How often should one take HIV test?

spouse is in the military,he takes hiv test every 4yrs..they always come out negative...does this mean i'm negative if he is my only parnter? the last time i had one was 9yrs ago...

It depends on the amount of risky behaviour (unsafe sex, sharing needles) that you engage in.

I always suggest that people are tested annually with their physical (ask for testing) regardless of their perceived risk (even couples in "monogomous" relationships), though every few years is probably OK in some cases. Bottom line: if you've never had a test .... GET ONE. Then you can decide with your healthcare practitioner when you should repeat testing.

If you have multiple partners and engage in unsafe sex or share needles I recommend getting tested every 6-8 months. Testing more frequently than that is not productive (unless it is to ease anxiety of a possible exposure)

Regular testing is important for a few reasons:

- you get the clinical care interventions and psychosocial interventions at an early stage (not necessarily HIV meds, as they are often not started until later in the disease)

- once a person knows their status they are MUCH less likely to infect others -- behaviour change -- and can prevent the spread of HIV

Hope this helps

every 6 month

It should but get one if you need to put your mind at ease .

well being in the military myself right now because of the war on terror we are required to take one every 6 months but being a medical professional i would say this is good I say 1-2 times a year

I heard every 6 mths to. But if your in a marriage I would think every 4-5 years just because we all believe they wouldnt cheat,but sometimes they do.