Yeah, I've done it...A-okay. I would/have ask(ed) my SO to take the test as well.

As for the condom thing...maybe it's just me, but I think I will use condoms until the day I get married. My reasoning for this is the same as one of the previous posters, there are other STDs you can get besides HIV/AIDS...and if I don't have 'papers' on you, I will never truly be totally sure that you aren't dipping out on me. I know that marriage is not a cure for cheating, but ideally I will be more comfortable in knowing that my husband is with me and me only.

ETA: With all that said...very, very rarely stuff happens ;), but I'm talking about on a consistent basis.

I would have absolutely no problem with taking an HIV test. I would actually be proud of my guy for taking a proactive stance because most men don't worry about it.

I have not had an HIV test in two years because I have not had any sexual partners since then. Boyfriend and I have been together for almost three years but we are not sexually active. He knows that before we take that step, we are both going to get fully checked out. Not just for HIV, we will also be screened for HPV, Herpes, and everything else. HPV and Herpes can be spread even while using condoms because there are some areas that condoms do not cover. The numbers for Herpes are rising dramatically because it doesn't really get that much attention, as STDs go. I think the numbers are somewhere around 1 in 5 or 1 in 4. That's scary to me because there is no cure.

TTT
 

I was last tested for HIV on 1.10.04 and it was still NEGATIVE. :)


Oh and I TTTed it because of a startling statistic -- 1/2 of all young Americans will have an STD by the age of 25. When I went for my HIV test in January, I also got tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphillis -- negative there as well.

I have a story...Thanks CT4 for bringing this to the top.

This may be a little graphic, but I think it fits in context to what we are speaking about.

A good friend of mine is going through something RIGHT now because of some foul dude. She was never promiscuous, and this guy that she slept with was like the first since she'd broke up with her boyfriend of 5 years. Anyway, she slept with dude, they "used" a condom, but immediately after sex she didn't feel right. He went to the bathroom, and didn't act like anything was wrong. She went to the bathroom and wiped, she was experiencing discomfort but figured it was just because she'd been celibate for so long. Anyway, when she got home she used the restroom again and when she looked in the toilet there were peices of the condom in the toilet. Evidently the condom broke and he didn't bother to say anything. She called him and told him and he was like, "Don't worry, I'm straight". Now two years later, she went to the doc a few weeks ago and got an abnormal pap, and come to find out she was infected with HPV, which is incurable. She is so distraught because she feels like it's so unfair...and it is, but this goes to show you it only takes once and there are more things out there besides HIV! (and of course the bastid is nowhere to be found :mad: )

Dumb question, but....
 

....does being tested hurt?

I ask this b/c I had a booster shot and a blood test done on me on the same day back in 1984 and I haven't been the same since. IMHO blood tests are like POW torture sessions and gives me bad flashbacks.

However, I am considering getting an HIV test b/c I am seriously considering getting married, and I would like to be a blessing to my future Mrs. Rain Man. However I have "been with" 5 women, condomless. Before you attack me, please understand, when I was taught about safe sex back in 6th grade, I scoffed at it, thinking that I wouldn't need a condom, b/c I would never get some. And every time I did, I assumed it would be my last time. Well, suffice it to say, my last time was 3 years ago, and I don't know if I caught something (I hope not), but anyway...

Does it hurt? :confused:

Re: Dumb question, but....
 

It depends on how it is administered. The only way that I have ever had an HIV test is by having blood drawn. I really hate having to give blood for anything because my veins are so small and it is always an uncomfortable for me. For my first HIV test, it took three tries and both arms for them to finally be able to draw blood.

I do believe that there are less invasive ways to take the test. I think that there is a method that takes a swab to the inside of your cheek.

FYI
 

In undergrad we had a health program and one of the topics covered was HPV. I don't recall the statistics, but I believe this was the fastest spreading STD among females. Many people believe that using condoms can protect against HPV and this is untrue. Skin to skin contact can spread the virus if one is having an outbreak. Also, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to years for the symptoms to actually show. Therefore, it's hard to trace as to whom someone may have gotten it from. People may have the virus and don't know until an outbreak happens. So a woman/man can get tested regularly for STD's and this virus can go undetected.

HPV B.K.A. Genital Warts
 

Information to Live By:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
How common is HPV?
In the United States, HPV is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Some studies estimate that the majority of the sexually active population is exposed to at least one or more types of HPV - although most do not develop symptoms. Because HPV is so common and prevalent, a person does not need have to have a lot of sexual partners to come into contact with this virus.

What about HPV and cervical cancer?


There are many different types of genital HPV.
Only certain types of HPV are linked with cervical cancer. These are usually called "high-risk" types.
The types of HPV that cause raised external genital warts are not linked with cancer. These are called "low-risk" types.
These wart-types of HPV usually are not usually found on a female's cervix, and therefore, are not going to carry any risk of cancer.
It is common for a person to be exposed and have more than one type of HPV, including several "high-risk" types. Yet, most women do not develop cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer usually takes years to develop.
The majority of cases of cervical cancer are in women who have either never had a Pap smear, or have not had one in five years or more.
Cervical cancer can be prevented if a female gets a Pap smear at regular intervals. This way, if abnormal cell changes are found, it can be monitored and / or treated before progressing to cervical cancer.
Most of the time, men will not have any symptoms or health risks such as cancer with the "high-risk" types of HPV. It is the female's cervix that needs to be monitored.

Why did she wait TWO years? As soon as she knew it broke, she should have gone to the dr and got tested for everything, IMO.

When I got BC, I got tested for everything, for my own personal well being. I mean, the distraction and I are careful, but not always as careful as we should be. (We're working on that, lol!)

The HIV test I took was via blood. It is uncomfortable (and I've had a child), they drew a vial full of blood.

She did...but it's just now showing up. She says she hasn't slept with anyone since then and was protected with her ex before then and he tested negative. I guess it takes so long to show up.

ETA: She has gone for several paps since then because she gets frequent ummm feminine "balance" infections...but they always said that it was probably something she was allergic to, like detergent. She never had an abnormal pap until this one like a month or so ago.

I was last tested about 5 years ago. Haven't really had the need to be tested again, but if I'm in a serious relationship and want to do away with condoms, then I'd want myself and my mate to be tested for everything.

Question:

What are ALL of the STD tests?

I have been tested for HIV and gonorrhea/chlamydia/syphillis twice and both times negative.

Where/how do you get tested for HERPES and HPV? Not that I believe I have them but I like peace of mind.

Knowledge is power. :)

You may just have to go to your GYN and ask her/him to test you for everything. When I was pregnant I was tested for everything twice (all tests negative by the way) Pregnant women are human pin cushions. I was drawing blood at almost every visit.

Re: A serious question: Calling EVERYONE, MEN in particular!!!!!!!
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AKA2D '91
[B]If your friend, girlfriend/boyfriend, significant other, mate, person you sleep with (whatever name you give him or her) asked you to take a HIV test, would you? :confused:

Yes, in a way, I think that the test should be taken before any new sexual partner anyway. Not that I do it, but I think that I should.

Redefined,
Do offices give written print-outs now or would you basically be taking him on his word when you say that you'd want to know the results of a recent test?
SC

Amen to that, lol!!
Just ask. I believe that most states are required to keep track of chlamidya/gohnorrea/syphillis (sp?) infections, so those are tested when you ask to be tested for STDs by default.

Why come my post was cut off? I forgot what I said..booo.. lol

Yes, I had to take one to get a life insurance policy.

Re: Always the odd one out
 

Soror, I totally understand and feel the way that you do. Although I have had two tests in my life, I really don't want to be tested again, even though I have had sex (not unprotected, but sex all the same) since my last test in 2001.

I also think that I might not want to know. The only thing that encourages me to go ahead and get another is that I would never want to give anything to anyone else. The point about getting meds early if need be is also a good point.

SC

I took out a policy with State Farm and had to do the cheek swab test right there in the insurance office.

SC

When I got my results in January, it was verbal, but I asked for written documentation and showed it to Mr. CT4.

Re: Dumb question, but....
 

Rainman, I took the cheek cotton swab test once and it didn't hurt at all.

SC

Re: Re: Dumb question, but....
 

Classlady,
When I had to get injections regularly for another condition that I had, the nurses also had problems finding my veins and it was painful.

Two tips:
ask for a "butterfly" needle (it's the smallest needle but they often don't want to voluntarily use it b/c the supplies are limited)

drink lots of water to hydrate your body at least a couple of days before going to the doc - this will alleviate any de-hydration and make your veins easier to use

SC

CrimsonTide4,
Your doc can check you for HPV when you get your pap smear. I think that they can also do the test for Herpes.

SC

Well I had a PAP on 1.10 as well. Would it show when they ran the slides or would I have to say oh and please test for HPV and herpes as well? :confused:

Re: Re: Re: Dumb question, but....
 

BIG OLE cosign on this. I had one nurse that didn't want to use it. It was like she enjoyed terrorizing pregnant woman with that big azz needle. I got Brooklyn :p on her one day and I never had a problem getting the butterfly needle again.

It wasn't a supply problem either SC. I talked to one of the others nurses and she told me this woman likes to only use the big needles. :mad:

/end hijack of this very important thread

You usually have to ask them to include HPV. However, if the pap comes back abnormal, this is a possible sign that you have HPV but it does not have to come up as abnormal pap at all. It's best to ask them to check for this also. With Herpes, I don't think that it would come up in your pap. The doc might not notice either if you don't have an outbreak at the time of your pap. With Herpes, I think that you want to get a blood test to see if the virus is in your blood I think.

Any medical folk out there???

SC

Re: Re: Re: Re: Dumb question, but....
 

Yes, people are ridiculous about holding back on that butterfly needle. You had to go Brooklyn, huh? That's funny. One of my best friends is from East New York (?) Brooklyn and she makes the same comment.

SC

That sounds about right. You can have a normal Pap and still be infected with HPV, and you can go in for a regular pap (no symptoms), and the cells come back abnormal and find out you have HPV. (confusing right?) The Herpes test, you have to ask for if I'm not mistaken.

So yall telling me to get another PAP. . . OKAY!! I will. I gotta know.

Well, I did it!
 

I finally summoned up the courage to go see the Doc and get a blood test for HIV. Surprisingly enough, the blood test didn't hurt at all.

I will post my results when I get 'em (about a week or so).

Moral to the story: No ring, no "thing".

BTW...

HC my physician reminds me of a slightly smaller version of Don "DC" Curry? (that's ok, though; he's good) :D

Glad you got tested. They really aren't that bad anymore. My chapter got tested along with the community during our IDOS event. He had the 20 minute quick blood test so most of us took that one. It seems like an eternity but I happily took home my HIV NEGATIVE test.

The FDA also has recently approved a rapid HIV test that is a finger prick test. Results in 20 minutes. Hmmm...I think it will have interesting implications for testers as well as the counselors responsible for disclosing results.

w/ the herpes situation, you have to specifically ask for a test...period. It is not carried in fluids so the usual ways of testing don't work. A lot of times, a health professional can do a visual and follow it up with a blood test.

The info on HPV folks gave is on point. If someone has it, they can have them removed (cauterization, laser therapy or cryotherapy (freezing)) as well but the virus will always be in the body so recurrent outbreaks can be an issue.

Not anymore!
 

This post was two years ago. I just got tested last week. My results were negative. But that WAS the longest week of my life. I kept thinking about that movie, what's the name of it? One Week.

:)

I asked a doctor about this and the virus will not ALWAYS be in the system. Actually, of those who contract HPV in their twenties 95% clear the virus (like getting rid of a cold) by the time they turn 30. But be careful because like the cold virus- you can always get it again!

So yes, removing the sore or wart (although not everyone with HPV gets skin lesions) does not remove the virus. But in time, usually years, most people's immune system will get rid of the virus.

Re: Re: Dumb question, but....
 

Yes, CL, I took this method in an insurance office when I applied for insurance.
SC

Deltabrat, do you have any further details on the test that gives results in 20 minutes. Is it accurate? Can it be taken at any doctor's office or is it only available in certain locales?

SC

Indirectly, yes. I am a frequent blood donor, and before they pass on your donation, it is tested for HIV, herpes and hepatits B (there may be others but I'm not sure what). So I'm tested approximately 6 times a year (you are only allowed to donate once every 8 weeks).

I have been tested twice. The most recent was about a little over 2 years ago. It is a mandatory test to run when you are pregnant. Both test came back negative. Even though I know I was "fine" I was still scared. I didn't want to call for the results.

Please forgive me for crashing, but I'd like to share my story.

I had a gynie appointment soon after leaving my ex-husband, and she suggested that I get a full work up, just in case. No problem, I'd rather know myself. So, she gave me a prescription and sent me to a lab a few blocks away.

The lab was packed with people, and the receptionist/nurse sat behind one of those bank-like windows that had a half-circle at the bottom. I slid my script under it, and this woman looked at it for a moment, then bellowed, "I CAN SEE THAT YOU NEED A CHEM PANEL AND A PREGNANCY TEST, BUT WHAT'S THIS HIV TEST?"

I mouthed, "AIDS." She bellowed even louder, "SPEAK UP, SWEETIE. WHAT DOES THIS HIV TEST FOR?" I looked around, and of course, everyone is looking at me by now. I said quietly, "AIDS!" Once more, she yelled, "I CAN'T TEST YOU UNLESS I KNOW WHAT IT'S FOR - WHAT'S THIS HIV?" I took the darn script from her, wrote "AIDS" on it, and she then yelled, "OOOHHH!! AIDS!!!! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO?"

I could have died. Thankfully, she took me right then, instead of making me sit with the other people - and then gossiped about several prominent people who came to her office monthly for the test.

I can laugh about this now, but at the time, I was furious! I did call my gynie to make sure she knew what was happening at that lab - which she no longer uses!

Thank the Lord, everything was negative...

Yes, I have been tested for HIV. About, two years ago someone I loved and trusted violated me in every since of the word. So for the New Year I phoned an ex-coworker whom works at a health center and asked her about the procedure, what exchange of information was involved and when should one expect to get results. After she answered my questions I walked in and had the testing done. I am so relieved the test results were negative and would recommend the testing center to anyone who does not want to feel like an experiment or as if they are being “talked at.” The gentleman whom did the testing was very professional and he shared information with me that was scary yet helpful. The environment, professional attitude and education should be considered when choosing a health center.