Why You Should Get Yourself Tested for HIV

by Aisha Kapoor Medical Laboratory Professional

The only way to determine whether or not you have HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is to get yourself tested. You might feel extremely nervous and anxious about taking an HIV test, but the fact remains that the reasons to go for the test outweigh the reasons not to, and that too by multiple degrees! If you are sexually active, it is best to inculcate the habit of testing yourself for HIV regularly.

Even if you make a point to regularly use condoms, the risk remains, as HIV can spread not only from unprotected vaginal but also unprotected anal and oral sex. You must also note that STIs and STDs can be passed from the same sex as well.

It’s always better to be sure

Getting yourself tested is the only fool-proof and sure-shot way to know whether or not you are HIV positive. It's pretty common to feel anxious about HIV testing, but it is only through testing for HIV that you can put your mind at ease and rid yourself of the anxiety of being unaware.

It’s quick and easy

The test is carried out in a matter of minutes and isn’t very expensive. Depending on which type of test you get done, you will either be asked for a quick saliva sample or a blood test. Also, neither of these are painful.

If the result is positive, you can access treatment faster

If in case you are HIV positive, being diagnosed early can enable you to live longer and healthier. You can even begin HIV treatment earlier. This will reduce the further spread of HIV in your body and reduce it to protect and better your immune system. You must note that with the correct treatment and care, people with HIV can be expected to live as long as an average person. This is precisely why it is imperative to take an HIV test as soon as you possibly can.

Testing yourself will enable you to keep your sexual partners healthy

The regular testing for HIV and being aware of your status will help you look after the health of your sexual partners too. If you are determined positive, you could use protection, the most popular of which is condoms, and prevent the transmitting of HIV.

The bottom line is, that even if you think that the probability of you having HIV is very thin, the only way to ensure the same is by taking an HIV test. The reasons to take an HIV test increase all the more if: