Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections

Purplerose · 6th April 2006, 1:33pm

Ok seeing as we're on the subject of contraception in other threads, what's your take on STD's? Do they worry you? Do you take precautions? Do you get tested regularly? Are you too embarrased to get tested? Do you know how to go about getting tested?

Personally, I am terrified of them. There are more and more reports coming out saying that an increasing amount of people are being infected. These days I get tested before having sex in a relationship and I ask my partner do be tested as well.

It can be a difficult topic to bring up, you don't want to mention it the day you meet. You also want to be kind of sure that it will be a lasting relationship before getting them to go to the hassle of being tested. It can take time to get an appointment to get tested and it can mean putting some intimate relations off for a while. But, better safe than sorry...

I have been tested at both the Sandyford clinic in Glasgow and the Russell Institute in Paisley. I can't say they have been the most enjoyable experiences in my life but they also haven't been the worst. The doctors do this every single day, to them you are just another body to be inspected, they don't judge you, they don't care if you haven't trimmed down there. Just so long as you are clean. It doesn't take that long either. So why not do it for peace of mind?

With me being on the contraceptive implant, in a stable relationship it means that I can have sex without a condom (and we know how much guys love condoms). It means that I don't have to worry if we run out of condoms, it means we can have sex wherever and whenever we want. I don't have to stop him and go "hang on till I fish about my bag for a condom", knowing the amount of crap I keep in my bag by the time I find it, the moment will be lost and he will have just remembered that the football is about to start

I seem to know quite alot of folk now who have picked up something of somekind from someone and it is really quite scary. Yes alot of these things can be treated but what if it is something that is fatal? What if it damages you meaning that you aren't able to have children? Is it really worth it then? I would rather have someone examine me and give me the all clear rather than have all the poking and prodding that being infected with something would bring.

It just seems pretty silly to me when these services are available, free of charge, to give you and your partner peace of mind and yet whenever I mention it to some people they are horrified at the prospect of making that appointment.

Also, to people who are not in a stable relationship, do you always use condoms? Do you get yourself tested regularly? If not, why not?

Any thoughts?

RadiantNitemare · 6th April 2006, 1:37pm

I resently got my first smear test at my doctors. I was soo happy when i got my letter confirming i was clear of any sexual diseases. I'd had two sexual partners (three including my present boyfriend) so i wanted to get the all clear for my own peace of mind.

I agree it wasn't the most enjoyable experience but im glad i got it done. Apparently i don't need to have another test for another 3 years.

I'm in a steady relationship (i.e. i have relations with the same man) and i use the pill , so its all good.

stripey_kitten · 6th April 2006, 1:43pm

I used to get tested regularly because I was single, going out a lot and to be honest I wasn't always careful (or was too drunk to remember whether or not I was careful). I'm not a big fan of condoms at the best of times, and have never used them when in a stable relationship.

I recently paid a visit to The Loft at the Russell Institute and, although going for STI tests isn't exactly the nicest thing in the world, the people there were great..really helpful and came across as totally non-judgemental. I would really recommend them if you're thinking of getting tested and are able to get to Paisley.

feelion · 6th April 2006, 1:45pm

smears aint pleasant but essential, theres a history of cervical cancer in my family so i get a smear done every year instead of every three.

6th April 2006, 1:46pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by *true*desire*

I resently got my first smear test at my doctors. I was soo happy when i got my letter confirming i was clear of any sexual diseases.

Not to sound bad or to worry you but smear tests are used to check for cervical cancer, not STI's (although if you specifically ask they can take swabs for things like chlamydia etc at the same time). Other infections like HEP, HIV need blood tests.

RadiantNitemare · 6th April 2006, 2:01pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pogoprincess

Not to sound bad or to worry you but smear tests are used to check for cervical cancer, not STI's (although if you specifically ask they can take swabs for things like chlamydia etc at the same time). Other infections like HEP, HIV need blood tests.

Yea, they took a blood test too. There is a history of cervical cancer in my family also, so in both respects i was extremely happy to get the all clear. (as uncomfortable as it was)

6th April 2006, 2:10pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by *true*desire*

Yea, they took a blood test too. There is a history of cervical cancer in my family also, so in both respects i was extremely happy to get the all clear. (as uncomfortable as it was)

Well, that's good to hear indeed.

Largest of Als · 6th April 2006, 2:14pm

Strangely enough.. I just found this..

Quote:

The California Supreme Court is reportedly set to review how much information sexual partners must reveal to each other about past high risk sexual activity, according to a published report.

The court will hear a woman's claim that her otherwise healthy husband infected her with HIV. She is seeking damages of an undisclosed amount.

The California Supreme Court will consider among other things, how much a spouse or partner is entitled to know about the other's sexual history in order to safeguard against infection.

http://postchronicle.com/news/strang...21213242.shtml

Al

Foxglove · 6th April 2006, 2:17pm

I don't get why so many seemingly sensible people are so against condoms (especially for casual sexual partners)

It it true that they are not the most pleasant things in the world but I would rather fiddle about with a condom than risk getting an STD which at best might be embarrassing and at worst could be fatal.

Frankie LiDeo · 6th April 2006, 2:21pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by feelion

smears aint pleasant but essential, theres a history of cervical cancer in my family so i get a smear done every year instead of every three.

Likewise... been at the hospital at intervals of three and six months since first smear.

hotblonde · 6th April 2006, 3:04pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by feelion

smears aint pleasant but essential, theres a history of cervical cancer in my family so i get a smear done every year instead of every three.

Cervical cancer is caused (in 98% of cases) by a STD (human papillomavirus). Your gentics may make you succeptible to the virus and that's why it runs in your family and/or it may just be that the risk factors of HPV are high for you and members of your family. Havin smears done yearly is a good thing, but you should also look at the other risk factors and try (if you can, easier said than done) to eliminate as much as possible from your lifestyle.

Frankie LiDeo · 6th April 2006, 3:07pm

Well, I assure you I don't sleep around. Certainly not without adequate protection (in case my first assurance is less than absolute).
But: ''HPV is an almost unavoidable, and invisible consequence of sexual activity''. Seems many sexual partners and sex at an early age are risk factors (again... almost innocent). No sex at all is the only effective protection (looks like I'm set).

During one colposcopy, the attending nurse kept rabbiting on about the Bay City Rollers (one member used to live in my street, apparently). I was close to violence at that point.
I was about to add the most vile experience, but couldn't submit it, in the end.

Bunnylingus · 6th April 2006, 3:07pm

You know, I never knew that.

It amazes me how busy sandyford is of a morning, and how many people there seem to be fairly friendly with the staff.

Addy · 6th April 2006, 3:19pm

Thats what I found - they all knew each other quite well! Personally, far too embarassed to get it sorted. Luckily the only time I suspected it was nothing, and if it happens again I'll try and get it sorted sooner.

hotblonde · 6th April 2006, 3:23pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChildcatcher

Well, I assure you I don't sleep around. Certainly not without adequate protection (in case my first assurance is less than absolute).
But: ''HPV is an almost unavoidable, and invisible consequence of sexual activity''. Seems many sexual partners and sex at an early age are risk factors (again... almost innocent). No sex at all is the only effective protection (looks like I'm set).

During one colposcopy, the attending nurse kept rabbiting on about the Bay City Rollers (one member used to live in my street, apparently). I was close to violence at that point.
I was about to add the most vile experience, but couldn't submit it, in the end.

Smoking and oral contraceptive also risk factors..why it kills so many young women. Using condoms and keeping sexual partners to the sinlge digits is a good start tho'

Also, check the bloke you're going to have 'relations' with doesn't have any penile warts.