Readers Respond: Getting Tested For STDs - What Is It Like?

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It's a little embarrassing

I had an affair and was very embarrassed about it. I confessed though and did what needed to be done: get tested. I tried to get in with my regular doctor but she was booked up so I scheduled with another one int he office. He was a little rude and judgmental, felt really bad about myself after I left. But at least I was honest. I still have not received any results back, it has been one full week since I went in. I was vaginally swabbed and gave a urine sample. Overall, it is not fun and can be pretty humiliating. But it was my responsibility. Oh, and please do NOT scare yourself by googling about STD's! You're only going to scare yourself and get depressed. You cannot diagnose yourself online, you HAVE to go in and get tested. I know it is scary, but even if you test + just take your meds & go on with your life. You will emotionally heal.

—Guest mon35

Protect yourself

I had sex with someone I shouldn't have. He tried not to use a condom at first and I stopped it and made sure he did. When I went to get tested in that time I was waiting convinced myself that I might have been wrong, that I might just not have noticed. Luckily I was completely STD free. It was really scary, the wait was awful and it was still hard to think about after the fact. I'm just thankful that I was ok. Be responsible and if he is too stupid to use a condom he doesn't deserve to have sex with you.

—Guest anonymous

first time testing

I went for an sti test yesterday after having a few issues with sex with it being quite painful so I thought to have a bit of peace in mind i'd go for a test, even though I only had one partner there still was a possibility that he might have had something so I thought, why not lets get it done and if I do think I have something in the future I know what too expect. So I booked an appointment and went in on the day, didn't take long to be called in, we went over a list of questions to check how much I was at risk and because of my pain during i'd have to have a speculum, oh joy. But after swabs, blood and a urine sample were taken I was told everything looks fine so far but i'll recieve my results in two weeks. I was reminded to practice safe sex and they even gave me a packet of condoms and sent me on my way, very kind, very helpful and it was quite quick, shame it was just slightly uncomfortable but no pain no gain :)

—Guest katie

akward

I'm in my early 20s and decided to get tested at my usual doctor who i've known since i was 7, so this make the process even more uncomfortable. Even more so when i had my legs apart and he was making small talk. "you look fine mija everything looks healthy". lol Thanks. It's something I would rather not do it uncomfortable, and awkward but the responsible and caring thing to do for your partner and your self.

—Guest tom-ato

Teenagers experience

Honestly it's a pretty awkward experience, especially if you're a young teenager like myself. Can be very stressful, but it's something you just have to do to get out the way, so don't prolong it.

—Guest w/e

Bacterial Vaginosis is NOT and STD

BV is the most common bacterial infection in women and is not a STD. People worry enough about STD without having the extra added stress of incorrect information. ***From Your Guide: As I mention elsewhere on the site, it's not an STD but it is an infection that can be associated with sexual activity. Also, there is some evidence that it may be sexually transmitted in lesbians.***

—Guest Women's Health NP

thru sickness and health

5 split up with my husband and recently I found out that he was cheating on me. He was traveling all over the US for "work" and is on Match.com meeting up with women everywhere he goes. I told my doctor about this behavior and she suggested that I be tested for every STD under the sun . I tested positive for HSV2 and am completely devastated. He never told me that he had herpes and am now in the process of suing him. I would have never engaged in any sexual activity with him had I known and of course, I would have never married him . Now I am living with this disease and am very depressed about it. He is just spreading it every where he goes as I'm sure that he is not telling his other "partners" about his infection.

—Guest shocked

Don't Think About It - Just Call

It is an embarrassing and anxiety filled trip, so call an make an appointment in the morning, before you have your coffee. Make a video, or write a journal entry of how you feel, and use it as a refresher the next time you go out the door without a raincoat (wink).

—Guest Grumpy

its like a singles party!

I fully recommend going to the clinic and getting tested, as much as possible! Every time I go I always end up sitting next to TOTAL babes. There is always a funny hiv movie playing and you and the strange potentially infected babe next to you will laugh together and probably hit it off. Gentleman, take advantage of this fun free activity.

—Guest too fresh

Funny Testing Experience

In the waiting room (men's section) everyone sits and it's completely silent until... 'ring ring' This guy answers his phone, "erm, cant talk I'm driving" ...I guess that's one way to break the ice?!

—Guest london

Play it safe!

I prefer not to worry about STD's - I've had one sexual partner who was tested for everything possible before we were intimate. He uses condoms every time as well - sadly, men still can't be tested for HPV. I doubt the profession want a test for men as it would largely do away with the lucrative smear and colposcopy industry. If women could have every partner tested, we wouldn't need to worry about this cancer, which is rare anyway. I think the focus is always on women, men need to be made more responsible and pressured to have testing. Dr's delight in pressuring women. Yet you're dealing with one half of the problem. I think all women need to protect themselves at the outset - Q your new partner about his sexual history and decide whether he's worth it. I'd reject any man who's been promiscuous or used prostitutes or hasn't used condoms. Once you get herpes or HPV, you have a lifetime of hassle and unpleasantness. Play it safe - no man is worth your dignity and health.

—Guest Mandy

STD Testing

It's very important to get tested if you have sex. Even if you don't think you have one it's the responsible thing to do at least once a year. If money is a problem that's no excuse. Here's a list of free clinics all over the US. http://yourstdhelp.com/free_clinic_locator.html Now you have no excuse...

—Guest Jessie

Stay in control of your life

I can't understand why women take such risks with their health. You have to protect your health and these days the risks are high. I think getting tested after a wild drunken night is a bit like locking the gate after the horse has bolted. I remained celibate until I met the man for me and he'd had one previous GF who was a virgin (they both were)... If something happened to my partner, no man would come near me until he'd had every test under the sun...why would I gamble with my life?

—Guest Marisa

scared of testing

I am female and had unprotected sex with my last partner several times. Once, in a drunken haze, I asked him if he had been tested. He mumbled. I took that as a yes because I thought I was in love with him. I recently discovered that he had lied to me about nearly everything and was also cheating on me. I knew I had to get tested. I had 3 panic attacks leading up to the test. I was completely paralyzed with fear. I wasn't doing anything other than obsessively browsing the internet. DO NOT DO THAT. I finally popped an anti-anxiety pill and got tested. Waiting for the results were the worst 24 hours of my life. I got my results this morning. I am negative. PLEASE PLEASE. Get off the internet and go get tested. Chances are, you'll be absolutely fine. And if you are HIV +, after some time and some healing, you will also be fine and will find the strength to go on.

—Guest TERRIFIED

Ask questions!

I asked my doctor for a full STD screening & was not informed that they were not testing me for herpes & now, 3years later have been diagnosed with HSV2. I called the doctor that did the test 3 years ago to find out they never tested me for that and no I have no idea how long I have had it. Get tested regularly because I have still never had an outbreak and make sure you know what they are testing for.

—Guest Guest