STD - Check at GP?

seachto7

Hi all,

I am 99.9999% sure I do not have any STDs. But how can I be 100% sure?
I had a blood test at the doctors and they just said they would check for the usual stuff, blood, liver etc. Do I have to specifically ask for an STD check?

I have to go back for a general check up next week. Is this something I should bring up, or is it something I should have asked during the blood test?

kaimera

Yea you have to ask.

Not sure if the GP will do the swab but if getting blood done, you have to ask for std.

krudler

yeah you can ask, if you're there and getting bloods done anyway just ask, they can do everything for you

seachto7

I had it this morning, and was too embarrassed to ask....

miamee

seachto7 wrote: »

I had it this morning, and was too embarrassed to ask....

You should read this thread and find a clinic near you for a test: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=152605

monkeybutter

Just go to james or the mater, it's anonymous and free, 1 visit for test, 1 for results 3 weeks later

corkgsxr

seachto7 wrote: »

I had it this morning, and was too embarrassed to ask....

they`v seen this a million times, most are happyer you care that if you arrive with a drippy willy saying i think something might be wrong

seachto7

Well, there's nothing obviously wrong. I don't have itches ailments, spots or otherwise, but never had an STD test in my life, and have had unprotected sex.

miamee

seachto7 wrote: »

Well, there's nothing obviously wrong. I don't have itches ailments, spots or otherwise, but never had an STD test in my life, and have had unprotected sex.

Well don't take the risk with yourself or anyone you might have a relationship with in the future, get it checked now. Lots of people in the same boat as you have them just to be sure. It's just a blood test and will put your mind at ease.

seachto7

I'm embarrassed to get one done in Limerick in the hospital

floggg

seachto7 wrote: »

I'm embarrassed to get one done in Limerick in the hospital

Why be embarrassed?

It just means (a) you're being responsible about things and (b) you're getting some.

You should generally get one every six months or so if your sexually active and not in a long term monogamous relationship.

And what would be more embarrassing - going for the test or having to explain to a partner why it burns when they pee. Or worse that you've passed on something life threatening like HIV.

Honey-ec

miamee wrote: »

Well don't take the risk with yourself or anyone you might have a relationship with in the future, get it checked now. Lots of people in the same boat as you have them just to be sure. It's just a blood test and will put your mind at ease.

A full work-up will involve blood and a smear.

miamee

Honey-ec wrote: »

A full work-up will involve blood and a smear.

Ohh...I had assumed the OP was a male for some reason...apologies if not.

seachto7

floggg wrote: »

Why be embarrassed?

It just means (a) you're being responsible about things and (b) you're getting some.

You should generally get one every six months or so if your sexually active and not in a long term monogamous relationship.

:):o:o I'm not. I'm a guy too.

shopaholic01

seachto7 wrote: »

:):o:o I'm not. I'm a guy too.

I assume you have been in the past, otherwise you won't need to be screened.


I would recommend you go to an an STI clinic and give false personal details. A history of STI's can affect life insurance premiums, if you go to your own GP they will obliged to pass on this information is requested. This is then entered onto a database by the insurance company.

seachto7

I haven't been active in about a year, but should still do it I guess...

Zyzz

I insisted my partner got tested, fortunately everything turned out ok!

conor1979

shopaholic01 wrote: »

I assume you have been in the past, otherwise you won't need to be screened.


I would recommend you go to an an STI clinic and give false personal details. A history of STI's can affect life insurance premiums, if you go to your own GP they will obliged to pass on this information is requested. This is then entered onto a database by the insurance company.

Hahahaha!!!!!!

Leave the poor lad alone and dont make him any worse with your fibs!

Dingle_berry

seachto7 wrote: »

Hi all,

I am 99.9999% sure I do not have any STDs. But how can I be 100% sure?
I had a blood test at the doctors and they just said they would check for the usual stuff, blood, liver etc. Do I have to specifically ask for an STD check?

I have to go back for a general check up next week. Is this something I should bring up, or is it something I should have asked during the blood test?

You can't be 100% sure until you're tested. So if you want to be sure, get tested.

Yeah going to the clinic seems mortifying but that's just Irish/catholic guilt. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Your yoke could be rotting off and I garuntee you they'll have seen worse. Think of the peace of mind you'll get for a few minutes awkwardness.

As far as I know only certain GPs do the full screen. All could take bloods (test for HIV, Hep, Syphillis by looking for antibodies). The ones that specifically offer the screen would also have the specimen containers for testing for gonohreea and chlamydia (urine tested by PCR for the bacteria). A GP is not directly attached to the lab nor are they specifically qualified to provide you with counselling should you test positive.
The sexual health clinics are staffed by experts who have seen EVERYTHING, work closely with the local lab and have support staff like counsellors. They also stock certain antibiotics etc so no trips to pharmacist with 'script. The clinics also work on a completely anonymous basis, your name is not used on the chart/paperwork, it's not called out in the waiting room, they don't post you out reminders.

Honey-ec

miamee wrote: »

Ohh...I had assumed the OP was a male for some reason...apologies if not.

He is. A smear is still part of a full STI check for men.

It's not pleasant, but it's a necessary evil for a full screening. Certain things, like chlamydia, don't show up in bloods.

seachto7

oh god.....!!!

Dingle_berry

Honey-ec wrote: »

He is. A smear is still part of a full STI check for men.

It's not pleasant, but it's a necessary evil for a full screening. Certain things, like chlamydia, don't show up in bloods.

Chlamydia doesn't show in bloods but if the lab attached to the clinic has a molecular dept they can test for it by PCR (urine sample) instead of culture ("smear"/swab). For example the clinic in Waterford.

seachto7

So, do I just need to ask for an STD check? Should I be asking for something in particular?

shalalala

Just go to one of the free clinics or to your GP to get tested. Many people have no symptoms and still have something to come up in their tests. Man up and get it done!

Dingle_berry

seachto7 wrote: »

So, do I just need to ask for an STD check? Should I be asking for something in particular?

It's better if you ring the clinic and make an appointment for a (sexual health) screen. If you can't face the clinic for some reason ask your GP if they provide a sexual health screening service. In the clinic they will asses your risk of infection and test you for what you're at risk of. If a GP just ask for everything (the GP will probably charge extra and may have to disclose any HIV testing to a health insurer - outcome of test doesn't matter!)
BTW it's no longer std it's now sti!

Mr. Loverman

monkeybutter wrote: »

it's anonymous

It actually isn't anonymous. They keep a file on you based on your name and date of birth...

Dingle_berry

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

It actually isn't anonymous. They keep a file on you based on your name and date of birth...

Nope. You're given a chart number unique to the clinic and that is used to book your appointments etc . Your initials are also used but not your full name on the chart. The clinic chart is kept seperate from your hospital chart, if you have one.

Mr. Loverman

Dingle_berry wrote: »

Nope. You're given a chart number unique to the clinic and that is used to book your appointments etc . Your initials are also used but not your full name on the chart. The clinic chart is kept seperate from your hospital chart, if you have one.

I go there about once a year. They ask for my name and DOB and when I see the doctor she has my file and asks me why I am getting tested every year...

seachto7

Dingle_berry wrote: »

It's better if you ring the clinic and make an appointment for a (sexual health) screen. If you can't face the clinic for some reason ask your GP if they provide a sexual health screening service. In the clinic they will asses your risk of infection and test you for what you're at risk of. If a GP just ask for everything (the GP will probably charge extra and may have to disclose any HIV testing to a health insurer - outcome of test doesn't matter!)
BTW it's no longer std it's now sti!

I'd be too embarrassed to ring my local doctor as the receptionist is a young woman. I might do it when I move Dublin. It'll be a bit more anonymous...

Procrastastudy

Name and DOB taken. If you have something like HIV then I believe it has to be reported in some way.

Rightly or wrongly use a made up name imho.

Procrastastudy

seachto7 wrote: »

I'd be too embarrassed to ring my local doctor as the receptionist is a young woman. I might do it when I move Dublin. It'll be a bit more anonymous...

Back, back to the 1960's with you. Pop along to any GP and get it done - better yet a hospital. If you wait until you're up in Dublin be prepared for a loooooooooooooong wait at St James'.

Many STDs may have NO symptoms what so ever or symptoms easily dismissed.

Dingle_berry

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

I go there about once a year. They ask for my name and DOB and when I see the doctor she has my file and asks me why I am getting tested every year...

I've been to two seperate clinics and have done some training in one. The chart is chart number and initials, any lab forms etc get this and your DOB. Maybe if you forget the chart number they look you up with your name on the system.
Yeah if you are infected it has to be reported for public health reasons. This is done completely anonymously.

seachto7

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Back, back to the 1960's with you. Pop along to any GP and get it done - better yet a hospital. If you wait until you're up in Dublin be prepared for a loooooooooooooong wait at St James'.

Many STDs may have NO symptoms what so ever or symptoms easily dismissed.

I'll go to a GP then in capital city...

Procrastastudy

seachto7 wrote: »

I'll go to a GP then in capital city...

So long as you do. Seriously don't be embarrassed - better a bit uncomfortable then potentially ruining someone's life. Be aware of the cost (over €100) and that some GPs may not give results over the phone.

krudler

Honey-ec wrote: »

He is. A smear is still part of a full STI check for men.

It's not pleasant, but it's a necessary evil for a full screening. Certain things, like chlamydia, don't show up in bloods.

I had one done a while back in the clinic and they said they dont do the smear anymore, it shows up in whatever blood and urine tests they do, I had a smear done previously so I dunno maybe they've ways of checking for things now they couldnt previously.

Honey-ec

krudler wrote: »

I had one done a while back in the clinic and they said they dont do the smear anymore, it shows up in whatever blood and urine tests they do, I had a smear done previously so I dunno maybe they've ways of checking for things now they couldnt previously.

And the menfolk of the world utter a massive sigh of relief...

A previous boyfriend memorably likened the experience to someone shoving an umbrella into your urethra and opening it...

Got a check done back in May and they took a smear. Was the first one I ever had and the woman didn't even warn me when she did it - it was an.. odd experience.

Don't be embarrassed by getting the check. If you want to have sex you should at least be responsible enough to ensure that you're fully clean and as regularly as possible. If you meet someone there that you know, just laugh and whatever else. It really isn't a big deal.

Mr. Loverman

Deleted User wrote: »

If you meet someone there that you know, just laugh and whatever else. It really isn't a big deal.

I agree completely.

We all have sex. We all make mistakes sometimes.

Acting weird about it is ... weird.

floggg

boneyarsebogman wrote: »

Got a check done back in May and they took a smear. Was the first one I ever had and the woman didn't even warn me when she did it - it was an.. odd experience.

Don't be embarrassed by getting the check. If you want to have sex you should at least be responsible enough to ensure that you're fully clean and as regularly as possible. If you meet someone there that you know, just laugh and whatever else. It really isn't a big deal.

I got one in James in September. No smear thank god.

Though I did have the "new" girl sitting in so I had not one but two doctors looking at my bits.

Wasn't really that embarrassing. Except for when he asked me how many recent partners. I didn't know whether to high ball to make myself look good or low ball to make myself look good!

Mr. Loverman

floggg wrote: »

I got one in James in September. No smear thank god.

Though I did have the "new" girl sitting in so I had not one but two doctors looking at my bits.

Wasn't really that embarrassing. Except for when he asked me how many recent partners. I didn't know whether to high ball to make myself look good or low ball to make myself look good!

Reminds me of a funny-ish story.

When I was there they asked me have I ever been with a non-Irish girl. Well when I was in my late teens and early 20s I had a thing for foreign girls... so I started listing the countries... at the end they sent me to speak to the counsellor. They didn't believe I simply had a thing for foreign women (I hadn't been with too many Irish women).

Oh god another memory. I was chatting to another doctor there and asked if she knew my uncle (gay man who died from AIDS related complications). She somehow interpreted this as me trying to hint I am gay, and asked if I would like an internal examination with a camera.

Haha WTF that was a weird day..

HellFireClub

If ye go for an STD test, do they still stick that thing into your langer? I heard it was painful, never been for a test myself.

Honey-ec

HellFireClub wrote: »

If ye go for an STD test, do they still stick that thing into your langer? I heard it was painful, never been for a test myself.

That's the smear that we're talking about. Seems that some clinics have done away with it, some haven't. Depends on where they send their bloods.

HellFireClub

Honey-ec wrote: »

That's the smear that we're talking about. Seems that some clinics have done away with it, some haven't. Depends on where they send their bloods.

Actually want to get tested myself just for peace of mind purposes (I hope!)...

Procrastastudy

Its not as bad as everyone makes out - its like a swab inside the chapseye and is no worse than getting a jab in the arm.

floggg

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Reminds me of a funny-ish story.

When I was there they asked me have I ever been with a non-Irish girl. Well when I was in my late teens and early 20s I had a thing for foreign girls... so I started listing the countries... at the end they sent me to speak to the counsellor. They didn't believe I simply had a thing for foreign women (I hadn't been with too many Irish women).

Oh god another memory. I was chatting to another doctor there and asked if she knew my uncle (gay man who died from AIDS related complications). She somehow interpreted this as me trying to hint I am gay, and asked if I would like an internal examination with a camera.

Haha WTF that was a weird day..

The ****? I told them I was gay and wasnt offered (nor did I want) a camera stuck anywhere.

Dingle_berry

floggg wrote: »

The ****? I told them I was gay and wasnt offered (nor did I want) a camera stuck anywhere.

That's because they don't do scopes in sexual health clinics.

Mr. Loverman

Dingle_berry wrote: »

That's because they don't do scopes in sexual health clinics.

They do in St. James's (or at least used to) seeing as they offered to do one on me.

Gauss

Procrastastudy wrote: »

Its not as bad as everyone makes out - its like a swab inside the chapseye and is no worse than getting a jab in the arm.

Boll1x, much worse than a jan in the arm.

Procrastastudy

Gauss wrote: »

Boll1x, much worse than a jan in the arm.

You big girl.

GalwayKiefer

I had a full set of tests done recently - no smear just blood and urine samples taken. Results came back in 5 days and as they were all clear the doctor rang me to tell me everything was negative. If you're sexually active you should get checked from time to time, there are several sti that show no symptoms.

One thing I found interesting was that if you do come back positive for something, the place I went to will contact your previous sexual partners on your behalf and recommend they get tested - but won't identify you.

I was absolutely terrified when I was getting my results before. Rang their reception and was told that the woman that gives the results themselves were gone and that she'd call me back when she gets in, which was an hour away.

Swear to 'eck, that was the longest hour of my life! She eventually did call me back and just pretty much said, "they came back all clear" (I had the smear test and the blood sample taken).