When to have STD test?

Healthis

Just wondering when is the appropriate time to have an STD/HIV test? I have being with three guys this year but I never had any anal sex with any of them. However I would like to have myself checked for everything, as I gave oral with no condom but I think everyone does that? Should I leave 3-6 months of a window ? Would much rather get it over and done with now

Walker77

Straight away. Never do anything without a condom.

ButtimersLaw

Walker77 wrote: »

Straight away. Never do anything without a condom.

A test for HIV is testing for the antibodies, and as antibodies usually take some time to develop (the time varies but 40 days is not unusual), a test "straight away" could incorrectly show the individual had not contracted HIV.

Specifically for HIV testing, there is no point in testing "straight away".

Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to HIV should immediately consult their physician where the standard protocol post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV exposure is a course of antiretroviral drugs.

For anyone who wants to assess the risks associated with different sexual practices relevant to them, the best advice is to consult your physician or other qualified medical personnel as to take advice from unqualified sources might lead to incorrect conclusions

waterglass305

I don't know about HIV but I went for a test and the doctor said four weeks was the average time you should wait.
Best of luck with the test and don't just go once. I'm getting a third one even though I've had no sex partners since the second one but I just want to be safe

Dwn Wth Vwls

If you've never been tested before, you need to go and get your hepatitis vaccinations anyway, so just go now.

floggg

Every six months would generally be a good rule of thimb

oisindoyle

Yes I agree with Flogg .if you are sexually active,it is recommended that you get tested every 6 months

ButtimersLaw

If one is sexually active with one trusted partner, it ought not to be necessary to get tested every six months.

If one has had a 'risky' sexual encounter it may be necessary to get medical advice within 72 hours, and preferably before then.

The most important things of all are

1. to educate onesself about how sexual behaviour can affect ones health,
2. how one can take steps to understand and reduce the risks,
3. to regularly monitor ones health with regard to common diseases
4. how to react if one has a sexual encounter which might be regarded as of higher risk (for instance if a condom breaks during vaginal or anal intercourse)

The best way to answer these questions, and to have a greater chance of maintaining good quality of sexual health, is to discuss with a suitably qualified medical professional.

Annasopra

The forum charter is quite clear that we can't give out medical advice.

OP ring Gay mens health service on 016699553 for advice