World Aids Day

Let's talk about your sexual health and wellbeing

How do you choose the right person to talk to when it comes to matters pertaining to your sexual health and well-being?

Opt for someone knowledgeable who is willing to spend time with you exploring the different issues.  Your general practitioner will offer good, sound advice, enabling you to be better equipped to take responsibility for your own health and therefore make informed decisions.

HIV/AIDS is one of the most important sexual issues of our time.  If you require an HIV test, even for insurance purposes, your doctor should have a consultation with you beforehand in order to explain the type of HIV test that is being done, the implication of both a positive and a negative result as well as information regarding the disease itself.

Patients need to be well prepared for whatever result they receive. If the result is positive, it is essential that the patient should have a listening ear, as much support as possible, and the right information to make important decisions, such as who to tell, when and how. If the result is negative, your healthcare practitioner should still give you post-test counselling, to help you understand why you might be at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, how to reduce your risk, and how to talk to your sexual partner about risk reduction.

All issues pertaining to sexual and reproductive health are laden with emotions. It therefore stands to reason that it requires sensitive and caring handling by healthcare professionals.