What is the scariest test you will ever take? The HIV test. HIV did not come into this country that long ago, the epidemic took the lives of thousands and thousands of people in the 1980s mostly gay men but not just gay men. Living with HIV then meant it was a death sentence, today it does not seem like such a death sentence anymore but it still can change someone’s life drastically. A lot of people don’t think HIV can affect them. This virus has been stigmatized as a “gay disease” or a “junkie disease” but it is much more than that. It is so easy to catch this virus because there are so many behaviors that can put you at risk.

If you ever had sexual relations with someone you should get tested, even if you are in a monogamist relationship or even if you used a condom/ dental dam. You are still at risk, you may think you are in a monogamist relationship and your partner doesn’t or your partner got infected from a past relationship. When using a condom there is a risk that it is not being used correctly for example, 17% to 51.1% of people said they have put the condom on after intercourse has already begun. Also 24.3% to 45.7% of people do not leave room at the tip of the condom for the semen these are just a few examples on how intercourse can become risky, this should not stop you from having sex but it should influence you to get tested.

At many clinics like Planned Parenthood and health centers on college campus offer free HIV testing. Many people are scared to get tested because they are embarrassed or feel like they will be judge, yes it is a little awkward but no one is judging you at these testing sites because it is their job. Also, there is confidential testing and anonymous testing so there is no way someone other than the CDC and the physicians could know about you getting tested. Getting tested does not take long a rapid HIV test can show you the results in 20 minutes. Getting tested is easy and quick. This test is scary but it is not hard and it is very important to your health and the health of others.

Sources:

http://www.livescience.com/18661-14-common-condom-errors.html

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hiv-aids/hiv-testing