Std Testing....

[Healing Reins]

My mentor wants to take me to get tested. I'm terrified...scared shitless.

What's it like? What happens?

how many tests? Do I get my results back in a day..? does it hurt?

Do my parents find out if I'm 18???

 

[NovemberStar]

It would depend on the laws where you live but I can't imagine your parents would be told...

It's a range of tests: your sexual history will be taken by the doctor - how long have you been 'sexually active' (I would suggest if you have experienced sexual abuse as a child you clarify that at the very beginning - few who have been sexually abused as a child or raped as an adult would refer to that as 'being sexually active' - but the question by the doctor includes ALL sexual history,).

It's usually involves blood tests, a urine sample, and a speculum exam (if you haven't had a cervical smear test the do too may do one of these also), and swabs taken from your cervix. It might also include an abdominal palpating, and a pregnancy test (even if you say there's 'no way' you can be pregnant - seriously, a LOT of women believe that and 'swear' they 'can't be' but are pregnant so don't take offense if the doctor really wants to do one anyway!!!)

Your doctor should explain what all the tests are, how they are done, and get your consent for every test.

You can request a female doctor. You should be allowed to have a support person with you - in the room behind the curtain or with y in the cubicle if you prefer (I had my sister come with me for one pelvic exam - she held my hand and stayed down near my head so a support person won't 'see' any of your private bits but can offer great emotional support).

Most doctors will want you to come back in for the results a few days or a week later; few give all results over the telephone. A comprehensive STI screen will also include HIV screen.

It can be scary and it might feel a little embarrassing BUT remember your doctor is a professional, they don't care what yr private bits look like - it really is just like looking at another mere body part as part of their job. And to be honest - don't you think it would be far scarier to have a STI and NOT know? Some infections can be life threatening (HIV), others can leave you infertile and you DONT always have symptoms.

 

[Seasounds]

And all of the tests ( i.e. blood test, speculum exam, etc.) generally don't hurt.

 

[Deleted member 19804]

I agree with the posts above. And I'm pretty sure the law of doctor-patient confidentiality will be applicable, especially if you're an adult. I don't know where you're from, but if you want to know for sure I'm convinced you'll be able to find it on google.

Personally, I find not-knowing whether I have an STI much scarier than the test itself. Once you know the results you can deal with them and move on. Most STIs can be cured quite easily with some antibiotics, but HIV, for example, cannot.

I wish you a lot of luck and strength with this. I hope you'll have a good support system to help you get through this.

N.B. I really don't mean to scare you, but for some STIs there is a window period before the test will be accurate. I just wanted to tell you that because my doctor failed to do so. And because of that I went through a huge scare about a week ago, thinking that maybe I had HIV. Fortunately, the test came back negative for me. But especially syfilis and HIV, though you're unlikely to be infected with those, can take from a few weeks to about three months to be accurately measured.

Good luck!

 

[y5L]

Personally, I find not-knowing whether I have an STI much scarier than the test itself. Once you know the results you can deal with them and move on.

Agreed. I was afraid the exam would trigger me into a panic or flashback, but my doctor was very gentle and explained everything she was doing. She told me she would stop at any time if I got uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

Honestly I pretty much just dissociated for most of the pelvic exam. But I am so glad to know the results!

 

[FindingMyself88]

Thank you for being brave enough to post this. I wanted to but I was scared! My T says I need to be tested to make sure I didn't get anything from that jerk. She said it is unlikely I got anything, but she also wants me to have it done as a way of taking care of myself since I won't report him…

Best wishes to you! Please be kind to yourself! :hug:s if thats okay.

 

[Al_Lurker]

You should also know that a "test for everything" may not include a test for the herpes simplex virus. It's commonly known as "cold sores" though either type 1 or type 2 can occur orally or genitally. The stigma associated with having either type genitally can be overwhelming for some, mostly due to the realization that it can't be cured. Because it is so common doctors don't consider it worth the expense of testing and many doctors aren't well educated on STDs in general. You should ask for an IGG type specific blood test for HSV and no test other than a swab of an active outbreak is accurate until about 12 weeks after exposure. None of the tests are painful. Condoms also do not fully protect from transmission.

Also be certain about any chlamydia tests, infection in a woman can be silent and can cause damage to the reproductive system that won't necessarily be evident until it's too late.

The best place for info is the CDC website. If you should find out that you test positive there are forums like this and secret groups on social media where you can find supportive people.