are HIV positive, knowing this will help your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat any problems with your health. You can also protect yourself from other illnesses, e.g. flu or TB which may be more serious if you are HIV positive.

ACCESS TO SERVICES

There are several organisations which can help you cope with an HIV positive diagnosis and offer advice, counselling and practical help.

If you have not put yourself at risk from HIV infection there is of course no need to have a test. If you are concerned however that you may have been at risk, the only way to know whether you have been infected is to have a test. Free and confidential HIV tests are available in Edinburgh at the GUM clinic at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (0131 536 2103) or in Glasgow at the gay men' s sexual health clinic at the Steve Retson Project (0141 211 8628).

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CLINIC?

Some GUM clinics offer appointments and others have 'walk-in' clinics where no appointment is necessary. Normally, you will be offered pre-test counselling - where a health advisor will have a chat with you about the test and give you a chance to ask any questions you may have. A small blood sample is then taken, usually from your arm. The length of time it takes until you get your results depends on the clinic but many clinics offer 'same day testing' where your result is given to you on the same day as you have the test. If you do decide to have a test, you may want to ask about this when you make an appointment to have the test.

If you have an HIV test at a GUM / Sexual Health clinic, you can also have a full sexual health screen for other sexually transmitted infections and the results of your tests will not be shared with anyone outside the clinic. If you have any concerns or questions about HIV testing or other sexually transmitted infections, you can contact Gay Men's Health in Edinburgh on 0131 558 9444, the Steve Retson Project in Glasgow on 0141 211 8628 or you can speak to a health advisor at your local GUM clinic.

A full list of GUM clinics in Scotland and the rest of the UK and Ireland is available at -

http://www.ssha.info/clinics/gum.htm