The Student Room Group

STI testing

What is it that they do if u go and get tested for STI's? Is it urine sample/smear test etc, do they carry out many tests on one sample, how long does it take to be tested and for the results to come back etc etc If anyone has been tested i would appreciate if they could tell me about it, i am going with my boyfriend to get checked just for precautions tmw, am slightly apprehensive as i dont know what to expect! Thanks for any replies
Reply 1
hm well im a boy so dont know the whole shebang but the routine is likely to include:

- Get there, your appointment is probably under your first name and date of birth so just go to reception and ask. As you've never been before they'll ask you to fill in a form with address/other contact details and how you want to be contacted. Also your GP. This is completely confidential - they will not pass on details to anyone without your written consent. You state how you want to be contacted, but if you need to be treated for something they are under a legal obligation to use all of your contact details to reach you I beleive.

- Go into the room after you're called. The doctor will ask you about symptoms (if you have any) and sexual history. Things like: How many people have you slept with in the last year? How long have you been with your current partner? Do you use protection for vaginal/oral sex? Have you ever had sex with someone you knew to have injected drugs? Etc. Etc. They've heard it all before and a bag of potato chips - don't be embarrassed and tell the truth - it's important for them to be able to assess what risk you might be at.

- Examination (probably internal for girls, though i can't imagine it's that invasive). If it's a male doctor there will be a female member of staff present as a chaperone. For things like warts/herpes/lice/discharge.

- Swab from vagina. For things like chlamydia/thrush I think.

- Swab from mouth. Chlamydia again I guess - don't quote me on that though.

- Urine sample - they'll give you a conatiner and you go to the toilet and do it - some places you bring it back to them and some places you put it in a little hatch. This shows up most bacterial stuff.

Depending on whether you want to (it's strongly advised), they will take a blood sample too, to test for syphillis/HIV.

You tend to get a doctor for the examination and "downstairs" swabs, and a nurse for the blood being taken and the oral swab. At some point the doctor will go out and look at your vaginal swab through I microscope - I'm guessing here because they do that for urethra swabs for boys - might not happen.

Usual time for results is around a week - they will ocntact you in the method of your preference (you fill out a form with address etc.) At the one I go to you're supposed to ring in 10 days if you haven't heard anything.

If you do turn up positive in any of the tests you'll need to go back to discuss treatment - for many things it's as simple as a cream or tablets for a week. If it's something serious they have health advisors and counsellors for you to talk to there.

Don't be worried about it - you're doing a really mature and responsilbe thing by going - they will by no means judge you and they are always extremely friendly and put you at your complete ease.

Good Luck!
Reply 2
you can always ask to see a female doctor if you want but was was said above is basically it! don't worry hehe

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when they're checking for chlaymadia (sp?) they use a thing to open you as wide as possible so they can get a swab from really deep inside.they use lube and stuff so you won't feel any pain.just relax if not you'll cause yourself pain.
the results come out in a week and if there's anything they'll call you up and tell you to come in and stuff. :smile:
Reply 3
Shylock
When they're checking for chlaymadia (sp?) they use a thing to open you as wide as possible so they can get a swab from really deep inside.they use lube and stuff so you won't feel any pain.just relax if not you'll cause yourself pain.


See this is the type of stuff only a girl can tell ya! :p:
Reply 4
they take blood too, i swear though it's this most horrible thing ever. not to put you off or anything but, it certainly put me off ever going again.
Reply 5
TKR
Depending on whether you want to (it's strongly advised), they will take a blood sample too, to test for syphillis/HIV.


horrorcops
they take blood too, i swear though it's this most horrible thing ever. not to put you off or anything but, it certainly put me off ever going again.


Well thanks for your marvelously original and helpful addition. :rolleyes:

OP: Don't listen to this idiot - taking blood isn't exactly as fun as ice cream but it's not that bad, and well worth it to safegaurd the sexual health of yourself and others.
Reply 6
Can you get STI testing done at your docs? Or do you have to go to a clinic/hospital?
Reply 7
you can get it done anywhere.i do mine at the clinic,the lady doctor does it :smile: she's so nice,everyone loves her really. lol...the thing they use to open you up,makes creek creek noises lol it's so funny,it's like someone's farted or something lol but it's all good fun hehe.
Shylock
when they're checking for chlaymadia (sp?) they use a thing to open you as wide as possible so they can get a swab from really deep inside.they use lube and stuff so you won't feel any pain.just relax if not you'll cause yourself pain.
the results come out in a week and if there's anything they'll call you up and tell you to come in and stuff. :smile:


I got tested for chlamydia by a urine sample...less invasive! :p: Results came in a week, which I rang the clinic for.

Also, there are chlamydia home testing kits which they're giving away free from many Boots stores. You take a urine sample and then send it to your local hospital and they do all the rest! Simple!
Reply 9
the doctor had to open me up...lol was wierd hehe
Reply 10
Shylock
the doctor had to open me up...lol was wierd hehe


You seem to be obsessed with this aspect of the procedure.
yes :smile: lol nah it's just that it was a wierd feeling...ah well...you'll never be able to understand:rolleyes: