I Got Tested for HIV—Here's What the Experience Was Like

(SPOT.ph) Discussions about sex are becoming less taboo, but there is still palpable stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS worldwide. This is why the Department of Health (DOH) celebrated World Aids Day on December 1—to raise awareness and to let the public know they can get tested for free.

At the event, DOH revealed they recorded 26,700 new HIV infections in 2023. Failure to act now will boost this figure up to 400,000 by 2050, with half of the new infections coming from the youth aged 15 to 24 years old.

If that's not alarming enough, United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Director Dr. Louie Ocampo said that the Philippines will need P45 billion to finance HIV prevention and treatment in the next three years, but we can only cover P22 billion—less than half of what is required to carry out this initiative.

Despite the gravity of these statistics, awareness remains a challenge. Ocampo said only 30% of the gay and trans community are aware of how HIV is transmitted (which is only through semen, vaginal secretion, breastmilk, and blood, by the way), while even fewer know about DOH’s free treatment services.

It’s crucial to understand that HIV testing is not limited to a specific group of people. Even people who haven't had sex can carry the virus without knowing it, as it can be passed from mother to child in pregnancy and in blood injections. That is why I decided to take the test myself.

Also read: HIV Self-Testing Kits Are Free in QC, Here's How to Get One

What to expect in a free HIV testing session?

Something to note: most HIV-related services should be free in public health facilities across the country, according to the DOH. Some local government units like Quezon City also provide HIV self-testing kits for free. In my case, I was tested at a mobile health caravan stationed at the DOH Center for the World Aids Day event.

Do note that there is a window period for HIV. It can take up to three months after infection before a test can detect HIV. That said, it’s best to wait for a few weeks or months before taking a test.

First things first. I had to fill out a health form before taking the test. It asked for the usual personal information like full name, contact number, and home address. Those with PhilHealth will also be asked to write the identification number on the form. At the back is where the more sensitive questions are.

It asked when my most recent oral/vaginal/anal sexual experience was and if it was with or without a condom. Other sensitive questions include: Have you ever a) paid for sex? B) received payment in exchange for sex? C) Had sex under the influence of drugs? D) shared needles in injection of drugs? E) Received blood transfusion? And F) had occupational exposure to needles?

Make sure to answer these honestly. Confidentiality is strictly maintained in this process. Don't be shy in answering—the healthcare professional will likely not ask about your responses unless your result comes out positive.

The fun begins after filling out the form. Before I even knew it, the healthcare professional wiped my middle finger with alcohol and pricked it with a pin. The pain was like an ant bite or a small pinch—I felt it for a brief second, then gone. It’s not just one dot of blood—they’ll be squeezing your finger to get more blood out to make sure it has enough to put on the testing kit.

The healthcare professional proceeded to drop liquid onto the test. The whole experience was reminiscent of taking a COVID-19 antigen test using blood. It's fast, straightforward, and reliable (as long as the window period is out of the way).

At no point did I feel conscious or awkward about the process.

I was asked to wait for 20 minutes for the results.

Afterward, I was called in the caravan to discuss my result in private. Another healthcare professional explained to me how the test worked. Essentially, HIV tests look for antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus—if existing. If you see one line, it means the test is negative (no HIV antibodies). If you see two lines, it's positive (HIV antibodies are present). A positive result will be confirmed with further testing for a more accurate result.

Thankfully, no HIV for me.

Also read: How Did the Pandemic Make Life Harder for People with HIV?

Where to get HIV testing for free in the Philippines

Here's where you can get tested and treated for free based on the HIV/AIDS & Art Registry of the Philippines of 2021.