Getting Tested
By Risha

I can say with honesty that in my first years of being sexually active, I used protection 90 percent of the time. 90 percent is not 100 percent, so there was a possibility of acquiring an array of sexually transmitted infections. Although the possibility of a positive outcome frightened me to no end, I decided to get tested to see if the times that I acted irresponsibly exposed me to HIV. By nature, I think I'm a bit of a hypochondriac and any time something seems out of the ordinary I run to the doctor. The female anatomy is a very complicated thing. But in this case, I put off being tested out of fear.

The first time I was tested I was so nervous. I went to my GYN for an HIV and STD screening. I never liked getting blood taken but this time, in particular, was beyond nerve racking. I worried what my response would be if the results were positive. By now, we all know that HIV/AIDS is a terminal condition. There are several support groups as well as medicines you can take to inhibit the virus but alas, still no cure. I waited anxiously for a week, still no word. When the second week rolled around I called the doctor's office frantically inquiring why I hadn't heard anything about my results. What sweet music to my ears, when I heard the nurse say, "No news, is good news." Since that day, I get tested annually and use a latex condom each and every time I have sex, because I never want to question whether or not I have been exposed to the virus. I'd rather be safe than sorry…besides I don't think my nerves can take the doubt and anxiety of that first experience. What can I say, you live and you learn.

>> Return to the HIV Testing Index