Why Should I Get Tested?

People can view getting tested in either two ways: as scary or as empowering. Knowledge is power. Take care of yourself and empower yourself by getting tested.  The Center for Disease Control has recommendations on how often and what you should get tested for. Minority AIDS Support Services makes getting tested as easy and convenient as possible by giving you many options to get tested.

Based on how old you are, who you have sex with, and what activities you engage in the Center for Disease Control has guidelines on what and how often you should be tested. They recommend the following:

• Each person between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested at least once for HIV.
• Each person that has oral or anal sex should get throat and rectal testing.
• Men who have sex with men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least once a year.
• Women under the age of 25 should be tested for Chlamydia and gonorrhea every year.
• People who have multiple partners should be tested more frequently like every 3-6 months
• Anyone who uses drug injection equipment should be tested for HIV yearly.

Ease of location

At MASS, we make testing easy. We have several locations in Newport News and Norfolk to serve you. If you’re shy or not local to Hampton Roads, we offer mail-order HIV tests to Virginia residents. You can conveniently schedule online or by phone. Our locations also can accommodate walk-ins.

Don’t be afraid to get tested. The MASS staff is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible. During our testing process, we educate you on what we are doing and why we are doing it. Our staff members will also never do anything without your permission. No matter what the results are after testing, we are here to help with the next steps. Make your appointment for testing now.