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Top 5 Reasons to Get HIV Tested

Knowing Your Status Benefits Us All

By Mark Cichocki, R.N., About.com

Updated: June 23, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

HIV testing is the key to slowing the HIV epidemic. Knowing your HIV status could be one of the most important things you do. Diagnosing HIV early in the disease course improves your prognosis. There are other reasons why HIV testing is beneficial. Here are my top five.

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. This feature will help.

2. Knowing your status protects you both

Knowing your status allows you to protect your partner as well as yourself. Even if you are both positive, safer sex techniques are a must. Why you ask? This feature explains.

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. This feature explains what you need to know before starting a family.

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. Here are a few.

5. Know your status...get the most of 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. Here is a guide to making each doctor visit count.

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