Roadmap to HIV Therapies

What Is Your Healthcare Provider's Opinion?

Use your healthcare provider as a resource for information that will help you make an informed decision. Ask questions, and lots of them.

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Does your healthcare provider have an opinion about the therapy option or strategy you're considering? If so, what is it and what is it based on?

Ask your doctor about his or her experience with or opinions about the therapies and strategies you are considering. Does your doctor have advice about whether a particular treatment you are hearing about may make more sense for you and your lifestyle than another?

If you find that your doctor likes to put everyone on the same treatment, ask why. HIV treatment information and guidelines are not meant to be a cookbook, to be used the same way with everyone. Ask how you might develop a treatment strategy that takes your personal needs and concerns in mind. For more information on developing a relationship with your doctor, read Developing A Relationship With Your Doctor.

You can't make an informed decision about treatments, regardless of what type of treatment you're considering, if you're not informed about all your options. Get as much information as possible, from a variety of credible sources that you trust. Learn about HIV and treatment options. It's better to make an informed decision that you feel very comfortable with than a hasty one.


Adapted from: www.projectinform.org