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HIV Testing

Planned Parenthood offers HIV testing. HIV counseling referral services and treatment referral services are also available. Counseling and confidential testing for HIV are provided by trained staff who are sensitive to your needs and concerns.

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Get rapid HIV testing at Planned Parenthood

Get fast, free, and accurate HIV testing! It’s as easy as a finger prick, and you’ll get results in 20 minutes.

Fourth generation HIV rapid tests are available at no cost at our Central West End, South Grand, North County, St. Peters, and West County health centers. Fourth generation tests are 98% accurate and can detect HIV within 3 weeks of contact with the virus. Third generation HIV rapid tests are available at all our other health centers: Springfield, Joplin, Rolla, and Fairview Heights, Illinois.

If the rapid test results show that you have HIV, the results will need to be confirmed with a follow-up test.

Walk-ins are welcome! You can also schedule an appointment by phone at 314-531-7526 or online.

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HIV causes AIDS

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It breaks down the immune system, our body's protection against disease. HIV causes people to become sick with infections that normally wouldn't affect them. AIDS is short for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of the HIV disease.

In the United States, more than 980,000 cases of AIDS have been reported to the government. About 40,000 women and men in the United States get HIV each year.

hiv testing, know your hiv status

The Spread of HIV

HIV is transmitted in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV to spread include:

  • having vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom with someone who has HIV/AIDS
  • sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV/AIDS
  • being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with HIV
  • getting HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores
  • babies born to women with HIV/AIDS can get HIV from their mothers during birth or from breastfeeding.

HIV is not transmitted by simple casual contact such as kissing, sharing drinking glasses, or hugging.

Symptoms of HIV

There are several stages of HIV disease. The first HIV symptoms may include swollen glands in the throat, armpit, or groin. Other early HIV symptoms include a slight fever, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms may last for only a few weeks. Then, there are usually no HIV symptoms for many years. That is why it can be hard to know if you have HIV.

Why It's Important to Get Tested

The good news is we can protect ourselves and each other from HIV and STDs. Practicing safe sex allows you to reduce your risk. Also if you've done anything that puts you at risk of infection, getting tested allows you to get any treatments you may need.

Besides HIV, we also test for the following STDs:

What We Also Test For

HIV prevention in the form of PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, is a daily pill that can reduce your chances of getting HIV by 92 percent. PrEP does not work if you're already HIV positive. PrEP may be right for you if you have unprotected anal and/or vaginal sex, have a partner who is HIV positive, engage in sex work, use intravenous drugs and/or share needles. Book your appointment today to see if PrEP is right for you.