Women and girls deserve the knowledge and power they need to live their best lives—and we’re not going back and forth with you on this one. But when it comes to HIV, it turns out that many women still don’t have the information they need to make healthy decisions. One out of seven people living with HIV have no idea that they have it. This is a big deal for young women in college.
On campuses where students are knowledgeable, fearless and judgment-free, young women are still not including HIV as a part of their sexual health routine. We asked 10 college women if they have been tested for HIV, and we’re sharing their thoughts and our feedback right here.
I’ve never been tested before, not for HIV, that is. I just know I don’t have it and would never get it, so I don’t worry. -Junior
Our response: Anyone who has sex can get HIV – the virus does not discriminate. The only want to know your status is to get tested.
HIV testing? Why would I need to get that done? I don’t have any symptoms of HIV. – Sophomore
Our response: Women and girls living with HIV may have no symptoms for years. Even if HIV causes no symptoms, it is still hurting your body’s immune system.
I always make it my duty to get tested whenever I switch sex partners. Just testing for STD’s and STI’s isn’t enough anymore. – Senior
Our response: HIV prevention starts with you! Kudos!
I have never been tested for anything in my life. I mean, I don’t think anyone I’ve had sex with is ‘dirty’ per say, but just the thought of getting poked for my blood to be taken isn’t very pleasing for me. – Freshman
Our response: People living with HIV or other STI’s are not dirty. But the only way to know your status is to get tested. You can get tested with home kits that use only your saliva, so needles necessary. You can learn more about how to get tested your way.
I got tested once about 6 months ago. Me and my friend just kinda did it [as a joke]. There was a free HIV testing truck on campus, and we just went. They gave us our results back almost instantly. I’m glad I went. –Junior
Our response: Good for you! HIV testing can be free and convenient!
Tested? For what? I know I don’t have HIV. I thought you only get tested for HIV if you are gay? I don’t feel like I need to be tested honestly. I don’t have HIV. –Junior
Our response: One-quarter of people living with HIV are women, and their diagnoses are primarily from heterosexual contact. The only way to know your status is to get tested.
Yeah, I got tested once. It was a while back, maybe