Men & STI testing...

LordNorbury

Just wondering is it just me or is this something that is rarely if ever done regularly by Irish men? I've never been tested but would maybe like to get it done just for peace of mind. I've always used condoms when engaging in sexual activity but still would like to be tested for peace of mind if nothing else. I know women I've spoken to about this subject who told me that they get tested once a year or maybe once every 2 years, (they have said that they usually get this done as part of a smear test), whereas for us guys, maybe because it isn't part of a broader set of health checks, as it can be for women for women, I mean that for us guys, it is going specifically for an STI test and maybe it is harder to attend for that reason. I've done a bit of Googling on the subject this morning and am surprised to find that fairly basic information such as the testing procedure and the cost of same, isn't really available on the sites I found myself reading.

One of my male friends got tested and while he got the all clear, he mentioned that the test procedure was fairly painful. I checked here on the forum as I thought there was a thread on this that was stickied but it appears that there isn't one so I thought I'd start a thread on the subject for a serious and informative discussion on the subject...

Liam McPoyle

Gotten tested a couple of times. Most recent was about 2 years ago when the oh went on the pill and we stopped using condoms.

I'd suggest that anyone that is sexually active or is not in a monogamous relationship should be tested.

Sexual health is everyone's responsibility.

Liam McPoyle

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

LordNorbury

Business Cat wrote: »

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

But my mate said this was shockingly painful and he isn't one to exaggerate! I heard that a new test was out in the last few years which is based on a urine sample so therefore is painless? Never heard of anyone going for this test though or what it is available. What are the costs involved for getting tested? I'd be a bit mortified if the doc/specialist/nurse or whatever was female...

Dial Hard

LordNorbury wrote: »

What are the costs involved for getting tested? I'd be a bit mortified if the doc/specialist/nurse or whatever was female...

Believe me, they've seen it ALL, and then some. If you're big enough and bold enough to be sexually active, then embarrassment is not an acceptable excuse for not being tested.

St. James run a sexual health clinic every Thursday morning and testing is free. It's done on a first-come, first-served basis, I believe, and can get very busy, so you might not necessarily be seen the first time you go.

As for the "male smear" aspect of it, I believe it depends on which lab the clinic/hospital you go to uses for their testing.

Liam McPoyle

LordNorbury wrote: »

But my mate said this was shockingly painful and he isn't one to exaggerate! I heard that a new test was out in the last few years which is based on a urine sample so therefore is painless? Never heard of anyone going for this test though or what it is available. What are the costs involved for getting tested? I'd be a bit mortified if the doc/specialist/nurse or whatever was female...

Well I've had it done 4 times over the course of my life, with 4 different doctors and I can honestly say that none of them were shockingly painful, not even close. As I said, it's a slight discomfort for a couple of seconds then done.

So either your mate does exaggerate, is a giant jessie or he was unlucky to get tested by a bad doctor.

In relation to having a female doctor do it, don't be afraid to ask for a male physician to carry it out. Females have no issue requesting a female doctor so why should you be any different.

All mine were carried out by men but that was more circumstance than design. I've had female doctors examine my giblets before and it didn't bother me, as Dial Hard said above, they have seen it all before however I can 100% see where you're coming from, what ever you are most comfortable with is what works for you.

Edit

The cost of the last one was €120, that was for a full screening, blood work etc, and it was through a private practice GP.

Dingle_berry

Very few places, if any, still use the swab & loop (culture) method. Most now use first catch urine (you can't piss for hours before the appointment & the first bit out goes in the sample) samples for PCR & blood tests.
All health regions have sexual health / genitio-urinary clinics on a regular basis for free. They're run anonymously & information is kept in a seperate chart from any hospital chart you may have.

I heard before that if your GP screens you for HIV it can impact on your health insurance premium, I'm not sure if this was ever, or still is the case.

krudler

LordNorbury wrote: »

But my mate said this was shockingly painful and he isn't one to exaggerate! I heard that a new test was out in the last few years which is based on a urine sample so therefore is painless? Never heard of anyone going for this test though or what it is available. What are the costs involved for getting tested? I'd be a bit mortified if the doc/specialist/nurse or whatever was female...

You can ask your GP to do it, I've been tested a couple of times just to make sure, all clear every time but still good to know. If it's a female nurse or doctor who cares, they see all sorts of people every day.

The swab isnt painful at all, last time I was tested they didnt even do it, said they got what they needed from the urine and blood test.

krudler

Business Cat wrote: »

The cost of the last one was €120, that was for a full screening, blood work etc, and it was through a private practice GP.

That's mental, my GP just charged the regular 50 quid for the visit, included the blood tests and all the screening.

JeffKenna

Business Cat wrote: »

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

I must have got a bad doctor because I'll have to disagree with you there. In my case it was very painful, seemed to take an eternity and a lot of messing around to get a swab which nearly left me in tears. Add to that the small matter of a stinging pain any time I weed for the next 8/9 hours has led me to the conclusion I will more than likely never get tested again.

Knex*

Dial Hard wrote: »

Believe me, they've seen it ALL, and then some. If you're big enough and bold enough to be sexually active, then embarrassment is not an acceptable excuse for not being tested.

St. James run a sexual health clinic every Thursday morning and testing is free. It's done on a first-come, first-served basis, I believe, and can get very busy, so you might not necessarily be seen the first time you go.

As for the "male smear" aspect of it, I believe it depends on which lab the clinic/hospital you go to uses for their testing.

I laughed.

Definitely agree on embarrassment not being a good enough excuse. Whenever you finally do go to the Doc, you feel like a dope anyway for leaving it off for so long, regardless of the ailment you have.

Daveysil15

I did the home test thing. Bascially you urinate into a cup and post it to the lab. They send you the results by text. Very convenient. The main concern I had about going to a clinic was not been able to urinate on command. I'm not exactly regular in that area. I have a bit of psychogenic urinary retention so the home test kit seemed like the best option.

LordNorbury

I read online that some STI's can take 3 months to show up in your system, after the onset of infection, so does this mean that you are meant to wait 3 months after your last sexual encounter before bothering with getting yourself tested?

Daveysil15

LordNorbury wrote: »

I read online that some STI's can take 3 months to show up in your system, after the onset of infection, so does this mean that you are meant to wait 3 months after your last sexual encounter before bothering with getting yourself tested?

It's not very practical but that would be ideal yes. It's the reason why regular testing of prostitutes is not very affective because they have so many partners. Some fellas are like, "Ahh shur the girls in the red light district are required to get regular check ups so they have to be clean." unfortunately that aint the case.

cletus van damme

Business Cat wrote: »

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

tested a few times.
First was back in late 90's
I was in agony - actually had to go home from work (i was tested at lunch time)

Daveysil15 wrote: »

It's not very practical but that would be ideal yes. It's the reason why regular testing of prostitutes is not very affective because they have so many partners. Some fellas are like, "Ahh shur the girls in the red light district are required to get regular check ups so they have to be clean." unfortunately that aint the case.

The blood related one (AFAIK) can take up to 3 months to show syphilis, HIV and the like.
the other ones only take a few weeks. It doesn't mean they wait 3 months to appear - that's the outer limit.

The monthly testing does have much benefit.

However my own belief is that STI's are knocking about and need to be catered for but there is way too much hype and scaremongering on it.
Reporting on this is rarely objective and only seems to be interested in creating alarmist headlines.

Most people arent knocking about with an itch in their groin waiting to pass it on. The media behave like every second person is.

Liam McPoyle

I'd like to think that most people that had a prolonged crotch itch would do something about it.

The issue is that some STI's can take months before they flare up where as some may lay dormant for even longer.

Just cause you don't have an itch or a drip doesn't mean you don't have something.

The fact remains that if you are having sex without some sort of barrier contraception it's your responsibility to make sure you are clean, end of story.

ongarboy

Can a regular GP provide the test or is it just special STI clinics like St James? Ive heard the wait there is far more painful then any swab.

Barna77

Business Cat wrote: »

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

I believe they don't that anymore, but don't quote me here.

LordNorbury wrote: »

I'd be a bit mortified if the doc/specialist/nurse or whatever was female...

The first time I got tested it was a female doctor. Bit embarrassed at first but then like no bother at all

Business Cat wrote: »

The cost of the last one was €120, that was for a full screening, blood work etc, and it was through a private practice GP.

Baggot st is still for free?

Daveysil15

Barna77 wrote: »

The first time I got tested it was a female doctor. Bit embarrassed at first but then like no bother at all

Was she hot? I'd be more concerned if I got an attractive one.

beano345

Daveysil15 wrote: »

Was she hot? I'd be more concerned if I got an attractive one.

First time I got tested was by an absolute stunner.....I didn't give a fcuk went in dropped the bags and jumped up on the table,they see the likes of this all the time.I felt like giving jher a punch the third time she went at it with that swab though.

Roquentin

Business Cat wrote: »

Just to add re pain.

There is only a momentary discomfort when the swab is taken, it's basically a cotton bud stuck down yer japs eye a wee bit.

even if i had gonorreah/clamidia/warts and everything else i wouldnt get tested

beano345

Roquentin wrote: »

even if i had gonorreah/clamidia/warts and everything else i wouldnt get tested

In this day and age I'd recommend getting tested before and after every partner I remember going into st.James during the early nineties with a friend who was worried there was only a handful of people in there fast forward 20 years and made a trip myself plus with another friend and it was out the door each time,they were actually turning away people....be careful out there lads!

Daveysil15

Roquentin wrote: »

even if i had gonorreah/clamidia/warts and everything else i wouldnt get tested

Get the home test kit.

Morf

Was tested about 9 years ago.

Swab was fine. Tightening of the foreskin that led to circumcision being misdiagnosed and having my foreskin frozen a few times (the dry tightened skin) was far, far worse than the swab.

Having a catheter taken out was pretty unpleasant too.

Echo about doctors having seen everything. Between the circumcision, double hernia op (bulge into scrotum on one side) and a colonoscopy I've lost any porn-related ideas about female doctors/nurses and the intimate male areas.

KERSPLAT!

I got tested in January. €50 for the doc and €35 for the blood tests. There was no swab involved just 2-3 tubes of blood and a urine sample though he did say he was giving me a full health check so I'm not sure what from that was needed for the STI test. Anyway, point being, I had it done at the local GP with no pain or embarrassment