[cometlover]

I have been tested, each time I get a new man I do. Yes I do ask the guy but some people may lie to you.

My doctor even asks every time I c her if I want to get tested just to be sure.

[Ashlee T.]

Thanks for all your responses. I wonder if the frequency of testing varies based on demographics. I'm in the bible belt...don't know if that makes a difference but it just seems like so many people I know don't get tested and don't use condoms. Location may have zero to do with that...I dont know.

But still even a few weeks later, I still feel like I will be super duper careful going forward.

[avvie_88]

Thanks for all your responses. I wonder if the frequency of testing varies based on demographics. I'm in the bible belt...don't know if that makes a difference but it just seems like so many people I know don't get tested and don't use condoms. Location may have zero to do with that...I dont know.

But still even a few weeks later, I still feel like I will be super duper careful going forward.

Coming from a similar background, I think being in the Bible-belt, or just generally a more "conservative" area is ALL THE MORE REASON to get tested. The same stuff happens it's just done more secretly.

[Little]

I think living in a very conservative area has everything to do with getting tested. The county I mentioned earlier, with the highest rate of STDs in the state, is also one of the boondocksiest, small-townish counties in the state. Churches and corn fields.
With less dense population and a religious stronghold (further limiting the sexually active population,) you're statistically more likely to run into that one person with one disease ... or the small handful of people they've had unprotected sex with, or the small handful of people they've had unprotected sex with. While I imagine those odds, I will try not to contemplate past behavior

[LittlePip]

I get tested if I have a new sexual partner which, lucky for me hasn't been very often! It's the only sensible thing to do, you don't know if they have been tested or not, whatever they say!

This is one of the things that bothers me about cheating, if they pick up something more than likely you will catch it too so along with the upset of being cheated on you have the injustice of dealing with a nasty STD.

I'd also get tested if I had any health concerns, I have been tested neg for thrush in between times and pos for BV in the 'honeymoon' period of my SO for eg.

[Ashlee T.]

With less dense population and a religious stronghold (further limiting the sexually active population,) you're statistically more likely to run into that one person with one disease ... or the small handful of people they've had unprotected sex with, or the small handful of people they've had unprotected sex with.

I agree. And it just seems like it's more taboo to get tested. Like if you get tested you must be promiscuous or suspect you have something. When really it only takes ONE parter and ONE encounter to contract an STD.

I get tested if I have a new sexual partner which, lucky for me hasn't been very often! It's the only sensible thing to do, you don't know if they have been tested or not, whatever they say!

Not a bad idea at all, especially if you have insurance that covers it, which I do. I say better safe than sorry. It's similar to pregnancy in the way that many don't really take it seriously until it happens and then its too late. (NOT by the way comparing babies to STD's.... Ummmkay? )

[LittlePip]

I agree. And it just seems like it's more taboo to get tested. Like if you get tested you must be promiscuous or suspect you have something. When really it only takes ONE parter and ONE encounter to contract an STD.

I've found in the various locations I've lived and been tested in I've had a similar attitude from the doctor to the one you've mentioned. Why would you want a test? Do you think you have something?! You'd think they'd applaude your careful thinking!

[Stillness]

I think I was checked before I got married 12 years ago, but I'm not sure. I don't know if I've ever been checked. There's been no new partners.

Actually, now that I think about it, I did some tests when I got life insurance a couple of years ago. I think they test for HIV. I remember signing a consent form.

[brightceci]

My first STDs test was in university days 13 years ago.... I do stupid things in college days and I found out one of the guy I dated was a bi-sexual and he even admitted he was involved with another man whom I know. So... I went to the clinic and tell the doc exactly that, she tested me on HIV and everything else. At that time as I can remember, I need to go test every 3 months for 3 tests. It was a long wait and scary. I think because of that incident in my record, my family doc refused to believe that I only have one sexual partner all these years and check for STDs during my pap and physical every year. And yes, they check for most of the common one for sure if not all.