This article is part ofHealth Divide: HIV, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Julie Bang / Verywell
Verywell Health: When should I get tested for HIV?
Dr. Elopre: Everyone should betested for HIVat least once in their lifetime. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should at least get tested at least once, regardless of risk.
We want empowering messaging around testing. So technically anyone who’s sexually active should be tested.
If you don’t feel confident or comfortableasking a partnerabout their HIV status, if you want toknow your HIV statusyourself, or if you know that you have engaged in condomless sex and areat risk for HIV, I would recommend getting tested. That could be anywhere from every year to every six months to every three months.
This goes especially for individuals that have a higher risk of being exposed to HIV, which includesgay and bisexual men.If you are a member of a community with higher rates of HIV, it’s recommended that you get tested every three months, especially if you have had condomless, anal sex.
Verywell Health: How do I find a free HIV testing site?
Dr. Elopre:HIV.govis a great site that provides regulated and verified information about HIV and testing. If you input your location using your zip code, it will provide free testing sites in your area.
If you don’t have access to HIV.gov or you don’t have access to the internet, you can always call your local health department, which should have testing information on hand.
What Tests Can Diagnose HIV?
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV testing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How does taking an HIV test help me?
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV testing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How does taking an HIV test help me?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV testing.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How does taking an HIV test help me?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV testing.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How does taking an HIV test help me?
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