GUM test

[Infernoid]

Hi.

I have decided to get myself tested for any STDs. The only query I have, how do they actually test you? i.e. what is the procedure.

I am going no matter what, as I want to know. Just wondered what to expect really.

Thanks in advance.

[Sa-ra-ra-ra]

Are you male or female? The procedure differs slightly depending on what you have <IMG SRC="smile.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">
If you're female, first you will be asked some questions about your sexual health, then you will be asked to strip from the waist down behind a curtain. You sit on the table-thing, and will be asked to 'part your knees as far as possible'. The doctor will then get a speculum (looks like a ducks beak, made of metal, opens up inside you) and cover it in a lubricant of some sort and insert it into the vagina. They'll then take some swabs, with what looks like giant cotton wool stick things, and seal them up. The doctor will then insert some fingers into you to check for any abnormal lumps and bumps. It's over in about 5 mins, you get the results in about 2 weeks, and it doesn't hurt - it's uncomfortable, and the metal thing's quite cold (my doctor ran it under the hot tap first, thank god!) but not painful.
Don't worry, i'm sure everything's fine, and there's no real need to be embaressed(sp?) because if you go to a GUM clinic, they've probably seen it all before.
You'll need to ask a bloke for the male version though!

[nosferatu1000]

Depends which STDs as well

HIV is a blood test, so needle at elbow joint there, same for Hep B.

THe others, well can you say ouch? Unlubricated q-tip [effectively] up the urethra....yep, the piss-slit. not nice at all! still, worth doing

the HIV test covers up to the past 3 months, as that is how long it takes for the antibodies trhe test looks for to appear....

[Infernoid]

I'm male.

So they put something up the urethea? And from what has been posted, I assume it is painful?

[Gems]

I dunno about how it's done but I read somewhere that possible employers can check your records to see if you've had aids/HIV tests and it can affect your employability. So it's best to get that stuff done at a clinic. Anyone know if that's true cause I thought your medical records were confidential, full stop? <IMG SRC="confused.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

[KateW]

Try the "HIV and work" section at the end
http://www.thesite.org/info/sex/stis/hiv_&_aids.html

[Alessandro]

Originally posted by Infernoid:
<STRONG>I'm male.

So they put something up the urethea? And from what has been posted, I assume it is painful?</STRONG>

I think there's probably different ways to test, but the only way that I've ever been tested is a blood test. They take blood and test for the antibodies that your body makes if you have HIV, herpes, syphilis, etc.

I've never had anything put up my urethra...owwwwww
<IMG SRC="eek.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">

[DyingStarlight]

Oh wow, you're from Bristol too!

I think we might be the only 2 people here LOL

Where abouts?

Good luck with the tests too BTW, doesn't sound too pleasant.

Kate

[nosferatu1000]

They can tell your employer if you have ever had a test, and the result, if that is part of your contract that they can check up. It is aslso the same for any insurance. If you go to a clinic, those records are totally private, as they would have to ask every clinic in the country.

Basically, I would go if i were you - they may not do a blood test, depends on what you think you may have come in contact with. Be warned, however, waiting for the results is NOT good, esp if it is an HIV test - luckily my boyf was very supportive, which helpeda lot!

[Infernoid]

Thanks everyone for the info.

I've found my local GUM unit, and have now got to phone and book in. My gf has also decided to get herself tested, so we will go together. We don't think we have anything (no signs), but both feel we need to know. If you know what I mean?

Anyway, thanks all again.

[Infernoid]

Forgot in the last message!

In reply to DyingStarlight:

I'm from Yate/Chipping Sodbury - where abouts are you from.

Like you, I think we must be the only 2 from Bristol! Wait for it now though, we will have people leaving message like 'I'm from Bristol as well', 'make it 3', etc...

[Baby Bio]

Originally posted by Infernoid:
<STRONG>I'm from Yate/Chipping Sodbury - where abouts are you from.</STRONG>

fuck off!!!! <IMG SRC="eek.gif" border="0" ALT="icon"> sorry, but i'm from Thornbury - how random is this??!!!

on the subject of these tests - owwwwwwww <IMG SRC="frown.gif" border="0" ALT="icon">. blood tests i can do, but i don't think ull get me ever doing the other one! if they can tell most from the blood test then that's ok. could i just ask to have that done and not the other test dya think?

[nosferatu1000]

You can ask what each test for each disease requires, and say that you really, really would prefer the blood tests. although having about 10 tests isn't fun [had that twice, NOT for stds though....allergy testing] as your arm feels rather numb i find, worse than giving blood imo...

still, if you really are serious,then get em all - it does hurt, but better that than misery....and think of all the sympathy you could get off yuour girlf, if you're into that sort of thing!

note: not advising he plays the guilt thing, just saying he could....after all, men whine about the smallest cold, at least this would be justified!