Welcome

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV – BASHH – was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases (MSSVD, established 1922) and the Association for Genito Urinary Medicine (AGUM, established 1992). The objective of BASHH is:

• To promote, encourage and improve the study and practice of the art and science of diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases including all sexually transmitted infections, HIV and other sexual health problems.

• To advance public health so far as it is affected by sexually transmitted diseases and to promote and encourage the study of the public aspects of sexually transmitted diseases including all sexually transmitted infections, HIV and other sexual health problems.

• To advance the education of the public in all matters concerning the medical speciality of Genitourinary Medicine (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Speciality’), to include the management of HIV infections and the broader aspects of sexual health.

• To promote a high standard in the medical speciality of Genitourinary Medicine to include the management of HIV infections and the broader aspects of sexual health.

The Association membership includes medical practitioners, scientists in the field of medicine and other healthcare workers who have shown a commitment to the speciality, who have been duly elected Fellows, Members and Honorary Fellows. Criteria for commitment to the speciality are that the applicant should be currently working in or have contributed to the speciality or an allied field. Honorary Life Fellowship may be conferred on persons, including those not medically qualified, who have given distinguished service to the Society.

Meetings

BASHH has four national meetings per annum, which are held on Friday afternoons. These meetings include the reading of scientific papers by eminent speakers, discussion and the presentation of cases and are held at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The Annual General Meeting is held in October. In addition, there is an annual Spring Meeting, as well as clinical meetings organised by the Special Interest Gropus. A study weekend for doctors in training is held annually, and training for nurses and health advisers is being developed. Educational activities for doctors and other healthcare professionals working in Sexual Health are also organised at regional level through the Regional Branches. BASHH has a continuing education strategy and is developing additional educational activities and resources.

There are currently over 700 members of the BASHH, over 70 of whom are overseas members. Members receive mailings which include information about BASHH and other meetings, courses and a regular Newsletter.