STI test tomorrow - what can I expect?

GlasweJen

I'm booked in to get an STI screen tomorrow, what should I expect? I'm seeing the practice nurse because I couldn't get in to see the doctor. Will she want to know my history (just one person but he was sleeping about) because I don't feel ready to talk about that yet.

Also what STIs do they check for? Is it really all of them or is it just the kind of main ones?

Will they do a pregnancy test while I'm there? (I have an implant but i'm paranoid because I haven't had a period in months).

belfastgirl23

No experience directly of this, all I can say is that it's really routine for the nurses and however much you worry about things in advance, it's always ok at the time because they do make an effort to put you at your ease. Good luck!

ps well done on the weight loss!

corbyboy

The nurse will ask for a few details of your history, but only to establish what you could have possibly have caught.

The standard ones they check for are chlamydia, gonorrhoea and general bacterial and yeast infections.

If they have reason to believe you are at risk from something more serious such as HIV or hepatitis (don't worry this is extremely unlikely) they will refer you to somewhere more specialised such as your sexual health (GU) clinic.

You can ask for a pregnancy test if you like, but to be honest you are better off doing one yourself at home as you will get an instant answer.

Everything that happens will be totally up to you. If you don't want to answer a question you don't have to. But remember they only ask questions related to your wellbeing. They aren't just being nosey.
Also, if there are any tests you don't want performing feel free to let the nurse know and she can give you more information.

Be proud of the fact that you are taking responsibility for getting yourself checked out and not just sleeping around without thinking of the consequences.

When the results come back negative you will feel glad you had it done and wonder what all the fuss was about.

JaneRN

I suppose it depends why you are presenting yourself for these tests. It may be that she / he recommends you to a specialist clinic but usually they can do swab tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea & HPV (human papilloma virus).
This is not an area I work in but I do test people for HIV, Hep B/ C and syphilis which are diagnosed using a blood test so I suppose this maybe something that will be discussed too.
I'm hoping this is just to put your mind at rest rather than your are having worrying symptoms. I would suggest you take a urine sample if possible or be prepared to provide one.

Glamazon

Is this at your GP practice?
Having worked in a few I've not known any to do specific STI testing, patients generally have to go to the GUM clinic at the hospital but they could have a specific service they offer.

Having been to the GUM clinic aged 17 It was a feet in stirrups job while they swabbed and swiped in various places but that was 10 years ago! I had to pee in a pot and have blood tests for things like HIV and Syphillis. It's not a nice experience at all and the wait to get the results back is horrible. Sorry

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can now be tested via urine and should be routinely offered to anyone under 25 (especially in the North West).

I should add I only had it done because my GP was too incompetent to diagnose a simple vaginal infection :mad:

GlasweJen

Thanks, i'm not sure wether I should ask about hep and hiv. Ex's new partner is a total sleep around as has been with 9 guys who I know personally plus the rest, most of them without any protection (apparently condoms make her itchy)! What are the chances that I'll need these tests?

GlasweJen

The practice website says that the nurse does STI testing.

corbyboy

Glamazon wrote: »

Is this at your GP practice?
Having worked in a few I've not known any to do specific STI testing, patients generally have to go to the GUM clinic at the hospital but they could have a specific service they offer.

GP surgeries do routinely check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea as well as candida and bacterial infections. This is what they mean by STI checks. These sorts of infections are much more common than the likes of syphilis and HIV.

As for asking for HIV and hepatitis testing, just be honest with the nurse. They will decide the best course of action and refer you to the GU clinic if necessary.

Glamazon

GlasweJen wrote: »

Thanks, i'm not sure wether I should ask about hep and hiv. Ex's new partner is a total sleep around as has been with 9 guys who I know personally plus the rest, most of them without any protection (apparently condoms make her itchy)! What are the chances that I'll need these tests?

TBH if it was me in that situation, I'd have the lot.
Could you honestly say you wouldn't have doubts about them if you didn't have them done? I'd always be wondering what if, at least having the tests you know one way or the other.

If it's the GP Practice then I wouldn't have thought they would do the HIV, for a standard HIV test it's classed as private work which requires you to have counselling first (at around £120) and then the blood test. However, it depends what service they offer as all are different.

Wasn't much help was it?

Good luck with it all

Glamazon

corbyboy wrote: »

GP surgeries do routinely check for chlamydia and gonorrhoea as well as candida and bacterial infections. This is what they mean by STI checks. These sorts of infections are much more common than the likes of syphilis and HIV.

As for asking for HIV and hepatitis testing, just be honest with the nurse. They will decide the best course of action and refer you to the GU clinic if necessary.

Whenever I think of STI testing, I think of being tested for the whole lot rather than just being tested for the more common ones.

corbyboy

Glamazon wrote: »

Whenever I think of STI testing, I think of being tested for the whole lot rather than just being tested for the more common ones.

It depends what the OP asked for and who arranged the tests.

A GP surgery won't be giving HIV, hepatitis or syphilis tests unless there is some specific clinic running. So the ones I mentioned are most likely the ones she will be getting.