Testing to the Max
Max is a content creator and sex educator who uses his platform to raise awareness about sexual health, HIV prevention and the importance of compassionate care. He’s shared his thoughts this HIV Testing Week to raise awareness of how quick and easy it is to get find out your HIV status.
Max, 26, said: “The staff are always happy to see me. It makes a big difference. You feel like you’re being looked after, not judged.”
For Max, it is all about breaking myths and showing how simple testing is. “It takes minutes and could save your life. Anyone who’s sexually active should get tested because HIV doesn’t discriminate.”
Max also takes PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) regularly. PrEP is a medication available through NHS sexual health clinics that helps prevent HIV. “It’s the easiest part of my day,” he says. “I take it with my vitamins in the morning and get on with life.
Madeleine Smith, a Sexual Health Nurse said: “The best way to protect yourself from bloodborne viruses such as HIV is to use condoms consistently, consider medication like PrEP for added protection and get tested regularly. If you have multiple partners, we recommend testing every three months.
“It’s also a good idea to test just before or after starting a new relationship. If you’ve had unprotected sex, wait four to six weeks before testing, as this is when HIV can be detected more accurately. Most results are negative, but anyone diagnosed in the UK can access free treatment.”
Max wants more people to understand how far HIV treatment has come.
“Being diagnosed today isn’t what it used to be. With the right treatment, you can live a long, healthy life and once your viral load is undetectable, you can’t pass the virus on to others.
“But myths still stop people getting tested, like the idea that only gay men can get HIV. The truth is, anyone can, so everyone who’s sexually active should get tested.”
Maddie said: “HIV testing is free, easy and fits around your life. It's the only way to know your status, as people can live with HIV for years without symptoms.
“You can test at one of our clinics or order visit www.sh.uk to order a free self-sampling test kit. Your kit will be delivered in plain packaging directly to you.”
