Let's Talk About Sex: Get yourself tested


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A confidential conversation and blood test are the best ways to address the possibility of having contracted HIV, and that service is available at University Health Services in Foust Hall on Central Michigan University's campus.

While treatment options for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus have improved significantly in the last 30 years, 1.1 million people in the United States are living with the HIV infection, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The self-ordered HIV test at University Health Services costs $25, and includes pre- and post-test counseling. The counseling is part education, part personal risk assessment and absolutely nonjudgmental.

There are HIV kits for sale at drug stores, but they tend to cost more than $25, and they do not include the counseling offered on campus. The conversations help patients understand important elements in HIV testing, such as the “window period.” The window period is the time it takes for the body to develop detectable antibodies after the onset of the HIV infection. If the blood test is performed at the wrong time, it could result in a false reading. I have rescheduled testing because of the window period. This is why the pre-test counseling is important.

The goal of HIV testing and counseling is not only to know your status, but to have the power of education to prevent the spread of infections.

And with education as the goal, here are some facts:

What are the most common ways HIV is transmitted? Through unprotected anal or vaginal sex or by sharing drug injection equipment.

How can I live a long, healthy life if I have contracted HIV? Take your medication, listen to your doctor and make healthy choices to protect yourself and others.

Is HIV still spreading? Approximately 50,000 people in the United States become infected with HIV each year.

HIV is just one potentially sexually transmitted infection/disease. The University Health Services staff is experienced in educating and treating STDs and STIs.

Are you sexually active? Be sure to get tested if you have unprotected sex. For instance, we recommend all sexually active women age 25 or younger to be tested every year for chlamydia. Left untreated, chlamydia can affect a women’s ability to have children. Anyone diagnosed with an STD/STI needs to notify their sex partners so they can be tested and, if necessary, receive treatment.

All of us at UHS are here to help, especially when it comes to anxiety-causing thoughts such as, “What if I have an STD?”

The Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center and University Health Services will also be offering free HIV testing to a limited number of students from Friday, Feb. 28 through Tuesday, March 3. To schedule an appointment call me at 989-774-4446.

We test. We educate. And we help people move forward.

Lori Wangberg is a health educator at Central Michigan University Health Services. She is available for presentations on a variety of campus-life health topics. She can be reached at 989-774-4446 or wangb1la@cmich.edu.

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