Questions to Ask
Your Doctor for Women

You and Your Doctor >> Questions to Ask Your Doctor for Women

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Going to see the doctor? Even the best physician can't give you the right answers if you're not asking the right questions. Our simple, structured, and easy to read "Questions to Ask Your Doctor" section helps put you in control of your healthcare.

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Review the following Questions to Ask about HIV/AIDS so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. Do you have experience treating HIV/AIDS patients? About how many HIV/AIDS patients have you treated? Are you an HIV/AIDS specialist?

2. How soon should I begin treatment for AIDS? What are the pros and cons of starting drug therapy soon after I am infected with HIV?

3. What are the main side effects of antiviral drugs?

4. Once I start treatment, do I have to continue taking the drugs for the rest of my life?

5. What is my viral load (the amount of virus in my blood) and my CD4 count? What do they tell me about my illness?

6. Are there alternative therapies I can consider?

7. If I get pregnant, can I still deliver a healthy baby? How can I protect my baby from AIDS?

8. Should I avoid breastfeeding my baby if I have AIDS? Why?

9. What are the chances of my sexual partner becoming infected if we use condoms?

10. I need to talk to other people with AIDS, who understand what I'm going through. Where can I find a support group?

11. How does HIV infection affect my risk for developing infections and other complications?

12. How can I keep up with new advances in fighting HIV/AIDS?