Being tested allows you to take charge of your own health. If you test negative, you can continue to protect against future risks. Should you test positive, many test sites will help you access a variety of resources to enhance your physical, emotional and spiritual well being.

Some people get tested with the idea that if they test negative, they don't need to practice safer sex or safer shooting anymore. This is not true. If you test negative, you still need to protect yourself and your partners.

If you test positive for an STI, early medical intervention will allow you to take measures needed to maintain your health. Many STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can be treated with antibiotics. Others, such as HPV and herpes, can be managed to decrease symptoms and reduce the risk of transmission. If you test positive for HIV, there are treatment possibilities to prolong your life and improve your overall health. Whatever your results, you can make changes that will make your life longer, healthier and happier.