From next week, Auckland men can be tested for HIV and a range of other sexually-transmitted infections all at one central location on Monday evenings. The NZ AIDS Foundation has joined with Auckland Sexual Health Services to provide a full and free sexual health screening service for men at the NZAF's Burnett Centre in Ponsonby, Auckland. Wayne Otter, the Foundation's Regional Manager for Auckland and Northern New Zealand, describes the new services as a "one stop men's sexual health shop." "We're thrilled that we can offer these essential screening services to men," he says, adding that the Men's Sexual Health Clinics aim to be welcoming and men-focussed. Gay and bisexual men in particular have an increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), because even if they use condoms for penetrative sex they can still transmit STIs other than HIV. An experienced sexual health clinician or nurse will be available for the free sexual health consultations at the Burnett Centre and men are encouraged to attend for both regular check ups, if they feel that they may be at risk, or if they have any questions or concerns about their sexual health. "STI symptoms aren't always obvious and some infections like syphilis dramatically increase the chances of transmitting HIV," says Otter. "We also encourage men living with HIV to get tested because it is particularly important that their immune system is not placed under the additional pressure of fighting new STIs." The weekly Men's Sexual Health Clinics will begin on Monday 17 November at 5pm and will be conducted by Burnett Centre staff at no cost. In addition to the weekly Monday evening clinics, the Men's Sexual Health Clinic will be open 10am – 4pm on Saturday 29 November to mark World AIDS Day. The Men's Sexual Health Clinics will complement the existing testing, counselling/psychotherapy and support services offered at the Burnett Centre to all those infected or affected by HIV. To book an appointment for the Men's Sexual Health Clinic, call 09 309 5560. The clinic will be open at Level 2, 35 Hargreaves Street, Ponsonby on Monday evenings from 5-8pm, with plenty of free parking available and all services free of charge.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 14th November 2008 - 4:16pm