Sexual Health - geting tests

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 04:47 PM

this is kinda embaresing but i resently told a friend about my ex who lets just say wasn't the nicest guy on the planet now she wants me to go get tested for everything. and i do think its a good idea but im kindda scared, i don't even know what the tests entail. thing is i didn't tell her about of friend of ours who has been doing the same sort of thing resently. tbh im scared.
do i really need to do this?

shadow-light · 25-03-2009, 04:51 PM

well the tests couldn't hurt... though I know it would be embarrassing.... I think alot can be done via urine or blood though, so you could just avoid the smear type ones if you feel uncomfortable about them...

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 04:54 PM

im worried i will freak out at the doc, or start crying if they try to do test like that. how can i do this without them asking questions. sorry im being a total wuss
can it really all be done with blood and urine tests?

shadow-light · 25-03-2009, 04:58 PM

not all... but a fair few can...

if you tell the doctor that you are nervous they're usually understanding

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 05:03 PM

thanks, i know i don't really have a chioce about this but id still rather not

squirrelspit · 25-03-2009, 05:07 PM

they wont do anything invasive without you saying its ok, and often you have to book a second appointment for that.

it depends what you want to get tested for,

HIV - Blood test. can do saliva swab i think too.
Chlamydia - cervical swab, can be done using urine but much less accurate.
Gonorrhea - cervical swab or urine test.
Syphilis - Blood test, or they swab the sore if you have one.
Herpes - blood tests can be done, but not always accurate, which is why a lot of people only get diagnosed when they have an outbreak.

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 05:14 PM

thats a relief i was so worried they would guess some because of my reaction to anything invasive. but if i can opt out of that phew

falling-appart · 25-03-2009, 05:16 PM

To be honest . Your friend is really right . You need to get all the tests done . but them people who do them the nures's are really really nice and they understand embarrasment . they even talk to through out most times to distrack you . You wont feel a thing and before you know it its over . Then some urine and some bloods .. Oh and a throat swab . To check for thrush or clamidia also in ya mouth..
But honestly you will be okay I know it embarrasing my first time going was also . but they are use to it and make you feel really comfortable and again friendly and chatty .... Bloods and urine cant eliminate everything and your still at risk if you dont have the swabbing . ..

Note - always wise to use a condom .. or femidom ..

squirrelspit · 25-03-2009, 05:17 PM

the thing is, cervical smeers are really important especially after the age of 25, they check for cancer and all sorts (see Jade Goody). Theyre honestly not so bad, its a bit weird, but it takes about 5 minutes, and the nurses wont care, theyve seen a million lady parts.
If youre scared for other reasons, you can always explain it.

Also, might be an idea to use condoms in future if youre not sure where the guy has been.

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 05:21 PM

id rather not have to explain it and im planing to use condoms as soon as i have any say in the matter thanks

squirrelspit · 25-03-2009, 05:28 PM

i didnt mean it patronisingly.
i was just saying that cervical smears are important.

danskpige · 25-03-2009, 05:31 PM

i know sorry, that came off worse than i meant it, sorry its just a touchy subject with me.

squirrelspit · 25-03-2009, 05:36 PM

tis cool.
Maybe get your friend to go with you if youre nervous. Moral support is always good.

If you ever want to chat or anything im around =]

Mrs Sam · 25-03-2009, 07:33 PM

i was sort of in a similar position recently and i went and got all the tests and stuff and yeah it wasnt great but actually the blood test was the worst part for me in the end.

they will ask why you think you need the tests and its up to you how honest you want to be but i would think about being honest with them as they might not do the full screening if they dont knwo the full story.

PM me if you want more detailed info on what happens and stuff just i'd rather not say on here.

xxx

Bitter_Angel · 25-03-2009, 08:35 PM

It nothing to be worried about. I know it seems scary but the people running the tests do it all the time and believe me when i say they have seen everything. *hugs*
Its a good idea to get tested and your local hospital probably runs clinic if you dont want to go to your GP. Sometimes easier when it a stranger you dont have to ever see again.

Mandimoo · 27-03-2009, 12:59 AM

some test may require a retest (HIV/aids for example) depending on how long ago the last contact was. it can take upto 6months i think to develop.
mand x

Mrs Sam · 28-03-2009, 03:03 PM

mand if the risk of infection happened over 6 months ago then they shouldnt do a re-test.

Mandimoo · 29-03-2009, 12:06 AM

exactly, depending on the last contact. i think if you go straight away they test and retest at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. a gay couple i know had to go thorugh testing and suddenly all the gay guys i knew went for tests too (one of my mates was being a bit naughty!) thankfully only the unfaithful one had HIV, and hadn't passed it on to anyone. but they had to keep going for re-tests until it had been 6 months.
mand x

Underjoyed · 29-03-2009, 02:03 AM

It is extremely important.
The tests can be invasive... but if there was something wrong and you left it, you'll have to go through much worse procedures later.

iloverats · 30-03-2009, 07:27 PM

at the end of the day they really dont care about seeing your lady bits.
nor do they really care about what you've been upto.

they will think its responbsible for actualy getting checked out.
and the min you leave the room, you'd be forgotten about, and the next patient is seen too.

they're not that bad either.
been there done that.

and its totaly annonymous in GUM glinics, you just get given a number

good luck :)