The Benefits of HIV Testing - Should You Get One?

Perhaps you're wondering whether you should get an HIV test. If you have engaged in risky behavior, the only way to know for sure whether or not you have HIV, is to get the HIV antibody test. This test is not a test for AIDS. What it does is test for antibodies to the HIV virus that causes AIDS. If you have HIV antibodies, it means that you have HIV and are able to infect others.

If you know that you have HIV, early treatment can protect your health. Those with HIV can add years and quality to their lives by getting help early. You can weigh the benefits of having children, knowing you have HIV, as well as help you protect your sexual partners from the infection.

If you have done any of these risky behaviors since 1978, you should be tested:
*had sex with a male or female prostitute or you
*a man who has had sex with anothe rman
*shared needles for injecting drugs
*had any STDs
*had sex with anyone who has done any of these things
*received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985
*have tuberculosis disease or have tested positive for TB infection

You should get tested three to six months after you think you were exposed before getting tested. During this waiting period, you should avoid any risky behaviors that would cause another exposure. Don't have sex or, if you do, practice safer sex during this time.

There are most likely many places in your area where you can get the test for little to no cost. You should not donate blood in order to get tested. It is recommended that you go to a health department, family planning clinic, or substance abuse program that offers HIV counseling and testing. Most locations offer anonymous or confidential tests. This means that you don't have to use your real name and no one can be given your test results but you. Also, if you prefer, your name can be known by the health care workers at the site but no health information can be released without your consent.

Most testing locations are staffed with HIV counselors who will help you decide if you should get tested. If you decided to be tested, the health care worker will take a small amount of blood from your arm. The sample will then be sent to a lab for testing. The result will be back from the laboratory about two weeks after you test. You should return to the testing site for your result, as test results cannot be given over the phone.

If you test positive, your test will be repeated and confirmed before the result is given to you. A positive result means that you have HIV and that you can infect others. It does not mean that you have AIDS. Those with HIV can live with good health for many years with no signs of illness. The HIV counselor will refer you to an organization nearby that can help you. You will be asked to tell your sex or needle partners about the result. Most likely, you will be sent for a physical exam to check your overall health. Early treatment is the key. If you are a woman who tests positive, talk to your doctor about the risks, as HIV can be passed to the baby during pregnancy, at birth, or through breast milk.

If you test negative, you are not necessarily out of the woods. There is a chance that you have HIV but your body has not yet made the antibodies that can be found by the tests. You may have to retest later. Your counselor can advise you on this matter. You can still be infected with HIV if you engage in risky behaviors, so learn how to prevent it!

The best things you can do for prevention are not having sex and not sharing drug needles or syringes. Choose one sex partner who doesn't have sex with anyone but you. If you are not sure of your partner's sexual practices, use a latex condom and spermicide. If you use drugs, enlist the help of a drug treatment counselor. Don't share needles, syringes, and other tools.

Protect others by practicing safer sex and not sharing drug paraphanlia.