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Getting Tested

Why should I be tested for HIV?

1. Early intervention means a healthier life
The key to living a healthy life with HIV is being diagnosed early. Getting into the care of an HIV specialist is an essential part of staying healthy. Get tested and if you are positive, find an HIV specialist. If you fall ill, there are many drugs called antiretrovirals that can help to slow down the virus and maintain your immune system. HIV+ people with a healthy lifestyle and a good diet combined with drugs can lead a full life for a long time.

2. Knowing your status protects you and other people
If you know that you are HIV positive, you can take steps to protect other people, including your partner. For example, by practicing safe sex and informing you past sexual partners.

3. Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions
Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions regarding your future and your life. Women living with HIV can have the family they always wanted. Knowing you are HIV positive allows you to take steps to protect your unborn baby.

4. Now you can ask the right questions
Knowing your body is an important part of living a healthy life. Get tested for HIV and if you are positive ask the right questions.

5. Know your status... and get the most from your doctor visits
When you're not feeling well, your doctor will be better able to treat you if he has all the facts. If he knows your status, he can address the special needs your HIV demands. . And it's up to you to get the most of your doctor visits.

AVERT has more information about testing and learning if you are positive.

Before being tested, it's a good idea to talk to your friends or family. You can also talk to an HIV test counselor without committing to taking the test. Here are some questions to consider regarding testing:

Do you have reason to think you might be infected?

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, you should be tested.

• Have you ever had "unprotected" sex (sex without a condom or other latex barrier)--oral, vaginal, or anal?
• Have you ever had sex with someone who was an IV drug user or had HIV?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or hepatitis?
• Have you ever had an unplanned pregnancy?
• Have you ever been sexually assaulted (raped, forced or talked into having sex when you didn't want to)?
• Have you ever passed out or forgotten what happened after you were drinking or getting high?
• Have you ever shared needles or other equipment to inject drugs or pierce the skin?
• Have you ever received a blood transfusion?
• Did your mother have HIV when you were born?

http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=basics-00-17

Testing is also recommended if:

• You think you may have been exposed to the HIV.
• You are sexually active (3 or more sexual partners in the last 12 months)
• You received a blood transfusion between 1977 and 1985, or a sexual partner received a transfusion and later tested positive for HIV
• You are uncertain about your sexual partner's risk behaviors
• You are a male who has had sex without a condom with another male at any time
• Any of your male sexual partners has had sex with another male without a condom
• You are a health care worker with direct exposure to blood on the job
• You are pregnant. There are now treatments that can greatly reduce the risk that a pregnant woman who has HIV will give the virus to her baby
• You are a woman who wants to make sure you are not infected with HIV before getting pregnant. Even if you have no risk factors for HIV infection, you may still want to get tested to ease your own mind. This also encourages everyone to be more responsible about HIV transmission.

Remember that even if you are in a monogamous relationship you may still be at risk. Ensure that you take a HIV test before proceeding with unprotected sexual activities.

http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=basics-00-17
http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/infect/hiv/HIVtesting.html

Suggested testing centres in Pune

• Sonawane Hospital, Bhawani Peth, 020-26451491
• Dr.Kotanis, Arogya Kendra Gadikhana, Shukrawar peth, 020-24473253
• Jehangir Hospital, Sasoon Road, 020-26054994
• Y.C.M hospital, Chinchwad, 020-27100266
• Deep Griha Society, Tadiwala Road, 020-26124382
• Dr Madhu, Maitri Clinic, Dattawadi, 9890044477
• Kamala Neheru Hospital, Mangalwar Peth, 020-25508533

 

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