Sexual Health Services at ACT
ACT is a leading sexual health agency with supports that extend beyond HIV and STI treatment and prevention.
Sexual health is much more than HIV:
Sexual health means feeling comfortable with who you are, who you’re attracted to, and how that attraction manifests itself. It also includes being aware of the risks and benefits of having sex, including consent, STIs, HIV, HIV disclosure, and reproductive health. If this sounds like a lot, that’s okay–we’re here to help.
ACT provides a range of sexual health information and support for gay and bisexual men, women and young people. See below for programs and services for each of these groups.
A major component of your sexual health is knowing your HIV status. If you are HIV-positive, starting HIV (antiretroviral) treatment is highly recommended, as it will improve your physical health and reduce the chances you’ll pass the virus on. If you don’t know your status, getting an HIV test is easy. Check out where you can get a test here.
With effective antiretroviral treatment, living well with HIV is entirely possible, and ACT is committed to helping you achieve your health goals. People living with HIV continue to have sex after they are diagnosed, though there is sometimes a transition period where people adjust to their new circumstances. ACT can also assist with planning your disclosure (talking about your HIV status).
- learn more about disclosing to sexual partners
- learn more about HIV disclosure for young people
- learn more about disclosing to family and children
A common worry among people living with HIV is their risk of passing the virus on to their partners or children. Luckily, if you are on effective HIV treatment, the risk of doing this is extremely low. Learn more about HIV risk and HIV treatment here. If you know you have a consistent undetectable viral load, then you can be sure that you are not at risk of passing on the virus!