Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Everyone should get tested for HIV at least once. If you are sexually active, you should get tested at least once a year.  Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit form more frequent testing, every 3-6 months. Talk to a care provider to discuss a testing plan that works for your life.

Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause symptoms, and some do not. Many people who have HIV do not experience symptoms for years after they contract HIV. Getting tested is the only way to know you have HIV or another STI. Getting tested for HIV before you have symptoms and starting treatment right away will help you stay healthy. Knowing your status can also help prevent passing the infection to your partners.

Dennis Avenue offers free HIV testing. STI testing is done on a sliding scale based on your income. No one will be turned away based on inability to pay. All you need is a photo ID. 

Talk to a healthcare provider about which option is right for you. Montgomery County Sexual Health & Wellness Services offers free HIV testing at our clinics at Dennis Avenue Health Center and Upcounty Regional Services Center.

HIV can’t stop you from living a long, healthy life. Getting treatment as soon as possible after your diagnosis is very important. If you need treatment for HIV, call Montgomery County HIV Services at 240-777-1869. HIV treatment lowers the amount of virus in your body to a level that is “undetectable” in normal lab tests, keeping you healthy and feeling great. Being “undetectable” also makes it impossible to transmit the virus to your sex partners.

The Dennis Avenue Health Center provides free or at low cost HIV treatment for eligible residents.  Call 240-777-1869 for more information to get connected to care.

In addition to HIV care, Dennis Avenue Health Center provides support services for people living with HIV who have an outside HIV care provider but are having trouble paying rent, affording medication or struggling to continue HIV treatment for other reasons. Call 240-777-1869 to find out what support services are available to you.  

There is no cure for HIV, but today’s HIV treatment is simple and highly effective compared to the early days of the HIV epidemic. HIV attacks your immune system and makes it hard for you to fight off infections. The goal of treatment is to lower the amount of virus in your body so your immune system stays healthy and strong. Most people living with HIV can expect a once-daily medication regimen with 2-3 doctors’ visits per year to stay healthy. When treatment lowers the amount of HIV in your body (your viral load) to a level that it can’t be detected on normal lab tests, you’re considered “undetectable.” People who are HIV+ but “undetectable” cannot transmit the virus to sex partners. Treatment for HIV is also prevention for your partners! 

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily medication for HIV-negative people who want to prevent HIV infection. If taken daily as prescribed, PrEP is very effective at preventing HIV. 

PrEP is an effective HIV prevention tool for anyone who is concerned that they might contract HIV through sex or sharing needles for injection drug use. Anyone who is sexually active might consider PrEP, but it may be especially beneficial if you:

• Have anal or vaginal sex and don’t always use condoms
• Have ever been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Have a partner who is living with HIV (HIV+) or whose HIV status is unknown
• Would like to get pregnant and your partner is living with HIV
•  Inject drugs or have a partner who injects drugs

If you think you have been exposed to HIV, starting PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) within 72 hours is very effective at lowering your risk.  
Call the STI Clinic at Dennis Avenue at 240-777-1760 for information and a referral for PEP.
If you are a victim of sexual assault in Montgomery County, call the Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program 24 hour crisis line: 240-777-4357

 

PrEP can give you peace of mind and a sense of control over your sex life, allowing you to enjoy great sex without worrying about HIV.  PrEP will not protect you against other STIs.  Using a condom is still the best way to prevent other STIs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.  

Talk to your doctor or call the STI Clinic at the Dennis Avenue Health Center at 240-777-1760 from 8:00am-4:00pm to find out if PrEP is right for you.