HIV/STD testing
 

Ok so it's about time now for me to take myself and get the ol' HIV/STD test. I have never got one before and Im just kind of wondering what it's like before I go. I heard some good things about it and some bad things about it. The good thing is you'll know if your infected with the HIV virus or an STD. The bad things I've heard is that the Doctor goes sticking things in holes that won't make you smile, and you drive your self crazy waiting to hear your results. I just wanted to know if any males in here have been to get tested and what it was like. Females feel free to share your thoughts and comments as well but Im sure the male/female testing differs. I just wanna know what the process is like and what all is done so I can mentally prepare myself for this. Thanks everyone.

It is not bad at all. I was not worried about the results, just did it for the sake of being 100% sure I was STD free. My test consisted of having blood taken (for the HIV test), and peeing in a cup for gonarhea, chlamydia, and syphillus (*spelling*??).

It is not bad at all. Get it done though, it is definitely worth your while!

i got the Q-tip up the urethra...

its smaller then a normal Q-tip... and it only goes in a cm or 2... its more of an extreme discomfort instead of a pain...

Yeah, its pretty common to hear stories about a 2x4 wrapped in steel wool being spun around inside your dick, but its really not that bad.

I dunno, I thought they only pulled the Q-tip out if you were dripping. If you aren't showing any outward signs of an infection I'm not sure they'd do it. They may simply do the blood work and be done with ya.

i get one yearly at my physical.....i know im std free but its nice to be 100% certain...its no big deal

What's all this about Q-Tips? This is the first I've heard of it. I thought the most common way was a blood test?

The VD Primer for whoever is interested...

The urethral swab is done to rule out Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The specimen is tested for the DNA of these organisms as Chlamydia is difficult to culture. In a woman, the swab is done of the cervical area. These organisms are usually tested for if there is a history of exposure or if there is a discharge or burning with urination(dysuria).

Blood tests are more commonly done for other sexually transmitted diseases which may not exhibit obvious symptoms: HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, Hep B

Cytology(pap or biopsy) is usually done to diagnose HPV(which causes venereal warts and cervical cancer)

Tune in next week for "common rectal problems"....

Hi Remy, I've been tested twice for various things (all just precautionary, as a new relationship was developing), but the last was about sixteen months ago so I'll try to remember.

I got tested for everything. I went in and the nurse asked me a bunch of questions about my sexual history, partners, any risk-taking activities, drug use, etc. Then a male doctor came in and he had me lie down on the table/bed thing, examied my genitals, checked for pubic lice, anything unusual around that area. He did a swab but I don't remember him inserting it anyway, but I can't remember so well. Nothing hurt, just a bit self-conscious. He asked if I had any questions, he was very cool about it. Then I had a urine test, and went to another room for a blood test. The whole thing took only fifteen minutes or so.

Then a week or two later I went back and they told me my results - no HIV/AIDS, no chlamydia, no gonorrhea, no nothing!

That's how it went for me, I imagine it's much the same in the US.