Dr Mataroria Lyndon answers your health-related concerns.
I’M A GAY MAN IN MY 30S AND RECENTLY STARTED SEEING SOMEONE NEW. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT REGULAR STI TESTING AND PREP – AND HOW CAN I TALK TO MY GP ABOUT IT WITHOUT FEELING JUDGED?
It’s great that you’re thinking about your sexual health. PrEP is a medication that helps prevent HIV. It’s recommended for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, especially if you’re starting a new relationship or having sex with new or multiple partners, which increases the risk of HIV. PrEP is highly effective at protecting against HIV when taken as prescribed.
Regular STI testing is also essential for sexually active people, particularly for gay men who are at higher risk for certain STIs, including HIV. Testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea should be done every 3 months if you’re having sex with new or multiple partners.
Once you’re on PrEP, you will need to be tested every 3 months.
When talking to your GP, here are some ways to start the kōrero:
• “I’ve recently started seeing someone new and I’d like to discuss using PrEP.”
• “I’m interested in PrEP and want to know more about STI testing. Can we talk about my options?”
• “Could we go over my sexual health and prevention strategies to keep me safe?”
At Tend, our clinicians listen without judgment, and many have specific experience in rainbow healthcare. You can use the LGBTQIA+ filter on our website to find a clinician who suits you and book STI testing or a PrEP consultation directly through the Tend app.
Download the Tend app today or visit tend.nz
If you have a health query you want answered, email it to ask@gayexpress.co.nz or fill in the anonymous form below!
