I was tested for HIV about a few months ago. I'm schedualling a follow up as you read this. I've only had unprotected sex twice and I don't really plan on ever doing it again because of all the health risks that come with it. The second time I had it was about a month ago with a friend I've been talking/messing around with. He tells me he's been tested and he's negative also. I feel he's going to need to show me some proof had I ever have unprotected sex with him again. He likes it, I'm a little uncomfortable with it because One I don't know if it's okay suppose 2 HIV - people have unprotected sex. Also in the back of my mind I don't know if he's just seeing me or what he's doing when he's not with me for that matter. I'm sorry this is really long. 
Signed,
Vincent, 18, Oakley CA

Hi Vincent, 

 

It's a good thing that you have these concerns for your health.  HIV/AIDS is still a significant issue facing this country, especially the gay community.  It's important that you take the necessary steps to avoid the transmission of the disease and understand how it works. 

 

The only sure way to avoid contracting this disease (or any other STI) is to abstain from sex altogether.  However, I realize that this option isn't what most guys are going to do.  Therefore, the next best thing to do - as you already know - is to practice safer sex.  Using a condom each time you have intercourse is a good start! Unless you and your partner are sexually exclusive with each other, it's always a good idea to practice safer sex.  I'm not going to tell you that you should distrust your current sexual partner; however, it is true that many times people who actually have an STI don't realize that they have it.  Some sources say that nearly half of the gay men who actually have HIV don't know it.  Realize that it can take anytime up to 3 months for a positive HIV diagnosis to be accurately assessed.

 

If you are sexually active, I encourage you to continue practicing safer sex, and get tested regularly.  If you would like to have unprotected sex with someone, you might consider finding someone you are sexually exclusive with and getting tested together.  

 

The County of Los Angeles provides free STD screening.  This is a list of many of the clinics in the area with their opening hours: publichealth.lacounty.gov/std/docs/clinicschedule.pdf.  If you prefer to go to a clinic where the majority of patients are LGBT, I recommend checking out The Spot in West Hollywood.  

 

Remember that your health is very important, and you should take all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect what you have, even if it might seem like a good idea in the moment to have unprotected sex.  I hope this information is helpful.

 

Trevor