Sexual Health
Facts, tools, and resources for HIV prevention, regular testing, and overall sexual wellbeing — written for gay and bisexual men in Europe.
Quick reminders
- •Test every 3 months for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia.
- •PrEP prevents HIV when taken correctly — ask your GP or clinic.
- •U=U: an undetectable HIV-positive person cannot transmit HIV sexually.
- •DoxyPEP can reduce bacterial STI risk taken within 72 h of sex.
- •Hep A, Hep B, HPV, and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for sexually active gay and bi men.
Find a test site near you
Enter your city or postcode in the European Test Finder to see your nearest services for HIV, hepatitis, and STI testing — more than 2,000 centres across the EU and Norway, maintained by ECDC and AIDS Action Europe.
Open the European Test FinderPrefer a national service? In Germany, Deutsche Aidshilfe lists local checkpoints and test sites; in the UK, use the NHS sexual health service finder.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get tested?
European sexual health guidelines recommend that sexually active gay and bisexual men get tested every 3 months for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia — or more frequently if you have multiple partners. Many clinics offer free or low-cost tests; your GP or local LGBTQ+ health centre can refer you.
What is PrEP and how do I access it?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily tablet or on-demand regimen that is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken consistently. In most EU countries it is available on prescription from your GP, sexual health clinic, or LGBTQ+ health service. Ask your doctor about daily or event-based (2-1-1) dosing.
What does "undetectable = untransmittable" (U=U) mean?
U=U is a scientific consensus: a person living with HIV who is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partners. This is supported by major studies (PARTNER, Opposites Attract) and endorsed by global health bodies. If your partner is HIV-positive and undetectable, the risk of transmission is zero.
What is doxyPEP?
DoxyPEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) is a single dose of the antibiotic doxycycline taken within 72 hours of sex. Clinical trials (DoxyPEP study, ANRS Doxy-PEP) show it reduces the risk of syphilis, chlamydia, and rectal gonorrhoea by 60–70% in gay and bisexual men. It is not a substitute for condoms or PrEP, and availability on prescription varies by country. Ask your GP or sexual health clinic whether it is right for you.
Which vaccinations are recommended for gay and bisexual men?
Health authorities recommend the following: Hepatitis A (HAV) — 2-dose course; Hepatitis B (HBV) — 3-dose course, free in many EU countries for adults at risk; HPV (human papillomavirus) — 2-dose course if under 45, protects against genital warts and certain cancers; Meningococcal ACWY — one dose, especially if you use sex-on-premises venues or have multiple partners. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, your GP can run a blood test to check immunity.
Do condoms still matter if I am on PrEP?
Yes. PrEP prevents HIV only, not other STIs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, or chlamydia. Using condoms alongside PrEP provides the broadest protection. That said, the best protection is the one you will use consistently — talk to your clinician about what combination works for your life.
Where can I find a sexual health clinic near me?
Search for "sexual health clinic" or "GUM clinic" in your city. Most EU capitals have dedicated LGBTQ+ health services offering rapid testing and confidential consultations. Your GP can also refer you, and many clinics accept walk-in appointments or online bookings.
A note on this information
This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment availability, clinical guidelines, and access pathways vary across EU member states. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical decisions.
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