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 Genitourinary Medicine (AGUM; established 1992).

The objectives of BASHH are:

• To promote, encourage and improved 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 specialty of Genitourinary Medicine (hereinafter referred to as 'the Specialty'), to include the management of HIV infections and the broader aspects of sexual health.
• To promote a high standard in the medical specialty of Genitourinary Medicine to include the management of HIV infections and the broader aspects of sexual health