I need to get tested for HIV.

[Anonymous]

I am an eighteen year old gay male. I have had unprotected anal sex with several different guys over the last few years. Obviously, I need to get tested. I've known that I need to get tested for a while. I just can't bring myself to do it.

Is it free? The nearest testing center according to an informational website I just visited is a "Department of Health and Human Services" facility. I guess I wouldn't mind paying, but wouldn't I need insurance?

I'm scared. I am so scared. I think I've convinced myself that I will test positive, despite not having symptoms or anything like that. And what will I do? I will be devastated. I think I would become suicidal. I'm not sure.

How soon after the test will I know the result? Right after? Will they call me?

I still don't want to go. I would almost rather live in oblivion and just hope that I don't have it. But that's irresponsible and not fair to any future sexual partners I will have.

[Chip]

Most places can do the instant test, which is results in about 15 minutes.

And most major cities have some sort of free testing available, you may have to call around to find it. There's also free anonymous testing, where you don't even have to give your name.

It's smart to get tested. With luck, your test result will be negative, but in any case, the testing center will be able to help you with either result.

The important thing is to take whatever comes out of the testing and make use of it. If you're lucky enough to have gotten through these unprotected encounters without getting HIV or anything else serious, then take it as the gift that it is, and learn from the experience and don't make that mistake again. Clearly you know what the correct choice is... it's just convincing yourself that your health and safety comes before anything else.

[Anonymous]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I still don't want to go. I would almost rather live in oblivion and just hope that I don't have it. But that's irresponsible and not fair to any future sexual partners I will have.

This is quite true. Stick with this feeling - if you've been having unprotected sex, then you do need to get tested. Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying it's a sure thing you have anything, it's just a good idea at this point (and it's a good idea to start practicing some safer sex, too). And if you do test positive for any type of infection, then there will be treatments you need to start, for your own health if nothing else.

The answers to many of your questions depend on where you live. I've lived in states where it was free, and states where it cost twenty dollars or so. But you don't need insurance (they won't even ask if you have any), and you can pay with cash. Just call ahead of time and ask them what the cost, if any, will be.

You may be given your results in person, back at the testing center, or over the phone. They may only ask you to come in if you test positive for something, or they may ask you to come in as a matter of course (in one state, I had to go in person to get my hiv test results - in another state, I got that result right away, and got the rest by phone later).

Finally - take a deep breath, and try to relax. You don't know for sure if you have anything at all yet - you could be perfectly fine. Getting tested is always stressful, but it's just something that's a good idea to do, for yourself and for your partner(s). If you can, take a friend with you when you go. If you can't, take something else that makes you feel comfortable - a book, a game, whatever. You'll make it.

[Gravity]

Ack - that ^ was me.

[Bobbgooduk]

I'd like to emphasize what has already been said - these people are professionals and do this sort of thing all the time and know how anxious you'll be etc.

If you have a partner, get him to go along with you and get tested together.

And keep things in proportion: it's a horrible illness, but the chances are you are OK.

Being careful in the future does not stop you having fun. Being sick WILL.

[KaraBulut]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Is it free? The nearest testing center according to an informational website I just visited is a "Department of Health and Human Services" facility. I guess I wouldn't mind paying, but wouldn't I need insurance?

It depends on the state where you live. Most states have free public STD testing programs at local public health clinics.

Planned Parenthood also offers testing on an ability-to-pay basis. You can call them to find out if you qualify for their reduced cost programs.

Since it sounds like you haven't been screened for STDs, it would probably be a good idea to get a complete STD screen. HIV is actually one of the less common STDs in your age group (gonorrhea and chlamydia are far more common).

[Anonymous]

I am the original poster. I just wanted to say I got tested about a week ago and I am proud to say that I am HIV negative, and this result encourages me to be safer in the future since I've been so lucky thus far.

[Fruitylicious]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I am the original poster. I just wanted to say I got tested about a week ago and I am proud to say that I am HIV negative, and this result encourages me to be safer in the future since I've been so lucky thus far.

I just saw this thread now, I am glad you tested negative

I am also glad to hear you will be you will be trying safer sex

Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful life

[Lance]

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I am the original poster. I just wanted to say I got tested about a week ago and I am proud to say that I am HIV negative, and this result encourages me to be safer in the future since I've been so lucky thus far.

That's great news, but please don't just take it as suggestive encouragement, but actually have safer sex every time you do something. Bareback sex is so not worth the consequences and so far you've been lucky enough to elude them, but luck usually always runs out in the long run..