Today we released a new briefing [PDF] on the sexual health of people living with HIV.

Despite concerns around stigma, sexual inactivity and disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for people living with HIV, there's a lack of support and understanding of the sexual health of this group.

This briefing takes a dive into the data to look holistically at the sexual health of people living with HIV. It aims to better understand how it may impact their ability to live well.

Advancements in the treatment of HIV mean that it is now a manageable condition that does not impact life expectancy. But this is not enough. Ensuring that the quality of life for people living with HIV remains high is also incredibly important.

Widespread knowledge of U=U and 'Can’t Pass It On', along with the advent of PrEP, have likely positively impacted the sex lives of people living with HIV. So why are there still challenges in sexual health that seem more pronounced for people living with HIV?

When looking at what it means to live well, the role of sex and relationships should not be ignored. Are people living with HIV having the sex and relationships they want? And how are people living with HIV affected by STIs? What can be done to support pleasurable sex, fulfilling relationships and reductions in STIs for people living with HIV?

We're calling for the HIV and sexual health sector to take action together. We want to make sure the sexual health of people living with HIV is considered as part of living well.

And how can we do this? 

We need to better understand the structural drivers of the trends we are seeing. We need an intersectional approach that considers the diverse experiences of people living with HIV, and how this may impact their ability to live well.

With an improved understanding, we can support people living HIV to live well and have positive experiences of sex and relationships.