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Read about the different types of sexual health conditions including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV and AIDS. You can also get information on contraception and abortion.

HIV and AIDS

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system. This weakens your ability to fight everyday infections and disease. HIV is most commonly passed on from one person to another through having unprotected vaginal or anal sex. 

What is AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.  While AIDS cannot be transmitted from one person to another, the HIV virus can.

There's currently no cure for HIV, but there are very effective drug treatments that enable most people with the virus to live a long and healthy life. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a combination of commonly used anti-HIV drugs taken by an HIV negative person, to reduce the risk of getting HIV. It is recommended to people who are at high risk of HIV.

With an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS-related illnesses and will live a near-normal lifespan.

Should I get tested for HIV?

  • Being tested for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have this infection.
  • 50% of all new HIV diagnosis is also diagnosed with Syphilis.
  • It is really important to get tested as soon as possible if you are at risk of contracting HIV. If HIV is diagnosed early anti-retroviral (ART) medication can be prescribed which allows most people who are infected the option of feeling well and living a normal lifespan.
  • If not diagnosed, HIV will damage your immune system leading to serious illness and greatly shorten your life.
  • Knowing whether or not you have HIV means you can make informed decisions about your health and future as well as taking measures to prevent passing the infection to others.
  • HIV can be passed through infected semen, vaginal fluids, rectal secretions, blood, and breast milk.
  • The most common way HIV is passed on is through having sex without a condom (sexual contact is responsible for 90% of HIV cases in the UK), or sharing infected needles, syringes or other drug injecting equipment.

More information

  • Bridges is a new partnership providing HIV support services across South London in the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
  • Do It London is an HIV prevention awareness campaign for all Londoners.
  • The NHS website has more information HIV and AIDS, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, living with HIV and preventing HIV.