How often should you get tested for HIV?

Hey, that’s a really good question. Here’s what I want you to know.

So, it varies, and the answer is it depends on what your life is like. Folks may be tested at a different frequency.

So, gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men, transgender individuals who have sex with men, bare minimum, should be tested once a year, maybe up to once every 3-6 months.

And, that also is an important sort of component, which is, make sure that if you’re getting your HIV testing through your medical provider, that you talk about sex. That you talk about drug use.

So, they can give you good advice in terms of how often to get screened.

This video is a joint production of KFF’s GREATER THAN HIV and CDC’s LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER. This information is shared for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at the time of filming.

Always consult a healthcare provider for any personal health decisions. The marks “CDC” and “Let’s Stop HIV Together” are owned by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and are used with permission. Use of these logos is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise.