The WA AIDS Council (WAAC) runs a confidential, free, medicare-based HIV/STI testing clinic for men from Monday to Friday. The clinic was established to give guys an easy, fast and sexuality sensitive option for testing. The clinic runs out of WAAC’s office which is at 664 Murray Street, West Perth.

The last gay men’s periodical survey, (which is conducted every 2 years at Fairday), revealed some interesting information about how gay and bi men in Perth are deciding to have anal sex without condoms. There has been a considerable increase in men discussing HIV status with casual partners before deciding not to use condoms. There has also been an increase in the number of men having anal sex without condoms with multiple casual partners since their last HIV test.

The syphilis outbreak began in Western Australia just over two years ago. Before this time syphilis had virtually disappeared and was thought of as a thing of the past, but a world-wide outbreak amongst men who have sex with men finally crept its way over the West Australian borders around Christmas time in 2006.

How to keep it clean “down there” before having anal sex is one of those questions some guys ask in embarrassed, hushed tones. No need to feel that way, fellas. It is a perfectly reasonable process to ask about, especially for guys new to receptive anal sex. No one is born with an innate understanding of anal cleanliness. This article is designed to point guys in the right direction to clean out, or douche, safely.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm hardon long enough to have sex. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. But if the problem is ongoing, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem.

You may have noticed quite a lot of advertisements from the WA AIDS Council about syphilis over the past 18 months. There is a reason for that- syphilis rates in Perth among guys who have sex with guys have been going up, and up, and up… you get the picture!

Beaufort 565 has been a fixture in Perth’s scene for over 30 years, providing a place for men to meet others for sex, socialising and friendship. The WA AIDS Council (WAAC) has had a long and productive association with the 565 sauna by offering outreach and HIV/STI testing to sauna patrons. We have provided testing to hundreds of guys throughout the years and we would like to thank 565 owners and management for supporting this innovative clinic.

Discussing unsafe sexual practices and beliefs instead of safe sexual practices may be seen to be controversial. We are also being very explicit with our terminology. We make no excuse for either of these things. We need to be explicit about the sexual practices that spread HIV, unprotected anal intercourse in particular. We are trying to redress the myths, beliefs and emerging cultural norms that have grown over time as a result of the extended impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV is still a real and present danger within our community.

Condoms when used correctly are extremely effective in stopping HIV and other STIs. If you’ve been fucking with a condom and it hasn’t broken, slipped off, or been taken off during sex, then you have protected yourself against HIV and can expect negative test results.