Talking to your medical provider can be overwhelming and difficult enough when you are there for a routine or chronic medical concern, such as sinus infection, cold, flu, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Add to the mix sex or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, and you may not know what to say or even how to broach the subject. This is true whether you have HIV, simply want information about your risk for HIV infection or want to be tested.
Having a conversation with your provider about HIV and HIV testing is important because if you are infected, you may not have any signs or symptoms for several years. The Centers for Disease Control estimated that one in five persons do not know that he or she is infected with HIV. You can infect your partner(s) without either of you knowing it. Knowing if you have HIV or are at risk will help you take steps to protect yourself and your partner(s). The following will help guide you into an easy and open dialogue about HIV with your medical provider.
Do You Trust Your Provider?
It is very important that your provider is someone you can trust. Does the provider take time to talk when you have questions, or is he or she in a rush to get you out the door as quickly as possible? Is your provider knowledgeable about the latest information on HIV? You want to make sure you are getting correct information. You can ask to speak with someone who is knowledgeable about HIV testing, treatment and prevention.
Don’t Know Your Risk? Ask!
There is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people do not know what behaviors put them at risk for HIV. You may be at risk if you have unprotected sex; share needles for intravenous drugs, tattoos, or other purposes; or have sex with someone who does. You may be at risk if you’ve been sexually abused. The CDC also recommends that all people between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare. If you have any ongoing risk factors for HIV, then you may wanted to be tested routinely and you may be a candidate for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (more on that later). Be honest with your provider. If your provider does not suggest a test, ask for it!
What If My Provider Does Not Offer HIV Testing?
It is quite possible that your provider’s office does not provide laboratory services or offer HIV testing. The FACES Clinic at Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers free testing during the week and you can call 614-722-6060 for testing days and times. In general, testing is available 8:30-11:30 am, Monday through Friday, as well as 1 – 3:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays. Afternoon hours are extended to 6pm on Thursdays. Free testing is also available at the Columbus Public Health Department, 240 Parsons Avenue. If you do not live in the Columbus area, your local public health department will be able to direct you to testing resources in your area.
What If I Am HIV Positive?
If you test positive for HIV, it is important for you to get into and remain in care with a medical provider. There is effective treatment to help control HIV and keep you healthy and well. Communication with your provider is essential. Be sure to report symptoms and any medication side effects. Follow your provider’s recommendations and become a partner in your treatment.
What If I Am At Risk for HIV?
There are steps you can take to lower your risk for HIV including knowing your status, using condoms, or taking HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Adults and teens without HIV who may be exposed to HIV through sex or injection drug use may be good candidates for PrEP. PrEP is medicine (pills or shots) that you can take to lower your risk of getting HIV. Having an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider can help you decide if PrEP is right for you. It is important to remember that PrEP reduces the chance of getting HIV but doesn’t prevent other STIs or pregnancy. Condoms can prevent certain other STIs and pregnancy.
Charitha Gowda is on the Infectious Diseases and HIV Program Physician Team at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
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