You can't. The CDC estimates that as many as one in three people with HIV/AIDS or other STI don't know they are infected. Testing is the only way to tell.

STIs often occur without symptoms, particularly in women. However, STIs may be accompanied by the following signs and symptoms:

Itching Discharge Pustules (pus-containing blisters) Genital lesions including ulcers, blisters, rashes, and warts; ulcers may be painful Abdominal pain Rectal infection and inflammation of the rectum Fever Muscle pain Painful urination Swollen lymph glands in the groin

The surest way is to abstain from sexual intercourse and from sharing needles and "works" if you use steroids, hormones, and other drugs. If you choose to have sexual intercourse Consider your partner's risk status. Does your partner have other sex partners? Does your partner share needles? Have safer sex to reduce the risk of exchanging blood, semen, or vaginal fluids with your sex partner(s). Be tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections every year. Women and men with STIs and other infections can get HIV/AIDS more easily than other people. Stay in charge. Good judgment and self-control are the basis of safer, healthier sex. Alcohol and drugs weaken both. Don't risk your good judgment and self-control with alcohol or other drugs.

She should consult a health care provider who knows about HIV disease. Without treatment, about 25 percent of babies born to women with HIV/AIDs or other STI are also infected. However, the use of anti-viral drugs, cesarean delivery, and refraining from breast feeding can reduce the risk of transmission to less than two percent. Nevertheless, children born with HIV often develop AIDS. A pregnant woman with HIV may want to consider whether or not to continue her pregnancy.

Some people have lived with AIDS for many years. New treatments and increased knowledge may help many more people live with AIDS even longer.

Tests are available from Planned Parenthood health centers and most physicians, hospitals, and health clinics. Local, state, and federal health departments offer free testing. Some have anonymous counseling and testing sites. You can also buy an anonymous HIV home test kit in a drugstore or at www.homeaccess.com. Tests are done with samples of blood, urine, or saliva. Some testing sites now offer rapid testing that can provide results in less than an hour. Privacy and Testing You can be tested "confidentially" or "anonymously." "Confidential testing” means your result will be put in a permanent medical record under your name. "Anonymous testing” means your name is not used. Some states require clinicians to report the names of those with HIV or AIDS to health officials. You may want counseling before and after testing. If your clinician doesn't offer it, contact one of the resources at the end of this pamphlet.

Testing may be especially right for you if you think that you or your sex partner(s) may be infected and

You want to become a parent. You and your partner know you will have no other partners for a number of years and you want to stop practicing safer sex. You want to apply for health insurance, the armed forces, or a government agency that requires testing, and you want to know your status before applying.

Consult an experienced clinician. Protect your sex partner(s) by following safer-sex guidelines. Inform sex partner(s) who may also be infected. Do not share needles or works. Get psychological support with a therapist and/or join a support group. Maintain a strong immune system with regular medical checkups and a healthy lifestyle: Eat well. Get enough rest and exercise. Avoid illegal and recreational drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. Learn how to manage stress effectively.