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Do I need an HIV test?

I think of myself as a regular person, too. I’m working, I’m married, I’m just having a regular life but I tell my own clinician, I want you to test me for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, check my blood sugar, check my cholesterol. I want to know that all systems are go and I would like you to do that once a year. And that’s not making a judgment about my husband or my lifestyle or whatever else is going on, it’s just about security, and knowing what’s going on with my body.

Dr. Flash offers guidance on starting the conversation with your doctor about HIV testing.

A key part of taking care of yourself means finding a healthcare provider that you feel comfortable with and is someone with whom you feel you can be open and honest. The more you tell your doctor about what’s really going on with you, the better they can help you. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Click here for more information on HIV testing.

 

#AskTheHIVDoc is a video series from Greater Than HIV featuring top HIV doctors providing answers to commonly-asked questions about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.

This information is shared for educational purposes only 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 time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decision.

While we make every effort to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information reflects the most up-to-date research. Also, please note the views expressed by individuals who appear in Greater Than HIV videos and other content are their own and are not made on behalf of any groups/organizations/associations.