STD testing

[Starry69]

OK, this isn't entertaining but it might be considered thought provoking and it's almost certainly on topic!

I was wondering how many people in the hobby get tested for STD's on a regular basis.

And where the favored labs are for a discreet test.

I've been thinking that it would probably be a good idea to have done every once in a while but don't really have any idea where to go.

I do remember a thread of this nature on ASPD, but alas, it's gone.

Thanks for any replies!

[BottomFeederKC]

I get tested 4 or more times a year. Im lucky that I happen to have a great healthcare plan from my employer. I'm fortunate for that - especially in this economy.

I have 2 Doctors I see regularly. Used to be embarrassed but Im not anymore. If your gonna be an adult about the hobby then ya "gotta do what ya gotta do". Goes with the territory. Only takes 1 person to infect many. I have been very lucky and clean.

I have been to the KC clinics too. The clinic at 2400 Troost is a nice clean facility.

http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/Heal...inic/index.htm

(I hit on a hot girl there once in the waiting room. JUST KIDDING.)

The FDA has approved a few home test kits, too (for certain STDs like HIV, etc). You can buy 'em online and at local chain pharmacy's too (you need to ask for them at the RX counter-call first). This line of products comes to mind:

http://www.homeaccess.com/

I mix it up and use a combination of my personal doctors, local clinics and home test kits.

Testing is a no-brainer. If you dont get tested you are foolish and selfish. It doesnt take much time or money to do it. And after all, were talking about human lives here. Some of us have SO's who can be affected by the hobby indirectly too.

I subscribe to the philosophy that "I you don't respect yourself you should a least respect others." Too bad the world usually doesnt work like that.

Some STDs don't have overt symptoms, so you never know FOR SURE unless you check. Period. "I dont have anything...I just know it." doesn't cut it. I have any uncle who is an infectious disease specialist. You should hear the stories he has about patients who swore "I didnt think I could get anything."

Gotta be careful boys 'n girls.

(Gotta go - Im off to mainline heroine now. JUST KIDDING.)

[Guest072311]

http://www.kcfree.org
http://www.stdsymptoms.org/
STD Symptoms, Pictures and Treatment Guide
Herpes HIV Chlamydia Hepatitis HPV Syphilis Gonorrhea
(Warning: This site contains medical photos that might be offensive to some)
Herpes (HSV)

Symptoms

- Blisters, sores on genital area - Sores on lips, tongue
- Pain or burning while urinating

There are two kinds of herpes. HSV-1 causes cold sores and fever blisters on the mouth but can be spread to the genitals; HSV-2 is usually on the genitals but it can be spread to the mouth.

Nearly two-thirds of people who are infected with herpes don’t even realize it. An outbreak can cause red bumps that turn into painful blisters or sores on the vagina, penis, buttocks, thighs, or elsewhere. During the first attack, it can also lead to flu-like symptoms, including fever, headaches, and swollen glands. Symptoms usually appear within two weeks of infection but can take longer in some cases. The first outbreak is usually more severe than later recurrences.

What it is: Viral infection of the genital area and/or around the mouth.

How many get it
About 1 million new cases each year; an estimated 45 million cases already exist.

How it's spread
By touching an infected area or having unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Warning: some people may be contagious even when they don’t have symptoms.

Treatment
There is no cure. An antiviral drug can help the pain and itching and also reduce the frequency of recurrent outbreaks.

Possible consequences
Recurrent sores (the virus lives in the nerve roots and keeps coming back), as well as increased risk of HIV infection. Transmission of herpes to newborns is rare. Most mothers with a history of herpes have normal vaginal deliveries. However, an infant who gets herpes can become very ill, so some precautions are advisable

Related Links

http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html

[Guest072311]

HIV http://www.stdsymptoms.org/hiv.htm
Symptoms
Many people who have HIV don’t even know it because symptoms may not appear for 10 years or longer. Others may experience:
- Vaginal yeast infections (severe or recurring) - Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent night sweats or fevers - Flu-like symptoms
- Diarrhea, fatigue - Headaches, mental disorders

What it is: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS.

How many get it
An estimated 40,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year, most of whom were infected sexually, and an estimated 800,000 - 900,000 people in the U.S. are living with HIV/AIDS.

How it's spread
Through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk —in other words, during vaginal, oral or anal intercourse; by sharing contaminated needles; or via pregnancy or breast-feeding. During vaginal intercourse, the risks of becoming infected are higher for women than for men, because HIV is more easily transmitted from man to woman.

Treatment
There is no cure and AIDS is considered fatal. Several new antiviral medications can slow progression of the infection and delay the onset of AIDS symptoms. Early treatment can make a big difference.

Possible consequences
It is the deadliest STD of all and can weaken the body’s ability to fight disease, making someone with HIV vulnerable to certain cancers and infections such as pneumonia. Babies born to HIV-positive mothers may become infected with HIV if the mother is not receiving treatment, but treatment can reduce that rate significantly.

Getting Tested
To find a test center near your, call the CDC National HIV/AIDs Hotline:1-800-342-AIDS.

Kits for anonymous test from home are also available:
HIV Home Standard Test - Result within 7 Days
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FSPKQQ?ie=UTF8&tag=talib-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&crea tive=9325&creativeASIN=B000FSP KQQ"]Amazon.com: Home Access HIV - 1 Test System - 1 ea: Health & Personal Care[/ame]
HIV Home Express Test - Result within 1-3 Days
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FSRH7Q?ie=UTF8&tag=talib-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&crea tive=9325&creativeASIN=B000FSR H7Q"]Amazon.com: Home Access HIV - 1 Express Test System - 1 ea: Health & Personal Care[/ame]

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
HIV - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV[/ame]

[Guest072311]

http://www.stdsymptoms.org/chlamydia.htm
Chlamydia

Symptoms

There are no symptoms in most women and many men who have it. Others may experience:

- Bleeding from vagina (other than period) - Irritation in the genital area
- Discharge from the vagina or penis - Pain or burning while urinating
- Pelvic pain

What it is: A bacterial infection of the genital area.

How it's spread
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse

Treatment
Oral antibiotics cure the infection; both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth, and both partners need to abstain from unprotected intercourse until the infection is gone.

Possible consequences
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, infertility, and increased risk of HIV infection.

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlamydia[/ame]

[Guest072311]

http://www.stdsymptoms.org/hepatitis.htm
Hepatitis B

Symptoms

Many people don’t have any symptoms. Within one to six months of exposure others may experience:

- Abdominal pain or tenderness - Very dark urine
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes - Severe fatigue, achiness
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

What it is: A viral infection primarily affecting the liver.

How many get it
About 77,000 new cases a year through sexual transmission; about 750,000 people are already infected with Hepatitis B as a result of sexual transmission.

How it's spread
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex. It can also be transmitted through sharing contaminated needles, or through any behavior in which a person's mucus membranes are exposed to an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or saliva. (Don't worry... the chance of getting Hepatitis B through kissing is slim, unless your partner likes to bite!).

Treatment
Most cases clear up within one to two months without treatment, during which complete abstinence from alcohol is recommended until liver function returns to normal. Some people are contagious for the rest of their lives. A three-dose vaccine is now available to prevent this STD.

Possible consequences
Chronic, persistent inflammation of the liver and later cirrhosis or cancer of the liver; plus, if you're pregnant, your baby must be immunized at birth.

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis[/ame]

[Guest072311]

http://www.stdsymptoms.org/hpv.htm
HPV - Human Papillomavirus

Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms but are still contagious. Following symptoms can appear after 2 weeks to 3 months after exposure:

- Irritation/itching in the genital area
- Warts or bumps on the genitals, lips, tongue and/or mouth.

What it is:Human Pappillomavirus Infection. A viral infection with more than 100 different types, primarily affecting the genital area, both the outer and inner surfaces.

How many get it
An estimated 5.5 million new cases each year; at least 20 million people already have it.

How it's spread
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse, or by touching or rubbing an infected area (infected areas may not always be noticeable).

Treatment
There is no cure. Warts can be removed through medication or surgery. Even with such treatments, the virus stays in the body and can cause future outbreaks.

Possible consequences
Increased risk of genital cancer for men and women. Some virus types cause the most common form of cervical cancer in women

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_papillomavirus[/ame]

[Guest072311]

http://www.stdsymptoms.org/syphilis.htm
Syphilis

Symptoms

In the first phase, sores (chancre) may appear on the genitals or mouth several weeks to three months after exposure, lasting for one to five weeks. Often, however, there are no noticeable symptoms. In the second stage, up to 10 weeks after the initial sore has disappeared, a variety of symptoms can appear, including a rash (often on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or genital area).

What it is: An infection caused by small organisms, which can spread throughout the body.

How many get it
About 70,000 new cases each year.

How it's spread
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex — and also through kissing if there is a lesion on the mouth.

Treatment
Antibiotic treatment can cure the disease if it’s caught early, but medication can’t undo damage the disease has already done. Both partners must be treated at the same time.

Possible consequences
Increased risk of HIV infection. If syphilis is left untreated, the symptoms will disappear, but the germ will remain within the body and progress into the third stage, which may seriously damage the brain, heart, and nervous system, and possibly cause death. It can also seriously harm a developing fetus during pregnancy.

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis[/ame]

[Guest072311]

http://www.stdsymptoms.org/gonorrhea.htm
Gonorrhea

Symptoms
Most women and many men who get it have no symptoms. For those who do get symptoms, the following can appear 2 to 10 days after infection:

- Discharge from the vagina or penis - Painful intercourse
- Pain or burning while urinating - Pelvic Pain
- Irritation in the genital area

What it is: A bacterial infection of the genital area.

How many get it
Approximately 650,000 new cases a year; teens have higher rates of gonorrhea than do sexually active men and women aged 20-44.

How it's spread
Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Treatment
Oral antibiotics. Both partners need to be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth — and both partners need to abstain from intercourse until the infection is gone.

Possible consequences
PID, tubal (ectopic) pregnancy, sterility, increased risk of HIV infection. The infection can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes. It can also cause complications during pregnancy (including stillbirth) or infant blindness or meningitis (from an infected mom during delivery).

Related Links
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/educate.html
[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonorrhea[/ame]

[Guest072311]

Did not mean to steal the thread but this is a very important topic.
The CDC is the expert resource but it takes a long time and huge post to do it right with them. The ones above are a good quick reference.
For more anyone can go to the links here to the CDC site:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm

or click here and use the index for specifics
http://www.cdc.gov/

Reading a little of these topics makes condom usage much more acceptable except for the really stupid folks ofcourse....stay safe....

[BigMikeinKC]

How often do I get tested. Every time they do blood work I ask them to run it, probably 3 times a year.

[MsElena]

Originally Posted by ss4699

Reading a little of these topics makes condom usage much more acceptable except for the really stupid folks ofcourse....stay safe....

Using condoms is a MUST. There's a few providers in the KC (it happens everywhere) that give some of their clients BBFS and I don't understand it. One day they're going to wake up sick and wonder why.

If you're going to play, play right and be safe.

[Guest072311]

Originally Posted by MsElena

Using condoms is a MUST. There's a few providers in the KC (it happens everywhere) that give some of their clients BBFS and I don't understand it. One day they're going to wake up sick and wonder why.

If you're going to play, play right and be safe.

Forrest Gump: My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

In honor of Valentine's Day and condom usage! Testing can give a "window of safety" if you trust the window's! But many people do fall out of window's everyday!

and

Forrest Gump: Stupid is as stupid does.

...large green folding things can make people pretty stupid sometimes! They won't have to wonder why Elena, they will know why just not who!

[lookn2u4fun69]

I just go to my regular doc 3-4 times a year. He and his nurse know what I do its no big deal. I tell them stories about my adventures and they just laugh with me anymore when they see me. They still ras the begezzus out of me about the time I broke two of my toes with a provider.....

[ampad]

Originally Posted by ss4699

...large green folding things can make people pretty stupid sometimes!

As well as appendages on the lower half of the body

I've been getting tested regularly since I started giving blood. I'd much rather hear bad news privately from someone I trust (my doctor) as opposed to someone at the blood bank. Also, I can deal with getting a disease, but it would be harder living with myself if I gave it to someone else.