Wednesday, July 13, 2011

HIV Testing Centers in the Philippines



HIV cases are on the rise especially among the MSM sector (men having sex with men) and that is really not surprising at all considering the fact that anal sex carries the highest risk in transmitting HIV.

Do you know your HIV status? I know it is so scary but you have no other means to know if you have the virus or not. I myself got tested sometime in 2010 in Pasay City. There is pretest counseling and posttest counseling. A doctor will talk to you first to gather some personal information and assess your risk factors and personal knowledge about HIV/AIDS prior to the test. Please be honest about this. After this is the scariest part which is the actual testing itself. A nurse will facilitate this, after which you will have to wait 15 to 30 minutes. This is the moment of truth.

After you get the results, you will undergo a posttest counseling. If you are negative, the doctor will advise you on ways to lessen your risk of exposure by practicing abstinence, fidelity to your spouse, and condoms. I have an issue with her last two suggestions. Fidelity to your partner only applies to married heterosexual couple and I do not agree that condoms can protect you 100%, which leaves you with abstinence as the only surest way of keeping HIV at bay. By the way, my result came back negative. If you are positive, she can refer you to institutions and support groups for people with HIV.




Below is a list of testing centers where you can avail of their free services:


LUZON

Angeles Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Lucielle Ayuyao - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: 1-20 Cristina Drive, Villa Teresa Subd. Angeles City / (045) 3222979 Mobile # 0915-9872100

Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC)
Dr. Manuel C. Factora - Medical Center Chief; /Add: Gov. Pack Rd. Baguio City /(074) 4423165; 4424080; 5236077; 5234103; 4428342; 4438342

Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC)
Dr. Emmanuel F. Acluba - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Teresita Reyes - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao City / (078) 3213561 – 64; 3213560; 8053560; 8467240; 8443789; Mobile #: 09176280924

Caloocan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Zenaida Calupaz - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Mabini St. Calocan Health Dept. / 2888811 local 2281 Mobile # 09176018331

Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Dr. Remigio M. Olveda - Executive Director; Dr. Rossana A. Ditangco - Head, HIV Research Unit / Add: Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City / 8072628 -32; 8072636; 8097599; 8422828; 8422245; 8072628 local 414 /208 Mobile # 0927510028

Laoag Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Imelda Tamayo - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Brgy. 10, City Health Office, Tupaz, Laoag City / (077) 7720289 Mobile # 09189797491

Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center (San Fernando, La Union)
(042) 888-5864/242-1143

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Med. Center (San Fernando City, Pampanga)
(045) 9613921/9613380


Bicol Regional Training & Teaching Hospital (BRTTH)
Dr. Rogelio G. Rivera - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Anna Lynda Bellen Add: Legaspi City, Albay / (052) 4830017; 4830886; 4830015; 4830636 Mobile #: 09177935692

Makati City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Calixto Salud - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: JP Rizal St. Brgy. :Poblacion, Makati City / 8701615

Mandaluyong City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Yolanda TuaƱo - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Maysilo Circle, Mandaluyong City / 5467799; 2115336 Mobile #: 09178424298

Manila Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Diane Mendoza - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: San Lazaro, Sta. Cruz, Manila / 7116942 Mobile #: 0920-5779074

Marikina City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Honielyn Fernando - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Marikina City / Mobile #: 09178298862

Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Loretta Garcia - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Pasay City Health Office / 5514180 Mobile #: 09228915674

Pasig City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rocylene Roque - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Caruncho Avene. Brgy. San Nicolas, Pasig City / 6400111

Puerto Galera Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ginalyn Caguete - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Rural Health Clinic, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro / (043) 4420182 Mobile #: 09272383989

Puerto Princesa Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Eunice Herrera - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Puerto Princesa, Palawan / (043) 4658182 Mobile #: 09272383989

Batasan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Dottie Mercado - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Batasan Hills, Quezon City / Mobile #: 09053576353

Bernardo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Suzette Encisa - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Bernardo Clinic, Quezon City / Mobile #: 09164781607

Project 7 Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Monina Santos - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Project 7 , Quezon City / Mobile #: 09186184133

San Lazaro Hospital (SLH)
Dr. Arturo Cabanban - Medical Center Chief; Dr. Rosario Jessica Tactacan – Abrenica - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / 3099528-29; 7438301 local 6000 Mobile #: 09175359380; Bahay Kalinga 3099543 / 7323776 to 78

Ilocos Training and regional Medical Center (ITRMC)
Dr. Francisco A. Valdez - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Jimmy Mynardo Mendigo - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: San Fernando, La Union / (072) 7001766; 7003766 Mobile #: 09204124478

Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Venancio S. Banzon - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Edwin Pasumbal - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Brgy. San Dolores, San Fernando, Pampanga / (045) 961392; 9613380 Mobile #: 09274040365

Santiago Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Robelyn Vera Go - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician Add: City Health Office, San Andres, Santiago City / (078) 6827687 Mobile #: 09194626389

Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRMMC)
Dr. Christine Villaroman / Quiricada St. Sta. Cruz, Manlia / Mobile #: 09228245216

MEDI - Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Ma. Luisa M. Date / Add: Bldg. 14, DOH compound Sta. Cruz, Manila / 7438301 local 1702

Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo - Director; Dr. Jodor Lim - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader; Ms. Dominga C. Gomez SAGIP Unit / Add: Taft Avenue, Manila / 5261705; 5673394 Mobile #: 09396258730; Sagip Program 521-8450

Tuguegarao Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Josefina Chua - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Tugegarao City / (078) 8462197 Mobile 09175745050


VISAYAS

Vicente Sotto, Sr. Memorial Medical Center (VSSMC)
Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Regina Melodia - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: B. Rodriguez, Cebu City / (032) 2539882; 2539982; 2537564; 2532592 Mobile #: 09193473658

Cebu City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Ilya Tac –an - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Gen. Maxilano St. Cebu City / (022 3659962 Mobile #: 09173291663

Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Odetta Villaruel - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician Address: Iloilo City (033) 3208151 Mobile #: 09215694450

Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
Dr. Epifania S. Simbul - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Criselda E. Bacolor - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Lacson St. Bacolod City / (034) 4351591;4332697; 2080094 Mobile #: 09228608876

Lapu-Lapu Ciy Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Rodolfo C. Berame - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

Mandaue City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Edna Seno and Dr. Debra Maria Catulong - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician

Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC)
Dr. Jose Mari C. Fermin - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Ray Celis - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Manduriao St. Iloilo City / (033) 3211797; 3212802; 3211420; 3212841 to 50 Mobile #: 09189401217


MINDANAO

Butuan Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jesus Chin- Chui - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Butuan City / (085) 3423432; 815111 local 1039

Davao City Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Jordana Ramitere - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: City Health Office, Magallanes St. Davao City / (222) 4187 Mobile #: 09209102718

Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) (Note: former Davao Medical Center DMC )
Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Alicia Layug - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: JP Laurel St. Bajada, Davao City / (227) 2731 Mobile #: 09204241721

Davao Regional Hospital
Ms. Telesfora A Hinay - Add: Apokon, Tagum City / (082) 2218593; 2279536; 4003653

Davao Medical Center (Davao City)
(082) 221-7029

General Santos Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr. Mely Lastimoso - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: General Santos City Hospital / (083) 3051510 Mobile #: 09088877512; 09198483116

Zamboanga Social Hygiene Clinic
Dr Kibtiya Uddin - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Petit Barracks, Zone 4C, Cty Health Office, Zamboanga City / Mobile #: 09274836672

Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC)
Dr. Romeo A. Ong - Chief of Hospital; Dr. Jejunee Rivera - HIV AIDS Core Team Leader / Add: Zamboanga City / (062) 9910573; 9912934; 9920154; 9916573; Mobile #: 09204241721

260 comments:

  1. is it safe? Is there a chance that the nurse will use the needle of other patients while getting the blood?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Needles are disposable and only used once. That is an SOP.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Are these all really for free?

    ReplyDelete
  4. hello! I have some question about your post, last month I had an STD and consulted a doctor, he ask me to have an HIV test, but I didn't follow what she said, cause I think it's to much for me if the result came positive, I was wondering how much it will cost you to have the test and on testing can I really assure that my identity will remain confidential cause I am very worried about it...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You may go to San Lazaro Hospital and get yourself tested.

      The HIV Test is only 300 pesos, and yes they maintain anonymity of the patients - in fact, they call you under code.

      God bless!

      Delete
  5. Hi. Last week po nagkaroon ako ng gonorrhea. Is it possible na magkaroon din ako ng HIV? Natatakot na po kasi ako. Btw im 18 years old,bisexual. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      STDs like gonorrhea puts you at risk for HIV. The only way to find out is to get tested. Sexually active ka ba ever since? If yes, I urge you to get tested. Contact the nearest social hygiene clinic listed above. It's free and confidential.

      I also urge you to research on the internet yung mga signs and symptoms following an acute infection with HIV. Usually kasi it takes a few weeks to a few months bago lumabas ang HIV antibodies sa blood so it can happen that the result maybe false negative.

      My advice for you is to get tested ASAP and be re-tested again after six months. During this six months period, you must fully abstain from having sex with others.

      Delete
    2. I bought a anonymous HIV test kit from medsheaven.com and tested myself because I was scared to get tested at the doctor just Incase I was positive so I preferred to do it myself at home, and it turns out I am positive :( if I had done it at the doctor then it would have gone on my record that I'm positive and I would be exposed and that's something I didn't want to happen to me that's why I ordered it online from medsheaven.net which I recommend to everyone.. You can buy a few extra kits so you can also save it and test any partners you meet and it will give you an instant result so you will know if your partner is HIV negative or positive

      Delete
    3. @ mitz

      I'm sorry to know that you tested positive. I just want to point some things out.

      First, while buying an HIV test kit is totally up to the person especially if he is willing to spend some money, getting tested at the clinics will not only save you money but just in case your result is positive they can refer you to the appropriate treatment centers to provide you with antiretroviral drugs and other things you may need as a person living with HIV.

      Second, if you get tested in the clinic and your results came back positive, your medical records will remain strictly confidential and will NOT BE EXPOSED to any third parties without your consent. They are very strict on this because of the nature of HIV/AIDS and even in regular hospitals or clinics, there is doctor-patient confidentiality that is observed always.

      Third, I do not advocate stocking up on HIV kits so that you can test your "potential partner" whether he is HIV positive or not. Remember, that a recently infected person can give a false-negative result on HIV testing because of the so-called "window period", that is why I advocate in this blog a waiting period of at least three months (six months is better) since the last sexual contact so that the results are accurate.

      Delete
  6. @Anonymous

    I understand your hesitation to take the HIV test. I experienced that myself too. But there is always that gnawing doubt that I could not get rid off inside me so I finally mustered the courage to be tested to settle things once and for all.

    HIV testing in government social hygiene clinics is free of charge and you are assured of confidentiality.

    If your preliminary result turns out positive, there will still be a confirmatory test to make sure that you are indeed HIV positive.

    If you have been sexually active with multiple partners, I strongly suggest to take the test. In my case, I waited for six months to pass after my last contact to really be sure of my HIV status. During that six months I was abstinent and terribly worried about my health and my future.

    After the results came back negative, I have been chaste with others since then and I have peace of mind and I thank the Lord for another chance.

    You might hear from others that it's okay to engage in sex as long as you use a condom. I would say that's crap. Using condoms is not 100% safe as they would have you believe. It's like playing Russian roulette, putting your life and future at risk. Their hypocrisy in this issue is that when you ask them if they're willing to have sexual intercourse with an HIV/AIDS infected person even with condom, chances are they will say NO.

    I pray that you have the courage to be tested. If you turn out to be positive, thank God for another chance and resolve to abstain and be chaste with others. If you turn out to be positive, you will be referred to institutions that will help you with your medications and support group.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was diagnosed positive just last year and you mentioned support groups. I would like to ask where and how may I join this support groups. It would be nice to talk to people like me who have experienced the hardships of being positive. I hope you could reply

      Delete
    2. Hi Anonymous!

      The support groups I was referring to are probably government-affiliated and not faith based, but I know the Church is beginning to extend its ministry to those who are affected by HIV/AIDS. The number of HIV/AIDS people in the country is still relatively low that is why we may not yet hear of a solid and organized support group catering to them.

      When you tested positive last year, were you not referred to these groups by the social hygiene clinic?

      I know of one faith-based support group for people struggling with same-sex attraction who also has a ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS. The group is called Bagong Pagasa. They are a Christian group. You can visit their website at www.bagongpagasa.org.

      My only advice for you is to be wary of joining HIV/AIDS support groups who are actively promoting the gay lifestyle as I do not think this will be good for you. Look for people who can support you spiritually and offer genuine and chaste friendship.

      You may contact me at couragemanila@yahoo.com for other private concerns you may have.

      Be strong. God loves you.

      Delete
  7. How does one prepare himself for HIV testing?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, prior to the testing itself, there is pretest counseling. The doctor will inquire about some personal details pertinent to the testing and assess your risk in contracting HIV.

      In my case, the only preparation I made was to monitor myself during the six months prior to the test. I looked out for possible symptoms and most of all I abstained from any form of sexual contact with others.

      In this way, I can be sure that the results I will get is most accurate. What I mean by that is for example you get infected today and decided to get tested days after. Your blood test will most likely yield a false negative result because the HIV antibodies take three to six months in order for them to be detected by HIV testing.

      Every single waking day during those six months was full of anxiety and tension. The thought of living with HIV was unbearable and also the thought of breaking the news to my family. It was just not worth it no matter how I looked at it.

      Delete
    2. HIV has no symptoms.

      The only way to find out - is to get tested.

      Pre-test isn't as scary as post-test that came out positive.. You will be fine for a while, after reality sink in, that's when the world crumbled in on you.

      Read about my experiences.....

      Delete
  8. pwede din po ba magpa hiv test somewhere in pangasinan private hospital like DDVMH or region 1 med.center..or don lang po ba sa naka list above..pls responce

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      You can have yourself tested in other places where this service is available. Usually pag private clinic or nongovernment baka may bayad unless they say it is free. You can inquire about this naman.

      Delete
  9. hello po,last sexual contact ko is may 2011,tama na po ba sa agwat ng month para magpa hiv test..pls reply

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    Replies
    1. Yes, 6 months is the optimal. You've already gone way beyond that so for your peace of mind please get tested as soon as possible.

      Delete
    2. dear CP. nagpa hiv test na po ako kahapon,and the result was NONE REACTIVE...bakit hindi na po kayo nag rereply..

      Delete
  10. good day po CP..ok lang po ba kapag magpa hiv test,without consulting a physician,i mean po is direct napo ako sa ER to get a laboratory request.after getting request laboratory na po...my history po is july 2011 last sexual contact.pls feedback

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm you can try that, but my experience was a lady doctor talked to me first (this is the pretest counseling), but I guess some competent medical personnel can also do this work.

      Delete
  11. dear cp..i got tested po kahapon,ako po ung from dagupan,last sexual contact ko po is may 2011,i directed from laboratory,and hiv test is available in dagupan doctors villaflor memorial hospital..after 3hours of waiting,nakuha kona po iyong result..and its NONE REACTIVE,ano po ibig sabihin....pero ano po kaya dahilan ng pag sakit ng tiyan ko at nagka pimples po shoulder ko mga six pimples,and mout sore,pero wala po fever.after taking branded antibiotics,lagi po kasi ako nagkaka hurtburn,since im in college po at lagi po ako sinisikmura,may connected po ba kaya ang stomach disease,and or over acidic body,sa mouth ulcers...pls reply po...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      A nonreactive result means you are NEGATIVE and since it has been over a year since your last sexual contact, that result is highly accurate! Congratulations!

      Yung sakit mo sa tiyan, etc., could be something else. I suggest you consult a gastroenterologist regarding that. I believe your HIV test result is highly accurate so don't get paranoid about this. I have the impression that you are suffering from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) which has nothing to do with HIV, but then again I am not a doctor so you better consult the right specialist for this one.

      Again, congratulations and if you don't ever want to worry about contracting HIV, stay chaste.

      Delete
    2. thnx cp sa mga reply mo..im always praying about my results nigative and no mistakes,even hepaA test result,both none reactive...thnx again cp..reply

      Delete
    3. Thank God instead, Anonymous, for giving you another chance to begin anew.

      Speaking from my personal experience on this issue, I can honestly say that the trouble and anxiety it caused me was NOT WORTH the momentary pleasure I received. It's just not worth it and it's so much better to focus my life on pursuing my God-given dreams than to dwell on this one although we may find ourselves tempted every now and then.

      God alone suffices.

      Delete
    4. cp kunin ko nga complet address ng pasay social clinic,at paano po magpa test don.sin po una kong kakausapin,ilang oras po ang test at magkano po babayran,i dnt know what is happening to me cp,nagkaka rash parin ako at makati,and i feel vomit,and no appetite to eat,lagi ko tinignan itong test result ko,ok lang ba iyong ginawa ko,i directed to laboratory,without consulting physician..pls reply

      Delete
    5. @Anonymous

      Like I said before, try to consult a gastroenterologist for your condition. You don't need to take a second test. Consult your doctor this time.

      Delete
  12. hi,,,ako po ay worried lang kc gumamit ako ng sex worker,,pero nagcondom po ako,,,this happened last may 5, 2012 lng,,,first time ko ito at wala na akong balak ulitin,,,hindi ako sexually active,,at walang partner,,at hindi ako naghahanap ng sex pero nayaya lng ako at nakainom nun,,sising-sisi ako ngayon,,pls give me advice nmn,,kelangan ko ba talagang magpa-hiv test?,,straight guy nga pala ako,,takot ako sa hiv,,as in takot na takot,,kya worried n worried ako ngyn eh...thanks...pls reply..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Ganyan din yung feeling ko when I had my last sexual encounter many, many months ago and to think that it was just oral sex but the thing is I had mouth sores at that time which I was not aware of kaya sobrang worried talaga ako.

      One thing we should remember is that when we engage in premarital sex we certainly put ourselves at risk not only for HIV but also for other forms of STDs. Though using a condom may afford you "some protection" it's not 100% safe. So many people fall into this trap that condoms are 100% safe. You can search scientific studies and proofs about this online.

      What I can advise you to do is to monitor your health for the next few weeks. Although mahirap dahil lagi kang nagwo-worry try to carry on with your usual day. I advise you though to take the HIV test six months from now, so that is around November to December if you want to very sure.

      I went through the same period of agonizing and waiting, but it's the price we have to pay for doing something we should not do in the first place. Ito yung inevitable consequence that I don't want to ever experience again and others as well. I remember the times when I wake up in the morning I was filled with dread and fear of what might happen to me if I turned out HIV positive.

      So when I got my test result back which was negative, I really promised myself this wont ever happen again. Ayoko magsalita ng tapos but after going through such a traumatic experience magtatanda ka talaga.

      I hope I was able to encourage you bro. If you needed some personal correspondence, you can reach me at couragemanila@yahoo.com

      Delete
    2. sa ngyn ala akong nararamdaman na symptoms ng hiv...pero i want to get tested pa rin...worried pa rin ako pero nabawasan n,,hindi tulad ng dati,,na para akong praning...sino ba nmn ang hindi matatakot sa hiv,,,although mrami akong kakilala na parang yatanbg hindi natatakot at panay ang beerhouse,,your a very good person kc binibigyan mo ng time yung mga taong anxious sa pagkakaroon ng hiv...pede ba akong humingi ng favor,,kapal ko no??,,hehe..pakitanong nmn po sa pasig social clinic kung how much yung test at paano yung process...thanks in advance...ala kc akong time kc graveyard shift ang sched ko eh...Godbless...

      Delete
  13. i really admire you for giving answers to some of their queries and for that I will go and see my doctor and have me check for HIV. I hope that the result will turn out negative. More power...
    -wishfulthinker-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi!

      I hope that your results come back negative. You are most welcome to post your comment here anytime. God bless you.

      Delete
  14. Active parin po ba ung clinic sa pasig?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am really not sure but you can always contact them with the information given above.

      Delete
  15. Good evening po CP...STD po like Gannorhea ma tetrace po ba sa urine test?Ano po ba dapat ipapatest sa clinic?Thanks...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      There is a special test that is used to diagnosed gonorrhea. The best thing for you to do is to visit an STD diagnostic clinic and have yourself tested for gonorrhea.

      Delete
  16. Hello CP...Last year i had sexual contact January 2011 after 5days nagka burning urination ako and meron little stick discharge sa penis ko.Gumamit lang ako ng over the counter antibiotics with in two months,After three months nag pa check up me sa clinic by urine test sabi ng doctor may infection ako (STD).Nag gamot ako ng ilan months kc matagal di maalis yung Testicle pain and burning urination ko and sometimes may sorethroat na may kasamang fever.November 2011 (after 10 months)nag pacheck up me ng HIV ang result naman NONE REACTIVE.Ngayon gusto ko ulit mag pa check up ng HIV kc nag kaka sorethroat parin ako and sometime may LBM ako.Palagay mo may sign pa ba ng STD or HIV?Need pa bang mag pa check up ng HIV?Pls. reply..thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. normal urine test ba yung ginawa sayo?

      Delete
  17. Hi Anonymous!

    Anong diagnosis sa condition mo? Gonorrhea ba? Minsan kailangan ng mahabang gamutan para malabanan ang mga STDs like gonorrhea, etc. If you're having unusual symptoms in your body like you mentioned it's best to have a check up again.

    After January 2011 ba nakipagtalik ka pa ba or hindi na? Gaya ng sinabi mo, negative ang HIV result mo noong November 2011 and I think that is fairly accurate. Pero kung nakipagtalik ka uli sa mga nakaraang buwan whether you used condom or not you may want to have yourself checked again for HIV for your peace of mind.

    Kung hindi ka naman nakipagtalik sa iba since January 2011 at may nararamdaman ka pa rin sa katawan mo, maaaring epekto ito ng pagkakaroon mo ng STD. Ipasuri mo ito sa doktor para makasiguro ka. Minsan kasi ang mga sintomas ay nawawala panandalian at tapos ay lumalabas uli. Humingi ka ng payo sa doktor kung ano ang dapat mong gawin upang lubos na gumaling ka sa karamdaman na ito.

    Sa ganang akin, ang maipapayo ko sa iyo ay mas maging maalaga ka sa iyong kalusugan. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Maaari ka ring mag-take ng food supplement upang matulungan ang iyong immune system na labanan ang anumang sakit. Higit sa lahat at hanggat maaari ay iwasan ang makipagtalik sa iba.

    Nawa ay lubusan ng gumaling ang iyong nararamdaman.

    God bless you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. hi CP...what is the process or medical things they will use for HIV testing?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Dear cp,

    Bi pu ako,nagka live in partner same,nagsama kami wid in seven months fr. Aug.2011 to march 2012 last sex namin is feb. 2012.

    Im worried n po,dhil d2 sa nabasa q magpapatest na aq,sa tingin nio di pa huli para skin kung ngaun palang aq magpapatest? Dala ng hiya kung bkit di aq makpunta pero sa mga nabasa q nid q na talaga,at natatakot n tlga aq,di na kc normal ang pakirmdm q.

    Parang katulad ng nararamdaman nila ang nararamdaman q.

    Can u give me sum advice,napapraning ako huhuhu.

    Tingin nio its too late na pu ba ?

    I hav plan to go in san lazaro hospital 1 of dis days may tinatapus lng aq project.

    Hope u replied asap.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Salamat sa pagshare ng iyong experience at nauunawaan ko ang pakiramdam mo ngayon.

      Regarding your situation, naitanong mo ba sa iyong partner kung sa iyo lang siya nakikipagtalik? Naitanong ko ito dahil bihira sa mga same-sex couples ang "mutually exclusive". Marami kasi na nasa ganitong setup ang kadalasan ay nakikipagtalik din sa ibang lalaki na hindi pinapaalam sa partner kaya ang resulta ay mas lalong tumataas ang chance na magkaroon ng HIV at STD transmission.

      Yes, I highly recommend that you have yourself checked and your ex-partner as well if he is willing. Mahalaga na alam mo sa sarili mo kung ano ang HIV status mo dahil ang sakit na ito ay maaaring maipasa sa iba ng hindi namamalayan.

      It's not yet too late bro. I must admit na mahirap ang pinagdadaanan mo...na lagi kang nagaalala kung ano ba ang estado ng kalusugan mo, etc., dahil hindi biro ang sakit na pinaguusapan natin. Wala pang permanenteng lunas sa sakit na HIV/AIDS bagamat may mga gamot na ngayon na ginagamit upang mapahaba ang buhay at makontrol ang sakit na ito.

      Okay lang bang tanungin kung nakikipagtalik ka rin sa ibang lalaki bukod sa live-in partner mo dati? Dapat mo ring isaalang alang ang bagay na ito at magpasuri na rin for STDs, etc.

      Eto pala ang private e-mail ko: couragemanila@yahoo.com

      Balitaan mo ako sa resulta ng test mo one of these days. Sa ngayon, let's just hope for the best.

      Hintayin ko ang e-mail mo.

      Salamat at God bless.

      CP

      Delete
  20. Cp, may nkatalik po aq non,last 2010 po d q un bf.

    Ung naging bf q ngaun,wala na po kmi kea di q na xa matatanong,nakipag hiwalay aq dahil may 3rd party sa same din. March 4 2012 kmi naghiwalay, bukod sa may 3rd party,mahilig xa makipag meet sa iba. Kaya nakipg break na aq.

    Pero ang inaalala q ngaun ay ang sarili q.

    Salamat cp sa pagtugon, wla pu kc qng peace of mind tlaga ngaun,natatakot aq.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see. I think you made the right decision by cutting off the relationship. It's a first step for you to find yourself again and deal with your own issues.

      Yeah, ganon talaga ang feeling. Walang peace of mind. Until you get tested and you have the results, laging may question mark sa isip mo, so ang tanging paraan lang diyan ay harapin mo ang problema.

      I hope you can get tested at the soonest possible time for your own peace of mind.

      Delete
  21. Nagta try pu aq magsend sa email mo, failed to send pu lage. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's working naman. Try mo uli baka may na-misspell ka lang. Here is my email again: couragemanila@yahoo.com

      Delete
  22. I love this web-site and article a lot. You are a great writer, and you should write more on this issue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi STD testing!

      Thanks for the compliment, but truth be told I only write once in a blue moon on this blog. Majority of the content here are not from me; I do have some of course.

      Delete
  23. Salamat po cp. Malaking tulong din itong site mo para sa mga tulad q na nahi2yang magtanong at mag inquire at nakakapag bigay kaliwanagan sa iba,at sa pag share nrin ng mga kapatid natin na may mga gantong pakiramdm at expirience. Na nakakapagtulak s kanila para di nila ipagwalang bhala. More power po and GOD bless you always.

    ReplyDelete
  24. You're welcome. Kung di mo ako ma-reach doon sa e-mail na binigay ko sayo, try this one:

    courage.philippines@yahoo.com

    God bless you too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear cp,

    Galing na po aq ng san lazaro hospital,nakapagpa test na po ako, and THANK GOD! non-reactive po ang result ... Masaya n ako don , may peace of mind n aq, pero babalik ako next wik test 4 syphilis. Ask q lang,nakalimutan q kc itanong sa dr. Curable pu b ung syphilis ?

    Tawagin nio na lamang pu akong jade.

    Tnx pu ulet :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jade!

      Congrats for being tested negative and I hope and pray that you stay that way. Think positive, stay negative.

      As to the syphilis, yes it is curable though you may need to do followup treatments if you are positive. I suggest you also do research on Google about syphilis. This STD can often go undetected and undiagnosed and is easily transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. Mas mainam rin na magpa-test ka dito dahil wala naman mawawala.

      Ako when I got my result two years ago and nalaman kong negative, grabe! I felt so relieved. Yung feeling na kung pwede lang ako magpa-piyesta at imbitahin ang buong barangay to celebrate! Ganun yung na feel ko and siguro isa yon sa mga dahilan kung bakit hanggang ngayon nakokontrol ko ang sarili ko na iwasan makipagtalik sa iba and masaya na ako doon. Pag nga naiisip ko itong karanasan kong ito, nawawala yung "libog" lalo na at natutukso ako gumawa ng kalokohan and I will always be thankful to the Lord for that.

      Kaya eto I'm paying it forward lalo na sa mga taong at-risk sa sakit na ito. Handa ako tumulong sa abot ng aking makakayanan upang magbigay payo at gabay sa inyo.

      Higit sa lahat, pasalamatan natin ang Diyos na nagbibigay sa atin ng maraming pagkakataon upang maituwid natin ang ating mga kamalian.

      Nawa ang karanasang ito ay makapagpatatag sa iyong pagkatao at maglapit pang lalo sa iyo sa Diyos.

      God bless you Jade. It's now your turn to pay it forward. =)

      Delete
  26. Salamat po, am,if ever po kung meron man po aq nƬ2 ilang panahon pu b bgo k gumaling d2 ? Nakakahawa pu pala ang syphilis ? Skin to skin ? Question mark n naman aq nito.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My advice for you is to do some online research on syphilis. For now, dont worry much about this until you have the results with you. Tbe best person who can give you advice on this is your doctor. Compared to HIV, this disease is definitely treatable.

      Delete
  27. Papunta plang po aq para magpatest, para aqng isang baliw na bulong ng bulong dahil dasal ako ng dasal, wla aqng pakialam kung nili2ngon aq ng mga tao haha, at nung nalaman q ung result, aun mas lalu na,dhil panay ang pasasalamat q s DIYOS. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Wow, so happy for you! At tama naman na pasalamatan ang Diyos para sa isa pang pagkakataon na binigay Niya sa iyo. Sana ay maging daan ito upang mas lalong tumatag ang iyong pananampalataya at makapag simula muli.

      Again, congratulations. I love getting comments like this!

      To God be all the glory!

      Happy weekend!

      Delete
  28. Dear cp,

    Pasenxa npo kau kung marami akong tanong sa inyo,.

    Itatanong q lng pu sana kung dumating kana sa puntong 3rd stage ng syphilis o ung tinatawag na terciary yuon pu ba ay malu2nasan pa ?

    What about ung secondary may lunas pa ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Kung mas maaga ma-diagnose, mas okay ang outcome or prognosis. Huwag mo muna masyadong alalahanin ito hangga't di mo pa nakukuha ang resulta.

      Delete
  29. Hi CP! Jst wnna share my wonderful experience. I was diagnosed positive last month. It almost made me give up, but God is good..im stil alive. It's a very difficult situation. It really is. though my big dreams may not be fulfilled now, I wont lose hope. To all the ppol out there who ve been in the same situation, keep the faith guys! During those down moments,only God and urself could help you. Just always clear ur mind. I also thought of just ending my lyf,that's d best and simplest escape dt I thought..but God didnt leave me. Pls accept Jesus as ur healer. Whenever u feel alone, always say ds, "God is with me. Jesus is in me.." Dt's d thought dt ive been saying. It only took me 48 hrs to accept wt my situation is and after several weeks I had d courage to let my family know bout my situation. Dt's one of d hardest thing I should say..bec I truly love my family. I thought I wud never be able to tell them, but I thank God for d courage. I will continue to live with my faith, with the love and support of my loved ones. I pray the best for you. I pray that there'll be a cure for hiv soon. Thanks for reading.. More power CP. Godbless.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi wonbin!

    You're such an inspiration! Surely, being diagnosed with HIV is not an easy thing to accept and I'm glad you did not give in to despair but instead placed all your hopes and dreams in God. Your newfound faith in Him will make it easier for you to bear this cross.

    I know of a person who was diagnosed with HIV, repented of his wayward life, turned back to God, and made it his ministry to inform others about HIV/AIDS. It is certainly not the end. I have also known through reading about people who have gained a better life perspective and a deeper meaning to their lives after they have gone through this crisis and I believe God has a great plan for your life.

    We can never know what our future will be, but we do know WHO holds our future. I borrowed that phrase from Tim Tebow.

    God bless you brother and feel free to comment or send me an e-mail anytime.

    Live an inspiring life!

    ReplyDelete
  31. hi cp, Is there a clinic or hospital here in Rizal province for me to have an hiv test?...I think I've been infected.....I'll wait for your reply...thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ariz!

      Wala akong alam sa Rizal but you can always inquire at any hospital or clinic near you. Usually, they can refer you to nearby testing centers if there is one.

      If wala, I suggest you try to go to social hygiene clinics here in Metro Manila. Please refer to my blog post for the exact location and contact details as well.

      Ariz, bakit mo nasabi na you're infected? Ano bang mga nararamdaman mo ngayon?

      You can also e-mail me in private at couragemanila@yahoo.com if you don't want to discuss your case here.

      Hope you're okay.

      Will wait for your reply as well.

      Delete
    2. Pardon me, I had a one night stand on january last year with a teenager, a friend of mine introduced me to this girl and I find her attractive and she likes me also. But I never would thought the girl just 17 years old that I went out is probably an hiv positive...two weeks after that I had bad flu, a flu that I never experience before, gumaling naman ako sa flu. the succeeding months I had a highblood pressure, nagpaospital ako, my doctor gave me regular prescription medicine for my heart disease, I am just on my late 20's and still single..I feel like my immune system is deteriorating, madali na ako magkasakit ngayon..I feel a swollen lymp nodes under my armpit, extreme fatigue that I feel regularly..
      I did some research on hiv symptoms on the internet, sa mga nabasa ko, I think I am already positive. At first hindi ko matanggap, considering my dreams in life, having a family of my own., It made me sleepless for a few days, bakit ako pa, bakit hindi ako nag-ingat at nagpakatanga ako I never used a condom, sinisi ko ang sarili ko, napakahirap pero sa kalaunan ay natanggap ko na rin na ako nga ay nahawa ng hiv. Hindi na rin ako magugulat kong ako ay magpa test at nakasaad doon na hiv positive na ako.

      Sabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na, In the remaining years of ny life, I will make it meaningful..

      Right now, I take supplements vitamins and minerals just to help my body strengthen my immune system..

      To the readers of this blog especially the youth, it is your responsibility to take care and protect yourself against hiv or any sexually transmitted disease. Life is precious!!

      Delete
  32. Hi CP,

    Good day,

    I definitely found something that can help my questions through this site. Actually, I just got worried recently when I heard from the news on TV that somewhere in Davao, five children's got positive for HIV. This is also my worried for this past few days since I came with this complicated problem though I am aware with this. I want some advice of people like you who really encountered things like this. I don't know if our company aware of this because yearly we had a annual physical check up and medical as well but my question is this, can they detect which employees are infected with this HIV through blood check up (CBC) and drug test too. I don't want to ask this because its too confidential. I am working in a call center company, well I know that being homosexual we're prone to this virus but I don't do it seldom and quite sometimes I never had sex for past year just late this year I'd been active but not totally in a whole month. I guess I have an STD na kasi minsan eh talagang makati ang aking "bayag" sorry to used this word na nangyayari na nagkakasugat na sya sa kakakamot but then nawawala din naman. I mean wala naman akong ibang systoms for HIV kasi malakas naman ang pangangatawan ko un nga lang minsan eh since I have an ulcer nakakaranas din ako ng heartburn or minsan ung sore through pero nawawala din naman sya. Pero di parin ako nag babakasakali gusto ko parin kasing makasigurado lalo na I am planning to work abroad isa ba sa medical exam din is ung sa dugo diba? so kaya gusto ko rin makasure talaga if ever. Yung mga symptoms if infected ka ng HIV eh di naman ngyayari un ngalang worried lang ako kasi na expose ako sex but not totally in anal but oral oo I avoid din kasi ung anal. Libre ba ang pag papablood test ng ganito or if not magkano naman ang cost talaga bang safe and secured sya if ever, well prepared naman ako if ever, but then i want some confidentiality din talaga. I hope you can help me with this and reply as soon as possible.

    Thanks,
    CCA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi CCA!

      Salamat sa pag-comment sa blog.

      I was quite alarmed about that news regarding five children who tested positive for HIV. Most likely, this was caused by transferring infected blood so it's really important to know who the blood donor is prior to accepting any blood transfusion or that this should come from reliable sources.

      As to your question regarding your company's policy, they won't be able to detect if you are HIV positive unless they use a test specific for HIV like HIV antibody test, rapid test, etc. Usually, companies will inform you what tests they are going to conduct.

      There is this impression that those who work in call center are highly at risk for contracting HIV especially among the gay employees. This comes as a result of this group's highly risky sexual behaviors, exposure to drugs, and the somewhat "loose lifestyle" associated with it. My advice for those working in this kind of environment is to be choosy with people whom you associate with. Choose your buddies wisely and avoid unhealthy habits as well.

      CCA, when it comes to STDs and HIV, what you don't know CAN hurt you. If you suspect you have some STDs, you need to know what kind of STD this is so that you can be treated properly. Huwag mong ipagwalang bahala ito. May mga STDs na kapag pinabayaan ay mayroong grave consequences later on. One more thing about STD is that when you have this in your system, it increases your risk for contracting HIV.

      Please have yourself tested for HIV. Look at my blogpost and find the social hygiene clinic nearest you. It's totally confidential and usually free of charge. You will be counseled before and after the test.

      Do update me with your case. I hope everything turns out to be fine.

      Delete
  33. @Ariz

    Thank you for the courage to speak up about your experience. The symptoms that you experienced after that sexual encounter are the usual acute symptoms that many new HIV positive people experience, but I highly urge you to undergo a formal HIV/AIDS testing. If this yields positive, there will be a confirmatory test after.

    Please refer to my post on HIV/AIDS Testing Centers and have yourself tested as soon as possible. You can e-mail me privately at couragemanila@yahoo.com.

    I will await the results of your test.

    CP

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi CP,

    Again thanks for the advice it help a lot, as soon as I am ready I will go to the nearest hospital in my location thank you very much for so much help about this....more power and hope you can still have time to help those people who seek some advice and information regarding HIV/AIDS keep it that way......GOD BLESS always..

    Regards,
    CCA

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hello CP,

    Thank you for this site, it gave us a lot of information about AIDS. As formy case, I am not sexually active, since the last 13 years of my life, but I have been rape when I was in Grade 4, no one knows it even my family, because I am too afraid to let them know, but been suffering all the emotional consequence of the said incident, I need someone to listen to me right now.
    The thing is, i have the signs of this HIV, I cannot sleep this last few days, thinking if I do have it or not.. I want to go get the test, but I am too ashamed and too afraid to do it alone, I don't know what to do anymore. I have forgiven the person who did this to me, but I will be liberated and can have a fresh start if I'll take the test. I know God is with me thru this suffering but I need someone to lean on right now. Please help me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Thank you for writing.

      I'm curious as to what signs of HIV you might be experiencing right now. You said that you never had any sexual encounter for the last 13 years (wow!). Supposed that the person who raped you 13 years ago is HIV positive, you will have full-blown AIDS by now. I highly doubt if you're HIV positive but for your peace of mind go and get tested for you've got nothing to lose.

      Your story reminds me of Brother Bo Sanchez, a Catholic lay preacher. Like you, he was sexually assaulted twice at a very young age and he also carried this woundedness throughout much of his life. He wrote a book about this experience entitled, Your Past Does Not Define Your Future. I highly recommend that book to you.

      By the way, where are you residing? If you are just within Metro Manila and there is nobody to accompany you to get tested, we can arrange an appointment to meet-up so I can accompany you to the nearest testing center. Please e-mail me at couragemanila@yahoo.com.

      I'll wait for your reply.

      God bless.

      CP

      Delete
  36. I got this comment on my blog from an anonymous reader:

    sa ngyn ala akong nararamdaman na symptoms ng hiv...pero i want to get tested pa rin...worried pa rin ako pero nabawasan n,,hindi tulad ng dati,,na para akong praning...sino ba nmn ang hindi matatakot sa hiv,,,although mrami akong kakilala na parang yatanbg hindi natatakot at panay ang beerhouse,,your a very good person kc binibigyan mo ng time yung mga taong anxious sa pagkakaroon ng hiv...pede ba akong humingi ng favor,,kapal ko no??,,hehe..pakitanong nmn po sa pasig social clinic kung how much yung test at paano yung process...thanks in advance...ala kc akong time kc graveyard shift ang sched ko eh...Godbless...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      The testing is free of charge. The process involves pretest counseling whereby the doctor will assess your risk based on your profile and educate you on what you need to know about HIV/AIDS.

      After this, you will undergo the actual test itself. You will get the results after 20 to 30 minutes.

      The next part is the post test counseling depending on whether you tested negative or positive. If you tested positive, you will undergo a confirmatory test. They can also refer you to clinics and support groups for HIV.

      If you tested negative, they will just caution you to be more careful next time. This part is a little tricky though as government health workers and doctors usually advise their clients the ABCs of HIV prevention, namely abstinence, be faithful to your partner, and condoms.

      Obviously I have no objections on abstinence. Fidelity to your partner only applies to heterosexual spouses and not homosexual partners because in reality rarely do homosexual partners stay loyal to each other.

      Condoms are not 100% safe either as attested by a number of scientific studies on its effectiveness.

      Hope that helps. Get tested right away.

      Delete
  37. cp last time na nagkaencounter ako was may 2010 pa pero worried ako ng baka may hiv ako kasi di ko naman sure kung ako lang nakaka sex nung naka partner ko nakilala ko lang siya sa chat .gusto ko na talga magpatest kaya lang di ko alam kung pano gagawin ko balak ko sa sana sa san lazaro ako magpatest kaso di ko alam kung saan ako diretso gusto ko na talga maging sure kasi mahirap yung palagi mong iniisp na baka may ganun ka

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Una sa lahat salamat sa iyong pag-comment sa blog and I hope nasa mabuti kang kalagayan.

      Tama yung nabanggit mo na hindi ka sure kung ikaw lang ang naka-sex ng ka-partner mo lalo na at noon mo lang ito nakilala. Iyan ay mainam na paalala para sa ating lahat. Tandaan natin na bawat estranghero na makikipag sex tayo ay maaaring may kasaysayan na ng pakikipagtalik di lamang sa isa, dalawa, tatlo, kundi maraming tao. Dito po talaga tumataas yung chance na makakuha tayo ng STD or HIV dahil maaaring magpasalin-salin at magpalipat-lipat ang virus nang hindi namamalayan.

      Kaya pinapayo ko sa iyo na magpa-blood test sa lalong madaling panahon para sa ikapapayapa ng iyong kalooban. Makikita mo sa blog post ko ang mga address at contact numbers ng mga clinic na malapit sa iyo.

      Libre po ang pagpapa-test sa mga government social hygiene clinics gaya ng San Lazaro at mabilis lang ang proseso kaya huwag kang mag-atubili pumunta at magpasuri agad.

      Update mo po kami dito sa blog regarding sa test mo.


      God bless.

      Delete
    2. cp nakapag decide na ko magpapa bloodtest na ako ngaun pls pray na sana non reactive lumbas saken salamt po cp kinkabahan ako

      Delete
    3. cp nagpa blood test na po ako ang god bless NON REACTIVE po ang lumabas pero kelangan pa bumalik para malaman kung may syphilis ako pero hopefully wala na rin. nakakagaan ng pakiramdam lalo na nung nalaman ko ung result. ang babait nung tao sa manila hygiene clinic saka mabilis talaga ung result mas mtagal pa ung byahe ko. thank you cp for encouraging words na mag pa test salamt talga and syempre kay god . new life for me gob bless CP

      Delete
    4. Hi Anonymous!

      Congrats to your nonreactive result. At least makakahinga ka na ng maluwag. Thank God for this another chance and pay it forward.

      God bless.

      Delete
    5. cp ask ko lng diba mataas nman ang accuracy ng results sa social hygiene clinics

      Delete
  38. Hi CP, i read all article message here and also in other site for hiv nagaalala ako as individual kasi hindi naman ako perfect na tao nagkakasala din ako at gusto k magpatest para sakali positive di masayang ang pagaaply ng partner k ng visa ,i pray what ever man ang result positive man o negative tuloy ang buhay.nagpasama ako sa friend ko magpatest just today para may moral support ako sabi nya paranoid na daw ako totoo CP sino bang tao gusto magkasakit ng ganito di b wala at wala mawawala kung subukan k magpatest para din sa sarili so nagpatest ako this day and saglit lang may result na it was non reactive thankful ako kay lord para k nbunutan ng tinik panibagpng buhay naman this time for good na .thankful ako sa doctor at mga nurse sa manila hygiene clinic napakabait nila ang bilin ng doktor encourage people to have test for hiv hanggat libre daw sabi k encourage k mga friend k para magpatest ang thank you also naencourage mo ko magpatest sa mga blog mo i hope madami ka pa maencourage magpatest god bless and more power

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yellow!

      Wow, what can I say but congratulations for the negative result! Yes, ganoon nga ang feeling when your result is negative. It's like having a new lease in life. Thank God.

      Putting up this blog post for me is like paying it forward, and also to remind me to be faithful to God despite my weakness and temptations. Looking back, thankful din ako kay God sa pinagdaanan ko kasi it made me realize the fatal consequences of deviating from the sexual ethics that He commands us to observe.

      Yellow, let us work together in encouraging people especially those at high risk groups (MSM, OFWs, sexually active teens, etc.) to get tested kasi people who don't know their HIV status unknowingly pass the virus to others. This is the first step.

      God bless you.

      Delete
    2. yellow

      san location nyan? saka saan ka part ng hospital pmunta? gusto ko na sana magpatest e tnx

      Delete
    3. Anonymous!

      Please refer to the list of locations and contact numbers on my blog post.

      If you cannot find one on the list, try to inquire on the nearest local social hygiene clinic in your area. You can inquire this at your local health center or government hospital.

      Delete
    4. Hi CP,
      Tanong ko lang kung may schedule po ba ng pagpapatest sa PGH or San Lazaro. Kung anong araw o oras lang sila available. At kung saang part ng PGH or San Lazaro located yung clinic or room nila. Maraming salamat.

      Delete
  39. Hi, id like to check if ritm does hiv tesring aninymously? As in no filling up of form? Or kung may clinic ba that allows this? Salamat!

    ReplyDelete
  40. hello po CP
    i want to know po kung asthma po ba ay kasama sa symptom kasi yung bf ko ngayon nakipag talik n sya sa ibang lalake sinabi mismo sakin yun ng nakatalik nya and now he saw some news regarding po sa HIV so he's now worried i ask him for us to have test so we can avoid doing something, kaya naman namin walang sex at all we can control our temptation ang gusto ko lng po malaman namin ang result then what ever result happened i'll still love him pls reply po

    and pwede ko po ba makuha complete address sa marikina po? malapit po kasi kami sa marikina po TY and more powers may God continue giving your Blessings!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Ang asthma po ay hindi tipikal na sintomas ng HIV/AIDS. Ang sakit na ito ay nati-trigger ng mga allergens sa paligid at pagkain.

      Ito yung address ng clinic jan sa Marikina:

      Marikina City Social Hygiene Clinic
      Dr. Honielyn Fernando - Social Hygiene Clinic Physician / Add: Marikina City / Mobile #: 09178298862

      Nabanggit mo na ang boyfriend mo ay may nakatalik na lalaki at kayong dalawa ay nagtatalik din. Mahalagang maunawaan mo na pareho kayong "at risk" na makakuha ng STD at HIV bagamat sa nobyo mo lang ikaw nakikipagtalik.

      Mainam na magsadya kayong dalawa sa klinika at magpa-test upang malaman ninyo ang HIV status niyo. Gagabayan kayo ng mga doktor at nars sa proseso kaya wag kayong matakot magpatingin.

      Sa isang banda, pinapayo ko na hanggat maaari ay iwasan mo makipagtalik. Ang sakit na HIV ay hindi pangkaraniwang sakit. Bagamat may mga gamot na ginagamit para dito, wala pa ring lunas sa karamdamang ito. Hindi biro mahawahan ng sakit na ito kaya ang pinakamabisang paraan upang makaiwas dito lalo na sa inyong sitwasyon ay ang pagiwas sa pakikipagtalik.

      Hindi lang sakit ang maiiwasan po kapag sinunod mo ang payo ko. Maiiwasan mo rin ang pagbubuntis ng wala sa lugar. Tandaan mo na ang pagtatalik ay para lamang sa mga mag-asawa. Ang tunay na nagmamahal ay marunong maghintay sa tamang panahon.

      Sana ay nakatulong ako kahit kaunti sa problema mo.

      God bless.

      Delete
  41. Hi Anonymous!

    Confidentiality is strictly enforced in these testing centers. Your records are kept safely and you do have the option not to use your real name, etc., should you need to fill out forms. This patient-doctor confidentiality is generally observed even in a general hospital setting and much so with HIV/AIDS testing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salamat po, CP! Salamat sa pag-create ng site na ito na makakatulong sa pagpromote ng awareness

      Delete
  42. CP. 3 weeks pa nakaraan sex ko.. pero until now me red spots sa arms ko.. at first may maliliit na parang bulutong.. yung me tubig pag na pusa pero maliit sya at note hindi circle tsaka na lumabas ung mga red spot na medyo makati..std ba un? meron rin sa likod .. sabi ng frnd ko scarbies daw yon.. what month ba ko pede magpa test?

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi Anonymous!

    It sounds like a rash to me, but the only way to confirm that is to have yourself checked up by the doctor. Kung hindi mo pa alam ang HIV status mo, it would be nice na magpatest at least three months from your last sexual encounter (the doctor may ask you to get a retest after three months to be very sure). Kung madalas ka makipagtalik maaaring magpa test ka na sa lalong madaling panahon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 2nd tym ko pa poh. how about std kelangan ba mag hintay ng three months? then anong uri ng clinic magpapa check? me free ba clinic ba at magagamot ba ang std.. tnx

      Delete
    2. @ Anonymous

      Iba-iba ang time frame sa STDs. Kung nakakapansin ka ng sintomas, di mo kailangan maghintay ng three months. Magpatest ka na agad para matiyak mo kung anong sakit yan at doon pa lang malalapatan ng lunas yan. Oo, karamihan ng STDs ay nagagamot naman. Maraming mga STD clinic sa paligid. Kung di ka sigurado, humingi ka ng referral sa doktor mo. Karamihan ng mga clinics na ito ay may bayad subalit maaari rin namang may mga libreng clinic especially kung government-affiliated.

      Delete
  44. Dear CP

    First time ko makipag sex yesterday sa isang callboy, after ko makipag sex tsaka ko lang narealize na bka magka HIV or STD ako. Im planning to go to social hygienic clinic, i know HIV take about 6 months before madiagnose na meron ka nito. pag other std, maiidentify na b kaagad? May free treatment b ang mga gov agency or DOH once you have it.?

    And im sick today, sunday august 5. I have fever (well naulanan ako kahapon), namamanhid ang aking braso at binti. And nanakit din ang joints ko sa tuhod. Nangangati din ung balat ko. Nababaliw na ako sa kaiisip. Help naman po CP ano kaya ito?. Sana magnegative ako sa test. Please pray for me. Hinding hindi ko na talaga uulitin.

    -Ted

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi Ted!

    Thanks for sharing. Sabi mo it was your first time to have sex with a callboy, but have you engaged in sex previously with other guys?

    If this is truly your first time to have sex, yung mga sintomas na nararamdaman mo might not be from HIV/STD as it takes weeks before these acute symptoms manifest. Monitor your health closely and if these symptoms persist it's wise to consult a doctor. It is best to wait for at least three months and then have a retest three months after para maging sigurado ka sa results.

    Libre ang magpatest sa mga social hygiene clinics. If you test positive, you will be referred to the appropriate government clinic for treatment. From what I know subsidized pa ito but in the near future baka hindi na.

    I will pray for you bro. I understand what you're going through. Nakaka-paranoid talaga siya bro and nakakatakot din. Sadly, this is the consequence of our wrong choice. If you feel overwhelmed by these thoughts and emotions, surrender them to the Lord. Talk to your best friend o malapit na kapamilya about this. It helps when you let this thing out to another person. Ako kasi dati kinimkim ko lang lahat ng ito sa sarili ko. Bagamat may best friend naman ako na mapagkakatiwalaan ko pagsabihan ng mga sensitibong bagay, yung sense of shame ang laging namamayani. Noon nga di pa yata uso internet kaya wala rin akong mahingan ng tulong online. I remember going to the library pa nga to research about HIV/AIDS.

    We must acknowledge that we are weak in the face of temptation and that without God's grace we will surely fall again. Kumapit lang tayo sa Kanya no matter what at ipanalangin natin na patatagin Niya tayo lalo na sa mga panahong mahina tayo, malungkot, nag-iisa, problemado, at nagaalinlangan. Pag nadapa, bangon lang at magsimula muli.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. May mga free testing centers po ba na open every saturday??
      Is it possible ba na magkaroon ako ng HIV and STD at the same time??
      up to what percent yung possibility na mag ka hiv po ako?, I only do oral to him and he also to mine.

      -ted

      Delete
    2. Hi Ted!

      I have good reasons to think that most of them are open on Saturdays especially if these centers are big ones like San Lazaro, but then to make sure please contact them first through the numbers I posted on the blog to be sure.

      Yes, it is possible to have STD and HIV at the same time. Common STDs like gonorrhea, syphilis, etc., actually increase your risk of contracting HIV. Ang mga sintomas ng bawat STD ay may pagkakaiba-iba kaya mahalaga na magresearch ka sa internet at ang test sa bawat STD ay iba iba rin kaya mahalagang ipaalam mo sa doktor na susuri sa iyo kung ano ang mga partikular na sintomas na nararamdaman mo. Karamihan din sa mga STDs na ito ay may tinatawag na "incubation period" kung saan maaaring wala kang nararamdaman sa katawan mo ngunit infected ka pala kaya mahalaga ring i-monitor mo ang iyong kalusugan.

      Ayon sa aking pananaliksik, ang oral sex ang may pinakamababang posibilidad na makuha ang HIV, ngunit kung ikaw ay may singaw, gum disease, o ano mang maaaring maging entry point ng virus sa iyong bibig, tumataas ang tsansa mo na ma-infect. Mahalagang tandaan mo na ang HIV ay naisasalin sa pamamagitan ng "sperm". Kahit yung tinatawag na "precum" ay maaaring magtransmit ng sakit na ito.

      Delete
  46. hi question CP, do you know what kind/brand/generatin of test ang ginagamit sa social clinic? I had my test last May 17th sa Pasay Social Hygiene and NON REACTIVE naman. I was tested at 8 weeks. Gusto ko lang malaman yung generation and kind nung test na ginawa sakin (blood was exttracted to my left arm (not finger-prick) salamat sa inspiration mo sa mga tao dito! :) - Anxious guy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anxious Guy!

      I'm not sure but it could be the HIV Rapid Test Kit. Not aware as to the brand, kind, etc. I think I have a contact number on my post. You can try to call them for this info and leave a comment here for everybody else's info.

      Thanks and congratulations to your nonreactive result.

      Think positive, stay negative.

      God bless

      CP

      Delete
  47. hello,
    i really find your blog very helpful.
    im so worried and paranoid this past few weeks. my last sex (without condom) was on July 5, 2012. i also had sex with another man (with condom) sometime in June.; i am not aware of the signs and symptoms (s/s)of HIV tho i made some research they said it can be no s/s at all..so im really really paranoid because I just knew that "he" engages in a lot of sexual activities with multiple partner. my bf will be arriving soon and i want to be tested first before he arrives bec i need to make sure im clean before having sex with my bf. but my problem is, can I do the test this week? i mean its only like 5 weeks ago that i had sex with that man.. pwede na kaya sir? gusto ko na talaga mgpa test, please help me, what do you think?

    thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Thanks for writing.

      The minimum length of time before you can undergo HIV testing from your last sexual intercourse is three months. This test may or may not need a followup test after three months depending on your situation.

      If you have been sexually active all this time, you may want to get tested as soon as you can.

      I also want to remind you that although condoms can lessen your risk of contracting STDs and HIV, it's not 100% guarantee.

      I do not personally approve of your decision to have sex with your "bf" for many reasons. In the end, this is still up to you. I pray that you do the right thing.

      God bless you.

      CP

      Delete
  48. Hi may mga treatment center ba or nursing home for people with hiv? Thanks

    Paul

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm I am not aware of one, maybe San Lazaro Hospital has. There are a number of groups (mostly NGOss or faith-based organizations) though that cater to people living with HIV/AIDS.

      Delete
    2. How about hospices sa pilipinas na nag-aalaga ng mga hiv patients until they pass away, meron kaya sa pilipinas? Kindly let me know. Thank you.

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous!

      I will do a research on that and will post it here. Salamat at nagkaidea ako na magpost ng mga NGOs and faith-based organizations who minister to people living with HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.

      God bless.

      Delete
  49. May sumubok na ba dito ng pure barley as treatment for hiv? Kamusta naman?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I believe that food supplements like green barley, etc., can help people with HIV/AIDS in maintaining good health and fighting infections. As for treating HIV per se, I have yet to see one.

      Delete
  50. Hi CP!

    Just wanna share about my worries on my and my partner's condition.

    2mons palang kaming mg-BF at halos araw-araw kming nagssex. I know now na we're very at risk sa HIV or to any STD's.

    We're both sexually abused kasi wen we'r younger, pero mas marami xang naencounter compared sakin kea ngwwory ako pra samin lalo na sa kanya. Mas worried ako sa kalagayan ng partner ko kasi these past few weeks, dumadaing xa na parang me sore throat xa, tas parang acidic din xa, and exhaust evrytime na babangong xa tuwing umaga... tas sbi nya sakin kanina lang na parang sumusumpong nnaman daw ung UTI nia.

    And so, ngserch ako ng infos bout sa symptoms ng HIV pati na rin sa mga hospitals kung san pwedeng mgpatest until I reached this site.

    Thanks to the stories here and sa courage na binibigay ng CP sa lahat para wag matakot magpatest. also sa list of hospitals and medical offices na nkalagay sa taas.

    Now, I'll try to control our 'libog' para hindi kami humantong sa sex in preparation sa 3-6mons na walang sex before ng test. I'm planning to surprise him at hindi ko muna sasabihin sa knya na mgpatest kmi para wala na xang palag at hindi rin xa maxadong magworry.

    Sa iba pang makakabasa nito, all we need is to pray for each other lalo na sa mga positive na, all over the world. Hope to hear from you soon. tnx ulet.

    -Eram, 20

    ReplyDelete

  51. Hi Eram!

    Thank you for sharing your story.

    I'm glad that you have decided na magpa-test and that you are aware of the dangers.

    I laud you for your courage to get tested. This is the first step towards the right direction. One of the reasons for the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS is ignorance of their HIV status. People at risk pass the virus around because they do not know that they have it. There is however another major obstacle in getting tested and that is fear. I've experienced this myself - this overwhelming fear of what life is going to be if I tested positive. But as they say, only the truth can set you free.

    I pray for emotional healing from sexual abuse for both of you as well. Do keep in touch through this blog.

    You are in my prayers.

    God bless.



    CP

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hi CP,

    First sex ko po last month sa isang gay, i am somehow active born again at religious pero di ko napiligilan ang temptation(sorry god). Ang kinatatakotan ko is nangagati ako after 2 days naming mag sex. Nagkaroon ako ng parang bungang araw (im sure hindi bungang araw parang kahawig kasi makati.) then pag after ko maligo nagdadry ung skin ko parang nag change skin ... d ko ma explain parang dandruf (haha). Subra akong worry kasi nasa upper body ko sya.. sa likod dibdib.. at tsaka sa braso... unti unti na pong nawala today kaso me someting red pa sa skin ko.. ung tipong parang pimples or parang bunggang araw.. Evernight akong nagdadasal at humihingi ng tawad kay god.. seventen pa po ako at ang hirap na mag-isa ko itong dinadala...

    __ ImSorry __

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi ImSorry!

      Yung pangangati na nararanasan mo sa upper body mo does not sound like HIV to me. It could be something else, an STD or some kind of disease na pwede ipasa through skin-to-skin contact. But to be sure, I advise you to visit an STD clinic to get checked.

      Sa mura mong edad na 17, I commend you for realizing na yung ginawa mo ay mali (the reason why you feel guilty about it) and you are sorry about it. What I can advise you to do is to approach your pastor sa church niyo for counseling and support. For Catholics, we have recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (kumpisal) given by a priest.

      Be firm with the Lord and lift up everything to Him.

      God bless you.

      Delete
  53. nagwoworry ang partner ko na baka mei HIV na xa weve been together for 3 months pero ala pa nangyayari samen... then he told me na marami na xa nakasex na ibat ibang babae and sa lalaki isa plang.... one month ago tinubuan xa ng kulitiw sa mata.... then after that namaga namn magkabila nyang mata.... then ung fever nya pabalik balik... tapos ngaun meron namn syang soretroath and lagnat.... nagwoworry xa ngaun na bka HIV positive na xa... kya were planning na magpatest next week..... im hoping na sana magnegative xa...

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Anonymous!

    Your partner is highly at risk for STDs including HIV. Yes, it is a good thing na magpatest agad given his history of multiple sexual partners.

    Beyond hoping na mag-negative ang results, I hope you will be able to help him address the root cause of his problem - his risky sexual behavior. This must also be addressed as this also puts you at risk.

    Are you his girlfriend?

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi cp its me again yellow share ko lang yung pinagdadaanan ng friend ko may std sya but a spot lang as the doctor finding bumagsak ang mundo ng friend k ng malaman nya yon faithful sya sa relationship nya and it turn out na bf nya ang carrier she broke up with him beside from that reason parusa sa kanya she need to take medicine that need to insert to a private part napaluha ako and nalungkot sabi ko pagsubok lang ni lord kaya mo yan naikwento ko rin sa kanya nagpatest ako for hiv sabi ko magpatest sya at willing ako samahan sya by this oct after all her medication was done magpapatest sya di ako nahiya sabihin sa kanya alam k kasi may purpose kasi kahit iti mapamulat sa tao na hindi biro ang sex may kaakibat na responsibilidad para sa sarili mo hindi puro sarap ang dulot may dulot din balakid thank you cp ikaw ang inspirasyon ko kahit sa maliit na hakbang may nahihikayat ako magpatest maraming salamat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yellow!

      Nice to hear from you again. Salamat din sa pagdamay mo sa iyong kaibigan sa pinagdaraanan niya ngayon. Hindi nagiisa ang kaibigan mong babae. May mga babaeng kasal na at tapat sa kanilang mga mister ang nalalagay sa ganyang sitwasyon dahil ang kanilang mister ay hindi nagiging tapat sa kanila, at isa ito sana sa mga nais kong ipaunawa sa nakararami - na hindi lang ang ating sarili ang maaaring madamay kundi pati na rin ang iba na maaaring humantong sa pagkasira ng isang relasyon o pamilya. Sadly, this is one of the bad consequences of marital infidelity nowadays.

      I admire for being a true friend to your lady friend. Ipagpatuloy mo lang yan. Sana ay makapagmove on agad ang kaibigan mo sa nangyari sa kanya. Mabuti at ginagamot na niya ang STD niya ngayon at sana ay di na ito humantong sa pagkakaroon ng HIV.

      You have succeeded in paying it forward! Good job. Sana ay marami pang makakabasa nito ang maengganyo magpatest agad kung sa palagay nila ay highy at risk sila sa sakit na ito at upang hindi na madamay pa ang ibang tao.

      God bless you, Yellow.

      CP

      Delete
  56. dti ako nagka std, it was 2005 at nagpagamot sa san lazaro. advice sakin ng friend kong doktor, magpa urine test ako. d ko nasunod kc kapos ako sa budget.
    nitong last week of june, unang kumikirot ung singit ko then on d next day, ung tyan ko no. tpos pansin ni nanay na pumapayat dw ako. nitong lately pag sinalat ung tyan ko, parang magaspang na may bilog na maliit. tpos kahit anung lakas ko kumain, ang dali ko n pumayat. at ngaun, pag sinalat ko na muscles sa braso, dibdib at tagiliran ko ay magaspang na rin. at sumasakit tyan ko. anu po kaya ito?
    pag nag check ako sa wikipedia ng signs ng hiv, tuloy takot n ako magpatest. at pag nalaman ko positve ako, baka gumuho n mundo ko. pag nalaman dito sa bahay n may hiv, bka palayasin nila ako.
    dami ko pa pangarap sa buhay, at gusto ko n magbagong buhay kc dami kong account sa ibat ibang sites. at nakaka seb every week pero nagcocondom ako. gusto ko na burahin lahat un.
    kahapon iyak ako ng iyak baka may hiv n ako, sabi ko kay lord, wag po muna kasi gusto ko pa mabuhay. at pandidirihan na ako dito sa bahay pag nagkataon.
    at pag pinalayas ako, san ako pupunta? may kukupkop b sakin na umaampon n may hiv din?
    kelangan ko ng advice, ng tulong, ng taong makakausap dahil ilang gabi n d maayos ang tulog ko. dahil sa takot.
    sana patawarin ako ng mga magulang ko, lalo na ni lord. binigyan nila ako ng buhay pero di ko iningatan. ngaun may nararamdaman na ako, huli na ng magsisi ako.
    san ba ako magpatest ng libre? at kung palayasin ako samin, may kukupkop ba sakin? ilang years p b itatagal ko kung eto n b ung mga signs n meron ako?

    i need your advice, ang bigat na talaga ng kalooban ko, ayoko pang mamatay...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I will leave a comment on your situation...I just need to finish something urgent. Be strong.

      Delete
  57. Hi Anonymous!

    Salamat sa pagbahagi ng iyong kwento.

    Batid ko yung nadarama mong pagaalala sa iyong kalusugan at sa posibilidad na baka may sakit ka. Nadama ko rin yang takot na yan at wala rin akong mapagsabihan non kundi ang Diyos lang. Subalit sa puntong ito ay talakayin natin ang isyu one at a time.

    Una sa lahat ay pinapayo ko na magpatest ka for HIV. Nabanggit mo na nakapagpatest ka na dati for STD sa San Lazaro. Maaari ka ring humingi ng referral sa kaibigan mong doktor. Nakalista sa taas yung mga social hygiene clinics at testing centers. Hanapin mo ang pinakamainam at malapit sa iyo. LIBRE po ang magpatest sa mga centers na yan at confidential kaya wala ka dapat ipangamba. Subukan mo magpatest ng ordinaryong araw dahil sarado ang mga centers pag sabado, linggo o piyesta opisyal.

    Ito na muna ang gawin mo sa ngayon at huwag mo munang isipin na may HIV ka hangga't di mo nakikita ang resulta. Tandaan mo rin na ang mga inisyal na sintomas ng HIV ay may pagkakapareho din sa mga sintomas ng ibang mga STDs kaya hindi maaaring ibase lang sa sintomas na nararamdaman ang diagnosis ng sakit nito. Kailangan mo magpatest sa lalong madaling panahon.

    Bagamat natural na magalala, iwasan mo muna magisip ng kung ano ano na makakapagpa-depress sa iyo sapagkat ang mga ito ay wala pang konkretong batayan sa ngayon.

    Isa pang maaari mong gawin ngayon ay i-delete ang mga accounts mo sa mga gay websites na pinupuntahan mo dahil ang mga ito ay di makabubuti sa iyo.

    Halimbawa naman na nagpositive ka sa test (na wag naman sana), ipaalam mo ito sa mga nakatalik mo sa pamamagitan ng text upang mabalaan mo rin sila at mapigilan ang posibleng pagkalat ng sakit sa iba.

    Iyan lang muna ang maipapayo ko sa ngayon. Maaari mo akong i-email sa couragemanila@yahoo.com kung nais mong ipaalam ang resulta ng test sa akin at para matutukan natin ang kaso mo.

    Gawin mo lang muna ang nararapat sa ngayon.

    God bless.

    CP

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thank you for this article.. Sir, tanong lang po! I am 21 y/o heterosexual.. I've had a history of STD, I think 3 years ago.. I want to get tested, pero walang available testing center from our city, but I believe na may testing sa mga private hospitals dito samin, willing po ako gumastos malaman ko lang sitwasyon ko. I've been thinking of this for almost 5 months now, and everytime I read or hear about HIV napaparanoid ako.. ito po tanong ko, pwede po ba akong pumunta sa private hospital and request for an HIV screening test, pero dba sa private ka nagpatest nang-hihingi yun ng name? pwede ibang pangalan gamitin ko? just to be safe... if I turn out positive then I think I'll find a way to go to a treatment facility ..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Yes, pwede ka rin pumunta sa mga private centers to get tested. If you want to use an alias it's fine. They won't force you to give your real name and besides they are also bound by doctor-patient confidentiality. Sa Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic po ako nagpatest and it is a public testing center located sa city hall ng Pasay.

      I wish you all the best sa pagpapatest mo and I advice you to abstain from any future sexual encounters especially na mayroon ka nang history ng STD because you are more at risk.

      Delete
    2. Takot po talaga ako pumunta, d ko alam sasabihin ko.. baka kasi tawanan ako eh! :) pwede din po bah, like sa list above po, sa VSSMC cebu, baka kasi pupunta ako cebu at the end of september, may nakalagay po cellphone number sa doctor po ba yan? pwede ko po bang e contact ang doctor na yan at pupunta ako sa clinic nya tas dun na magpa test? maraming salamat po sa information..

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous!

      I understand your apprehension and fear. Hindi ka nila pagtatawanan. Just approach them and tell them you want to get tested. You can also try at VSSMC Cebu if mas kumportable ka don.

      God bless

      Delete
    4. Maraming Salamat po. One last question po. Accurate po bah ang test like this? http://sulit.com.ph/3060964

      Delete
  59. Hi CP, I'm a 27 year old homosexual and I just want to start anew with my life with the help of God however, my past kept on haunting me. I only had 2 sexual partners (both of them are ex BFs of mine) and all we did is just oral sex. Upon reading all of the info about HIV, though oral sex is not as high risk as anal sex, I'm still at risk in doing so, am I correct with this assumption? The last sexual contact I had with my last BF was way back Oct of 2009. I honestly feel paranoid everytime I have common cold/flu and the like. I want to be tested but I'm really ashamed of my past and I'm afraid that the doctors/nurses might judge me if I go and decide to be tested. Is the anonymity of the procedure a must for them? Please provide me an advise. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      First of all thank you for sharing your story. Your resolve to start your life anew is a grace from God and I encourage you to pursue this path with His guidance.

      Oral sex, as compared to anal or vaginal sex, carries the least risk to transmit HIV. The risk increases, however, when you have an entry point in your mouth where the virus can easily gain access to your system such as a bleeding gum, a mouth sore, etc.

      I felt the same way before, especially during the six agonizing months I went through. Every perceived sickness, no matter how minor or trivial, was enough for me to become paranoid.

      For your complete peace of mind I encourage you to get tested. Do not let shame hinder you and do not worry about the anonimity/confidentiality of the procedure as this is strictly observed especially in conducting HIV/AIDS testing. Medical professionals in general are strictly bound with doctor-patient confidentiality and this is much more so in the case of HIV/AIDS setting. I must say that these doctors and nurses who conduct HIV tests are one of the most caring medical personnel around because they know what you're going through.

      So go ahead and get tested as soon as possible. If you don't want to reveal your real name, you can even give an alias and it's fine for them. Everything is confidential and you will get the results on the same day.

      I wish you well in your newfound pursuit of godly living and all the best to your testing.

      God bless you.


      CP

      P.S. You are a beloved son of our Heavenly Father. This is your true identity. You are definitely more than your sexual struggles and these things do not define who you are.

      Delete
  60. @ Anonymous

    You can try to use home test kits if you've got money to spend.

    HIV testing centers offer this for free and the test will be administered by competent medical professionals. You will also be referred to appropriate treatment centers, support groups, counseling, etc., should you test positive.

    ReplyDelete
  61. CP ask lang pede naba mag pa check ang HIV testkung last week lang ang last contact mo.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hi Anonymous!

    If you have been engaging in sex with multiple partners for some time now you might want to get yourself tested asap.

    But if this is your first time, I suggest you wait for a period of three months from your last sexual contact and monitor your health status closely. However, should you decided to get tested at three months, the doctor may ask you to get a repeat test after three months.


    ReplyDelete
  63. Tanong lang po pag nagkatulo kapo ba its mean positive kna din sa HIV or may possible padin na maging negative ka. kahapon lang po yung last ko makipag sex then kagabi lng din ako nagkatulo. sana mapayuan nyo po ako. thanks......

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Ang tulo ay isang klase ng STD o sexually transmitted disease. Kung meron ka nito, hindi nangangahulugan na meron ka na ring HIV. Magkaiba po ang sakit na ito. Pero dapat mong maunawaan na ang pagkakaroon ng tulo ay nagpapataas ng tsansa mo na makakuha ng HIV.

      Ang maipapayo ko ay magpatingin ka sa isang espesiyalista sa STD upang magamot ang tulo.

      Kung madalas ka makipagtalik sa iba't ibang partner, maaari ka ring mag-pa test for HIV sa pinakamalapit na social hygiene clinic sa lugar mo.

      Delete
  64. Maraming Salamat po. Pero Nahihiya Kong Mag Patingin sa Tulo Pede Po ba mag self Medication Na lang ako peo pag di po nakuha saka na lang ako mag pa dr. saka sa ganitong sitwasyon ko pede na po ba ko mag patingin sa hiv test makikita na po ba yung result nun. salamat!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @ Anonymous!

      Di ka dapat mahiya sa mga doktor dahil kabisado na nila ang sakit na yan at nakita na nila iyan ng maraming beses. Halos pangkaraniwan na nga yan sa kanila. Confidential ang pagpapagamot kaya wala ka dapat ipagalala.

      Ang tulo ay di tulad ng ubo't sipon na pwede ka mag self-medicate. Kailangan mo ng tamang riseta at payo mula mismo sa doktor para magamot ang sakit mo ng tama.

      Ito na muna siguro unahin mong gawin at magpa HIV test ka kapag medyo okay ka na.

      Delete
  65. Hi CP, Just wanna share my experience and please give me an advice narin po, I am 22 yo Straight guy, I just had sex Last Sept,12, 2012 so that was 5 days ago and that was the very first time na nkpag sex and unfortunately SEB ko pa xa nagawa sa isang Girl na need daw ng money for her tuition, pero d padin natin alam kung anu tlga meron tlga sa girl na yun, I used condom and Halos wala pang 10min nakapsok ung akin sakanya dahil takot din ako bka mbuntis ko xa sa all in all halos 15minutes lang ung intercourse and d nmn ganun ka grabe kc parang pinakiramdaman ko lang kung anung feeling nun. After all of that naexperience ko ung mga pwedeng mangyare at halos everyday ako na sstress sa kakaisip ng pwedeng mangyare na halos nwawalan ako ng ganang kumain dahil dko maalis sa isip ko ang mga possibleng mangyare at dahil dun kaya ako napunta dito at nagsearch nadin sa net. I Just read na 3 or 6mos after the last encounter ang best time to get tested so it means 3 to 6months pa akong masstress sa kakaisip at halos mawalan ng gana kumain sa kakaisip. Pinagsisihan ko tlga yun ginawa ko na yun and I always pray to GOD na sana tulungan at gabayan nia ako sa pinagdaraanan ko ngaun. Thanks in advance po sa magbibigay ng advice and encouragement :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi c21

      Salamat sa pagbahagi ng iyong karanasan.

      Marami ang makakarelate sa naging experience mo lalo na sa mga kalalakihan na nag-e-explore ng mga bagay bagay sa larangan ng sex. Marahil nagawa mo ang mga bagay na ito out of curiosity dahil first time mo itong gawin, at ngayon nga ay labis ang iyong pagaalala sa maaaring kahantungan ng mga bagay na ito.

      Marami ang pwedeng mangyari. Una, gaya ng sabi mo, ay maaari mong mabuntis ang nakatalik mong babae. Bagamat sabi mo ay gumamit ka ng condom hindi ito 100% effective. Imagine impregnating this woman you barely know. Mas magiging complicated ang buhay mo lalo na at bata ka pa at marami ka pang plans for your future.

      Ang isang pwede pang mangyari ay ang mahawahan ka ng sakit. Bro, saan mo nakilala ang babaeng ito? Prostitute ba siya? May nasabi ba sa iyo yung babae kung 'regular' niyang ginagawa ito? Kung first time niya rin gawin ito maaaring hindi ka maging at risk for STDs. Siguro ay mabuting alamin mo rin ito sa kanya kung ilan na ang nakatalik niya bago ikaw.

      Maaaring ang paggamit mo ng condom ay makabawas sa tsansa na magkaroon ka ng STD, still lagi kong sinasabi it's not 100% effective.

      Nabanggit mo na pinagsisisihan mo ang mga nangyari at iyon ay isang mabuting bagay. If you are a Catholic, I advise you to confess this to a priest. Makakatulong ito na gumaan ang dinadala mo at ang pananalangin.

      I would say don't be too hard on yourself. Yes, acknowledge your fault before God and humbly ask for forgiveness and mercy. Lahat tayo may kahinaan at nadadapa. Ituring mo itong isang learning experience sa buhay mo.

      Looking back, nung pinagdaraanan ko rin yung pinagdaraanan mo ngayon, punong puno rin ako ng takot at pagaalala at hindi ko rin lubos maisip kung ano ang saysay ng mga pangyayaring iyong sa buhay ko. Pero ngayon napagtanto ko na kahit ang mga pinakamadilim na kabanata ng ating buhay ay pwedeng gamiting ng Diyos sa isang mabuting bagay. Ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng blog na ito, ay ginagamit akong instrumento ng Diyos upang makapagbigay ng payo at kaalaman sa mga taong nakakaranas ng mga pinagdaanan ko noon. Narealize ko ngayon na hindi pala nabale wala ang lahat. May purpose pala. Indeed, God writes straight with crooked lines.

      Huwag ka mawalan ng pagasa at panghinaan ng loob. Bumangon ka sa iyong pagkakadapa at unti-unti ay maisasaayos mo muli ang buhay mo. God will not love you less because of this. Kumapit ka lang sa Kanya at hindi ka Niya pababayaan.

      God bless

      CP

      Delete
    2. Hi CP! Last night nakausap ko yung girl over the phone and sabi nia di nya daw talaga usually ginagawa yun, and pag tatanungin ko sya about sa mga ganun nagagalit cya at nababastusan pero we dont really know parin kung anu yung totoo, I just hope na sana nga totoo yung sinasabi nya. Well maraming salamat CP sa advice and pagbibigay lakas ng loob, naapreciate ko yun. tama ka andiyan lang lage si GOD para satin. GODbless us all, Tnx po!

      Delete
  66. Libre po ba ang hiv test sa manila social hygeine clinic? And mababait po ba mga doctors dun?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lucas!

      Yes, libre po ang magpa test sa mga social hygiene clinics and other government hospitals. These doctors understand their clients well and they are 'mabait'.

      Delete
  67. Magandang araw sa iyo CP. Katulad ng iba, nagapi din ako ng kahinaan ko. First time ito nangyari sa akin, at sising sisi ako sa nagawa ko. Nag-confess ako kay Lord at hiningi ko ng kapatawaran ang aking kahinaan. Nangyari ito almost 6 weeks na nakakaraan. May nakilala ako na Girl na di ko alam ang health status. Vaginal & oral sex both protected (used condom). Pero pagkatapos nang oras na yun, nagsimula na ang takot ko na baka makakuha ako ng STD o HIV buhat dito. after 16 days nagpa-test po ako sa isang clinic, HIV 1/2, VDRL, HEP B, urine test at CBC. Eto po yung results: HIV 1/2 non reactive, HBsag non reactive, VDRL non reactive, urine test no infection, cbc normal. Pero di pa rin po nawawala ang pagaalala ko kasi baka masyado maaga yung pagpapa-test ko. Until now, wala naman po ako nararamdaman na mga symptoms. Pero gusto ko pa rin po magpa-test uli this week. Already on 6 weeks window period. Pero usually ang conclusive test po ay 3 months. Its very stressful & i know this is the payment of my wrong doing. I always pray to the Lord for guidance and to give me strength to pass this trials. Nagpapasalamat po ako ng marami in advance sa guidance at maipapayo ninyo. More power po sa inyo, God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Salamat sa pagbahagi ng iyong karanasan. Yes, tama ka na baka masyado pa maaga magpatest even at six weeks. I suggest you wait until three months lalo na kung ginastusan mo ang pagpapatest, or better yet six months. In my case I waited for six long agonizing months before I decided to get tested. I know it's tough but it's the price I have to pay. I only felt a huge sigh of relief when the test came back negative. It was a huge learning experience for me, something I will not ever forget in my life. The big lesson for me is that there are dire or even life-changing consequences should I decide to cross the boundaries that God placed in matters of sexuality and relationships. This might seem like God is hindering my "freedom" and that I'm blindly following His laws out of fear. Well, experience really is the best teacher and in truth I feel much freer and at peace now because I have made a commitment to stay chaste with others by the help of God's grace.

      Anonymous, kung ano man yung nagawa mong mali, bumangon ka kung saan ka nadapa. Naniniwala ako na ang Diyos ay mapagpatawad. Ang kailangan lang ay magbalik loob tayo sa Kanya at pagsisihan ang nagawang pagkakamali. God is a God of second, third, and fourth chances. Magsimula kang muli at ibahagi mo rin sa iba ang mga aral na natutunan mo sa karanasan mong ito.

      In the battle against sensuality, the one who runs away, the coward, WINS the game. That is one of the best advice I read on the book. It simply means that if you know you are vulnerable to sexual temptations, one of the ways to deal with it is to get yourself as far away as you can and never allow yourself to get near places or people that are occasions of sin to you. When we insist to "play with fire", we will eventually got burned - guaranteed.

      Stay safe and sana nakatulong yung advice ko sa iyo at sa mga makakabasa nito.

      God bless.

      CP


      Delete
  68. Hi. Is the testing center in General Santos updated and correct? I googled it using google maps and it says General Santos City District Hopsital at Fernandez Street, General Santos City, 083 552 2811. I wanted to check because I will test myself next week.

    Nasa CEbu ako ngayon kaso sayang alang addresses itong sa Mandaue at Lapu-Lapu City. May I suggest you really make effort to put the addresses also? Di bale nang di tama ang CP numbers o alang nagrereply. Yung sa Sotto naman kasi, andaming tao. Parang PGH lang. Sayang ang pagkakataon na andito ako sa Cebu din. At sa lahat ng mga nasearch ko, itong website lang ang may updates at pwede makapagpost.

    Hope you take this into consideration and address my question. Many thanks CP.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the suggestion. May mga addresses naman actually na nakalagay sa taas although it may not be very specific.

      Otherwise, the best thing you can do is to contact them through landline para makasiguro ka.

      Delete
  69. hi . meron po bang mga nag papaHIV testing na totally libre and safe? ung wala pong babayaran talaga.

    salamat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libre po magpa test sa mga lugar na nakapost sa taas. They are usually government affiliated social hygiene clinics. Try to contact the one nearest you.

      CP

      Delete
  70. pano iapproach yung doctor na magpapatest ka for hiv ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Just go to the testing center. Usually, yung nurse yung una mong makakausap. Just tell him/her you want to get tested and that you were referred online. Then you will be scheduled for a short pretest counseling where the doctor will assess your background and risks as well as educate you a little on HIV, what to expect, and what is the next step should your test come out positive.

      Then the actual test na. After this posttest counseling based on the results you have.

      Delete
  71. To those who are asking kung libre. HINDI PO! Katatapos ko lang nagpatest ng HIV sa San Lazaro Hospital and Im so very happy na nonreactive or negative ang result. Nagpa test ako last week at after 7 working days saka lang makukuha ang result. Its very scary habang naghahantay ka sa buong linggo, papano kaya kung maging positive it will really change your life! Sobrang paghihirap minsan di ako makatulog ng maayos dahil sa magiging result ng test. At ngayon masaya na ako tapos na ang paghihirap ko.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      First of all I want to congratulate you for your negative test result. Now you can breathe a huge sigh of relief and can move on with your life.

      Thanks for informing us na may bayad pala sa San Lazaro. Ako kasi LIBRE siya when I got tested in Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic almost two years ago and I did not have to wait for 7 days to get the results. I got mine after 30 minutes.

      Can you tell us how much they charged you so that the readers of this blog will be informed? Can you elaborate more on the procedure you went through during your HIV testing?

      I've never been to San Lazaro Hospital but maybe next month I will be. I want to see their facility first hand.

      I will await your reply and again congratulations for the negative result.

      CP

      Delete
    2. Nagpunta ako ng SLH in OPD. Since Im new, I fill up my name and pay 20 pesos. For about an hour my name was called. I was interview by the interns asking information why I need to get an HIV test. After that a resident doctor interviewed me and later she gave me request form to undergo counselling at Medical Social Services after I accomplish the questionaire and pay 300 pesos. Just a quick counselling and after that I go to SACC Laboratory after a few minutes I proceeded to extraction room. I was infrom to return after 7 working days. After I receive the result I was inform to return to OPD again I paid 20 pesos and a resident doctor explained me the result. So happy the result is nonreactive. Thanks God!

      Delete
    3. Hi Anonymous!

      Thank you for sharing this info. This is a useful guide on what to expect sa mga gusto magpatest sa San Lazaro Hospital. I think the fee is reasonable naman, and most people can afford to pay that.

      Again, I want to congratulate you on your negative results. Use this second chance well. I am so happy for you.

      God bless you!

      CP

      Delete
  72. i stepped on something along cubao last Sept. 7 when i checked it's a syringe, bumaon halos kalahati nung needle sa talampakan ko and it scared me not knowing sino gumamit nun, is it advisable to get checked kahit wala pang three months man lang after the incident? i'm scared to death, noong una balewala lang sa akin and weeks later nag sink in sa akin na may posibilidad na maging infected ako. I need your advice please. Hindi ko masabi sa family ko dahil ayaw ko mag-alala sila sa akin lalo na't may sakit father ko.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Magandang araw sa iyo CP. I tried it myself. Nagpa test ako sa Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, at totoo po na mababait silang lahat. Libre abg test at mabilis ang result (after 30 mins). This is after 6 weeks of exposure. Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos at non-reactive and naging resulta at umaasa ako nagtitiwala sa kanya ng lubos na magiging parehas lang ang resulta ng 3 mos test.
    May tanung lang ako CP, ok po ba yung RPR test para sa HIV? Kasi base sa nabasa ko, RPR is for syphilis screening? Pare-parehas lang po ba ang mga ginagamit na testing method ng mga testing centers natin dito sa Pilipinas? Anu po ba ang relation ng syphilis to HIV?
    Maraming salamat CP. Malaki ang tulong mo sa mga taong tulad ko...More power to you and God bless you always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Praise God at nonreactive ang result mo. Sana ay tuloy tuloy na iyan.

      As to your question on RPR, well based on my research, it is a test that is specific to detect syphilis. If this test is positive, there is a confirmatory test called FTA-ABS which will help distinguish syphilis from other infections.

      Ang syphilis ay isang bacterial infection, while ang HIV naman ay viral. That is why importante na ma-treat ang syphilis with proper antibiotics because it can cause irreversible damages if left untreated. It's good to remember that any STD that you may have always increases your risk for contracting HIV.

      Sana ay naliwanagan ka kahit konti. You can always do a google search of signs and symptoms of syphilis if you want to educate yourself more about it.

      Tandaan lang natin na bagamat ang kaalaman ng iba't ibang uri ng mga STDs ay mahalaga, abstinence pa rin ang pinakasiguradong paraan upang maiwasan ang mga sakit na iyan at para na rin sa lubos na kapayapaan ng ating kalooban. Those people who have experienced the anguish of not knowing whether you are infected or not will surely agree with me as we've been there and done that and to be honest it's NOT WORTH it.

      Stay chaste.

      CP

      Delete
  74. Hi Anonymous!

    Do you still have the syringe with you? Did you examine it?

    It's hard to tell in your case. Ang HIV, upon external contact to air and environment, dies immediately. In the case of IV drug users, kaya nila nakukuha ito ay dahil nagkakaroon ng direct transfer of infected blood to noninfected ones.

    Kung naitago mo pa sana yung syringe you can have it checked sa isang laboratory to examine it.

    I'm no medical doctor though I have some medical background. It would be best if you will wait for at least three months, pero kung labis kang nagaalala and you want expert medical advice pwede naman siguro na isangguni mo ang kaso mo sa social hygiene clinic dahil wala naman mawawala.

    I'm hoping and praying na sana ay wala lang yun. Please update us here regarding your case.

    CP

    ReplyDelete
  75. Hi Cp, i just want to ask if free ang hiv testing sa Bernardo Social Hygiene Clinic. Im really scared to go there alone, is there anyone who wants to accompany me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Usually, libre magpa test sa mga social hygiene clinics or kung meron man like sa San Lazaro Hospital it would be affordable for most people.

      I know it can be scary to go alone, but if you know a friend who you think is also at risk yayain mo rin magpatest. In that way, natulungan mo rin ang taong ito na malaman ang HIV status niya.

      Delete
  76. Hi CP,

    today is one of the saddest day of our lives. I and my 5-year partner went at makatimed this morning to hear for a second opinion from a doctor.

    It was around 7am today when my bf texted me stuff like "ayoko na magwork kahit kelan".. By the way, he's supposed to work in dubai 2-3months from now after passing all the requirements and of course, after passing the medical exam. but today it turned out that the result of his HIV test is positive. I was able to read his text around 930am. When I learned what happened, the idea of him getting that virus did not sink in to my mind. i was pretty much shocked. I can't really find eloquent words to describe my feelings, how should i respond,and how will i react. It's hard.

    He was decisive to go to makatimed to be tested again although the agency's clinic took a sample of his blood and re-tested him again for HIV to be verified.

    We went at makatimed, he was advised to follow up the results after 2-3 days pa. But with the clinic's result it will be released tomorrow afternoon..


    We've been for 5 years. We have so much dreams to pursue not only for ourselves but for our family as well. Later that day, we ate together and spent the rest of the day. We went to church to pray for another chance and hope that the result will be negative and that he'll be able to go and work abroad..


    With regards on my status, i'm still not brave enough to take the test. I don't know if it's fear or whatever. Not to mention i'm a nurse. a staff nurse for years. The last time we had sex was last week. but we did not do anal intercourse.. the last time we had anal sex was last month.

    i'm planning to have my hiv test before this week ends regardless if it would turn out falsely negative. and have it rechecked after 6-7 months..


    Thank you and we are hoping for the best of luck for the both of us. Although it's hard and it may get even more difficult but i guess, this is life. Good night and more power

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      First of all, I want to thank you for sharing your story with us.

      Being HIV positive is indeed a life-changing experience to say the least. It can really alter the course of your life forever. Going through the stages of denial, grief, anger, fear, and despair is normal, but after these feelings have subsided hopefully you will be able to find acceptance and a renewed sense of purpose.

      Yes, there is life after HIV. It's not all doom and gloom. Quite a number of people have found a deeper sense of appreciation of their life mission and purpose after they got diagnosed with HIV. They have now a clearer vision of what they want to accomplish in life. Many have experienced a conversion of heart and a deepening of their faith in God whereas before their life seemed more like going through the routine and adrift, not having a clear sense of direction and purpose.

      I hope and pray that your test result will come back negative though I must say that you're at very high risk. This can also be an opportune time for you to take a step back and examine your life from a broader perspective. Be alone with God Who alone can comfort you and give you strength in this trying times.

      No matter what happens, remain in Him.

      Praying for you,

      CP

      Delete
  77. Hi CP,

    available ba dito sa philippines ang antiretroviral drugs to combat HIV/AIDS? may idea kyo how much sila? thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous.

      Yes, available ang antiretroviral drugs dito sa Pilipinas. Sa aking pagkakaalam ay libre pa ang mga ito through the social hygiene clinics and government hospitals, but in the near future baka hindi na siya maging libre.

      Delete
  78. HI CP...

    Naparanoid ako heheh.. halos lahat ng symptoms nkita ko sa akin pero hindi naman sabay sabay, at madali lang naman ako gumaling sa iniinom ko antibiotic at paracetamol.. kaya lang meron kasi ako dati bf mga 6yrs ago bago dumating ang talagang naging asawa ko 5yrs ago.. natakot lang ako ksi dko sure kung meron kalokohan ang ex bf ko nagpupunta kasi sila sa beerhouse.. pero ang asawa ko ngayon matino walang bisyo, kaya agad agad nagpatest ako knina din after mabasa ko kagabi ito.. nakuha ko n din result NR nakalagay gamit na kit serodia hiv 1 (pa) ibig sabihin ng NR = nonreactive so negative ang result, right? 5hours bago ko makuha result nung una di ako kabahan pero nung 1hour na lang bigla ako ntense... thanks God at negative result..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I'm glad negative and resulta ng test mo at sana ay manatiling ganyan dahil hindi biro ang magkaroon ng HIV.

      Nabanggit mo na may asawa kang tao. Isa sa mga paraan upang makaiwas sa sakit na ito ay ang pagiging exclusively monogamous sa iyong asawa.

      Pakatandaan natin na ang pakikipagtalik liban sa iyong asawa, mapa babae man o lalaki ay naglalagay sa atin sa peligro na mahawahan ng STDs gaya ng HIV.

      Nabanggit mo rin na naranasan mo ang mga sintomas ngunit agad ding gumaling. Naitanong mo ba sa doktor kung bakit ka nakaranas ng mga sintomas na ito?

      I suggest ma magpa test ka ulit after 3 to 6 months, pero siguraduhin mo na sa panahong ito ay iwasan mo muna ang pakikipagtalik. Ito ay upang lubos kang makasigurado sa iyong kalusugan.

      God bless.

      CP

      Delete
  79. Hi CP, meron po ba kayong cellphone number para sa text ako magtanong sayo sa susunod?

    nung 2009 po nagkaroon po kasi ako ng tulo pagkatapos ko makagamit ng babae. then nag self-medicate ako nag search ako sa internet para sa gamot at nawala naman yung yellowish pus discharge ko.

    tapos nung May 2010 nagkaroon po ako ng mumps at nilagnat ako ng mataas. nung gumaling yung mumps ko nag lumaki po yung right testicle ko na sa sobrang sakit di ako makalakad. na hospital po ako, binigyan ng gamot at gumaling na yun.

    matagal din po nakalipas nito lang pong last months, mga September 2012 po nagpacheck up ako sa doctor may nana daw po yung tonsil ko, binigyan nya po ako ng gamot at gumaling na po ako.

    kinakabahan po ako baka may kinalaman po yung naging mga sakit ko sa pagkakaroon ng HIV.

    PLEASE HELP po. kung sa sitwasyon ko po ba ay magagamot pa po ba yun?

    Male po ako at 22 na po ako ngaun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Nauunawaan ko ang concerns mo. Maaari mo akong i-e-mail sa address na ito: couragemanila@yahoo.com

      Pasensya ka na at hindi ko maaaring ipost ang number ko dito dahil baka dagsain ako ng tawag, but I can give you my number through e-mail kung talagang kailangan mo ng tulong.

      Hintaying ko na lang ang email mo.

      God bless.

      CP

      Delete
  80. guys. magpapatest kc aq next week, tanong ko lng: ok lng ba kung ndi ko masunod ung 3 to 6months window period? kc ang last sexual activity ko year 2011 pa eh. 10+ months na nkakalipas,

    at isa din ako sa sobrang napaparanoid kc may mga symptoms na kagaya ng hiv ung mga nraramdaman ko. ung kati-kati ko sa likod na prang tigyawat na ayaw mawala. ndi ako pmuntang derma pra ipacheck kc ayokong gumastos ng malaki kya hinahayaan ko na lng. inabot na yata ng 1year tong kati ko sa likod mejo wla na ung iba pero ung marks nandun parin..... then tinubuan aq ng prang maliit na swollen lymph nodes sa likod ng ears ko, almost 3weeks na sya ndi parin nawawala..... then madalas akong magkaron ng mouth sore, mabilis din ako mapagod.

    sobrang kinakabahan ako, ibig sabhin ba nyan positive nba ako? if positive nga bka bumagsak na ung mundo ko, kc for sure ndi ako tatanggapin ng parents ko :( im still praying...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @ Anonymous

      Yes you can go ahead and get tested immediately.

      I know how anxious it can be but dont jump into conclusions just yet. You cannot derive objective conclusions based on symptoms alone. Getting tested is the sure way.

      I pray for you. Sana ay maging maayos ang lahat.

      Yung bestfriend ko magpapatest din this week and you know it's not an easy thing but you have to do it because it's the only way.

      If you want to update us of your results just e-mail me in private or leave a message here in order to encourage others to get tested.

      I praise you for your courage. Hold fast and hold on to God always.

      God bless you.

      CP

      Delete
  81. Hello..kakatapos lang ng sexual activity ko.. Actually nag condon nmn xa, taz nung hinugot nya tumulo sa bedsheet... So naparanoid ako... Dali dali kong kinuha ang condom at oinuno ko ng tubig sa lababo using gripo... D nmn butas ang condom... Tapos pinilit kong dumumi, sa dumi ko may nkita akong present ng sperm ( actually d ako sure kung sperm nga yun o lubricant ... Pero mukha tlgang sperm).. D ko kc kilalankasex ko.. Na,eet ko lang sa gay site... Kinakabhan po ako... D ako mkatulog... When is the best time pra magpa check? Sbi nmn nya nagkaroon daw xa ng encounter sa ex bf nya unprotected 4 months ago... 3 months ago nagpatest xa , negative daw result.. D ko alam kung totoong nagpatest xa.. Bka cnsbi nya lang yun pra marelax ako... Pls i need ur immediate response

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Anonymous

      You need to wait at least 3 months because of the window period; however, if you have been engaging in risky sexual practices for some time you might want to get tested and then have a retest after three months.

      For now all you can do is to monitor your health.

      I have always advised my readers that condom cannot give you 100% protection all the time. Condoms have microscopic holes that are big enough for a sperm cell to pass, what more with a virus which is much smaller in size compared to a sperm cell?

      All you can do for now is to monitor your health. It will be great if you can avoid engaging in such risky sexual practice. Please remember that anal sex carries the highest risk of HIV transmission in males having sex with other males.

      Delete
  82. Hello!

    I've been planning to have myself tested. I've had multiple partners before. I'm on abstinence now and I hope its not to late for change. just wanna ask, how long is the procedure? Also, warts grew on my butt just weeks ago. My last intercourse was 3 months ago. Is it a symptom of HIV?

    ReplyDelete
  83. Hi Anonymous!

    The procedure for HIV testing consists of pretest counseling, the actual procedure itself, and posttest counseling. I had myself tested in Pasay Social Hygiene Clinic inside Pasay City Hall and I got the result that very same day. Be sure to go to the clinic early int the morning so you can have the results around lunch time. The last time I went there they are also conducting a simultaneous testing for syphilis along with HIV all for free.

    It's good that you are on abstinence now and I highly encourage you to get tested as soon as possible. I hope and pray that it is not too late for you to start over again.

    Warts are generally caused by another type of virus - the HPV. I advise you to bring this up so that the clinic can give you proper medical advice or referral.

    God bless.

    CP

    ReplyDelete
  84. malalaman ba sa normal urine test at blood test kung infected?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blood testing po ang tanging paraan para malaman kung infected ka sa HIV.

      Delete
    2. thanks po sa reply. sa normal blood test po ba malalaman na o kailangan blood test specific for hiv testing?

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    3. napapraning po kasi ako dahil sa symptoms. 3 years ago na yung last encounter ko. ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng ganito. annual din naman ang medical check-up ko na may kasamang blood test na ok naman po. sana po maklaro ko po kung kailangan pa ng separate blood test para sa hiv. maraming salamat cp.

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    4. Kailangan yung specific na blood test for HIV. You can have this at the nearest social hygiene clinic sa lugar mo. Refer to my post above for complete details.

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    5. @Anonymous

      For your own peace of mind go ahead and get tested. I must say na hindi biro mag-abstain ng almost three years. Keep it up. You will not certainly regret it. I always emphasize here sa blog that the best weapon against HIV is abstinence because in the fight against HIV/AIDS, it is always better to be SAFE than sorry.

      The practice of abstinence should be a fruit of one's determination to gain self-mastery and a cultivation of interior chastity. It's either you master your unruly passions or you let those passions take control of your being and the latter almost always leads one to unhappiness.

      I want to encourage you to continue to abstain and I hope and pray that your HIV test will come back nonreactive.

      God bless you.

      CP

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    6. Pls pray for me cp. Doktor po ba kayo? Posible kaya mawala un thru abstinence? Natatakot po ako.

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    7. If you are worried na infected ka the only way to know this is to get tested. I understand how you feel. It really is scary. There is no cure for HIV once you have it, but there are medications that can control the disease to some extent and help you live a normal and productive life. Until now there is no definitive cure for HIV yet.

      Abstinence is the most effective preventive measure against HIV. Condoms cannot give you the same protection as abstinence does. Practice abstinence in the future and you will never have to worry about HIV or STDs ever again.

      God bless

      CP

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    8. Hello again cp. Nagpatest na po ako sa manila social hygiene clinic. Hindi po real name ginamit ko. Nurse po yung nag-attend sa akin. Nagtanong sya tungkol sa mga sagot ko sa form. Pagkatapos pinapunta na ko sa kuhaan ng dugo. Bumalik ako sa 2nd floor at yung nurse na ang nagbigay ng non reactive result. Thank God. Ganun din po ba sa testing clinic nyo? Nagsecond opinion po ba kayo? Sana magka-peace of mind na ko.

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    9. Congrats Anonymous for the nonreactive result! Yes, ganun din ang proseso sa ibang testing centers. I did not have to solicit a second opinion because I got myself tested six months after my potential exposure to HIV so the test is pretty much accurate. If you did not experience some acute infectious symptoms and you got tested at least three months from your last sexual encounter, then I think accurate yung result ng test mo. If you want to be very sure, you can have yourself tested six months from your last encounter provided you practice abstinence during this period.

      Think positive. Stay negative.

      God bless.

      CP

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    10. thank you cp. 3 years from my last encounter yung test ko.

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  85. Hi CP, gusto ko lang sana kunin ang opinyon mo sa case ko. Nagkaroon ako ng exposures from unknown status partner more than 3 months ago. Nagpa test ako sa isang private clinic using Abbott Determine HIV 1/2 after 16 days & it came negative. After almost 6 weeks, nagpa test uli ako sa Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, also negative. Pero tuloy tuloy pa rin ang kaba ko kaya nagpa test uli ako sa private clinic using Abbott Determine HIV 1/2 after 15 weeks from the exposure, it also came negative. Sa pagbabasa ko, based sa CDC all HIV test method are conclusive at 3 months. Can i get your opinion on my case? Is my test conclusive enough to put it to rest? Maraming salamat CP at more power to you.

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    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I think your test results are pretty accurate at 3 months. I assume you did not experience acute infectious symptoms during this period like fever, rashes, diarrhea, etc. However, for your total peace of mind, you may want to get tested again 6 months after your last sexual contact. If the result is still negative, then you can put this case to rest and your mind at ease.

      God bless.

      CP

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  86. hello!

    your efforts are very much appreciated.=)

    thank you for being an ambassador.

    God bless you!♥

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  87. Hello cp. May alam po ba kayong clinic na nagtetest sa lahat ng STD? non reactive po ang hiv test ko pero nagworry naman ako sa STD. Thanks cp.

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    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I don't know a particular STD testing center pero marami na ngayon nito sa paligid, private man or public. You can try to get a referral from the clinic where you got tested. Although nakaka-worry din magkaroon ng STDs, these are highly treatable as compared to HIV. Usually meron din nito sa mga clinics na nakalista dito sa blog ko, just try to inquire.

      God bless and congrats sa nonreactive HIV test.

      CP

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  88. Hi CP. After 6 months pa po b tlg dapat bago mag-take ng HIV test? I had unprotected sex with several guys last Dec. 23. Three days after, nagka-flu po ako. Then last Dec. 30 naulit po ulit yung unprotected sex ko with those guys. Since then, i feel weakness, muscle pain, sore throat and fever about 37.8 C. I google the symptoms I am feeling and it brought me to HIV/AIDS page. I felt scared when I read that. I suddenly don't know what to do. I wanted to take HIV test but if I still have to wait after 6 months, wouldn't that make my case more terrible? Please help. Thanks!

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    1. Hi Anonymous!

      My question to you is was it your first time to have sex last Dec. 23? If yes and kung magpapatest ka agad, it will probably yield an inaccurate result dahil wala pang sapat na HIV antibodies ang na-pro-produce ng system mo para madetect ng test.

      If you've been having sex for some time now, then maybe you can elect to have an HIV test.

      Kung first time mo lang makipag sex last Dec. 23, maybe you can get yourself tested three months later and then take a retest after three months.

      It is imperative that during this time you must abstain from all sexual contacts.

      I know it can be unnerving and paralyzing, but don't make premature assumptions yet hanggat hindi ka pa natetest formally. There is a list of HIV testing centers/social hygiene clinics above for your reference. Kindly refer which one is the nearest to you.

      CP

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  89. CP ask ko lang bakit sa clinic mabilis lang lumabas yung result pero sa hospital matagal ?thanks CP saka pano kung yung totoong name mo po ung nalagay mo?

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    1. Hi Anonymous!

      Maybe it depends sa dami ng pasyente and other factors, but nevertheless they use the same procedure. I got tested in a clinic and had the result that same day.

      Okay lang naman ilagay mo yung real name mo sa forms nila. It's totally confidential and it's for their records only so you don't have anything to worry about.

      CP

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  90. may wife po ako at 2 anak.ung isa 4 ung isa 1 yr old.almost 2-3 years na hule kong sex sa hndi ko partner.take note di pa sinisilang at buntis asawa ko nun sa 2nd child ko.nung lumabas bunso ko heatly naman hangang ngayon healty.na new born screening siya ok naman.last december 2012.ngkarron ako ng flu.sipon.tpaos weaness for 1 day.tapos meron din an an sa mukha ko.pero siguro dahil sa hygiene to dahil

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  91. after 2 days of paranoiasa wakas nagtest din ako.i use a hiv rapid kit.3 years na huleng contact ko.so sure ako na accurate yun. negative nag result.very happy.it my 3rd life.god gave a third life.prmosie to be faithful to my wife.nkpagsex kasi ako sa ibang babae last 3 years ago.i have a son now 4 yrls old at 1 yrl old.kaso nagkasaket ako.nanghihina at nagkaroon ng anan sa muka.tska dadruff flaking.nkita ko sa new pwede mging syptoms

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  92. Hi Anonymous!

    I'm glad na negative yung results mo.

    Having extramarital affair carries big risk whether it's heterosexual or homosexual. And I'm also glad that you realized this earlier on and promised to be faithful to your wife. One wrong move can destroy the most precious things in your life - your wife's affection and your kids' respect. Remind yourself in the face of temptation what you stand to lose and pray for the strength to do what is right.

    God bless you and your family.

    CP

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  93. Hi Cp, i find your blog very helpful. Just to be honest i am very worried this fast few months. During my sex encounter i am not really aware of HIV. I become aware when i read facts about HIV on internet. That is the time also i started to worry. I read the symptoms of HIV and I am experiencing some of this like rushes, muscle and joint pain. But i never experience fever. Nagkaroon aq ng rushes sa armpit pero nawala din after 3-4 days. And now ang naeexperience q naman is muscle and joint pain. I want to be tested but i dont know how to be tested and how to start. Like others i am also worrying on my confidentiality once i tun out positive. Also i am worrying now because my company will conduct medical examinations to its employee. Natatakot aq n baka makita sa gagawing medical exam. Makikita b sya? Please give me advice on how to be tested and when to be tested. I live near cubao. I will wait for your reply. Thanks.

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    1. Hi Anonymous!

      I understand your anxiety about getting tested and it's normal. I just want to reassure you that testing is confidential whether you turned out positive or negative so there is no need to worry.

      As to the medical exam from your company, you might want to inquire if they conduct HIV testing. If not, then no need to worry about it.

      How long have you been having sex with others? If madalas mo itong gawin then you can choose to be tested, BUT you may need to retake the test three months after and observe for symptoms. It is important that during this period you must abstain totally from sex to get an accurate result.

      Read up on the list of social hygiene clinics near you and be tested. It's a rapid test so you will get the results the same day. Usually these clinics are open on weekdays. Try mo pumunta in the morning para you have the results after lunch time.

      If you have other concerns, you can e-mail me at couragemanila@yahoo.com.

      God bless.

      CP

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  94. CP gud day, saan ba tayo pwede kumuha nang kit for HIV test. kasi nahihiya ako na pumunta sa testing site. kasi kung makaprovide kayo masmabuti cguro para sa akin na nahihiya sa maling nagawa in life. pero yun nga nasa huli ang pagsisi. kasi nga i have sex encounter sa mga bayaran. wait for your reply CP. thanks a lot. GOD BLESS!

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    1. Good day!

      I understand yung feeling of shame on your part but I assure you that those people who conduct HIV testing aren't going to judge you or blame you for what you did. Sila po yung lubos na nakakaunawa sa pinagdadaanan mo so I encourage you to get tested sa social hygiene clinic and their services are free.

      I haven't tried yung mga nabibiling HIV testing kit but if you insist on it try mo to search online sa Sulit or try to ask sa mga drug stores baka mayroon sila nito.

      Lahat naman tayo nagkakamali. We just need to learn from our mistakes and mend our ways. As long as we live there is always hope to change for the better.

      God bless.

      CP

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  95. Hi cp.. nagkaroon ako ng sexual encounter mga 3 weeks na.. pero wala pa naman ako nararamdaman.. i'm currently taking amoxicillin right now, thrice a day, 500mg.. just to be sure.. kelan kaya ko pede magpatest?? kailangan ko din ba ipatest yun naka-ano kong iba sa loob ng 3 weeks na yun? thanks!!

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