Are You honest at The Doctor's Office?

[intuition897]

How up-front are you with your doctors? Do you tell all, or do you find yourselves omitting things? If you're active in the lifestyle, do you get checks for STD/general health more often? We're just wondering what everyone's policies are on this sort of thing.
Thanks!

[intuition897]

Ok, I know there are only 10 votes so far in this poll, but at this point the results are a little scary! I'm just posting again to maybe stir up some interest. I'm curious to see what the results will be after more people vote.

[BradAndJanet]

I need another option: My doctor is unaware, but if it was important he knew, I'd tell him.

Medical professionals have heard and seen it all, believe me, but I see no real compelling reason to bring it up. I know the risks of swinging and if I thought I'd fallen afoul of one (like contacting an STD), I'd have no problem mentioning it.

-B

[HotMoCpl]

We haven't actually swung yet and I've haven't told my doctor anything yet. I see him four or more times a year and he's easy to talk to as we are both veterans and close in age. I think its important to be up front with him.
Cheers.

I've been a bad, bad, bad wittle boy. -Elmer Fud

[Spoomonkey]

I could only vote the last one. Like BradandJanet - it is became an issue, I'd tell him. But it hasn't yet, so no reason, really, to bring it up.

I have no doubt that one of our dr's knows. He once asked "so this happened during a week when you were abnormally quite active sexually?"

We looked at each other, then at him and said in unison, "no. Why?"

He just smiled and said, "I'm jealous."

Now - whether he suspects we toss an extra set of hands or two in here and there... Who knows

Spoomonkey

[SBcpl]

Does your doctor know that you're active in the lifestyle?

During 20+ years of monogamy we've never had to worry about STDs, but next week we're hoping to have our first MFM. Our planned partner was tested last January, and we'll insist that he use condoms, but even so there is some small risk of getting an STD. There'll be additional risk if we continue to meet other new partners.

So, do we tell our doctors that we're now engaging in multi-partner sex? So far as we know our doctors are all vanilla. We don't know how they'd react if we suddenly announced that we were sleeping around.

And if one doesn't tell one's doctor about one's new hobby, where does one go to get tested for STDs? And who do you see for treatment should you ever be unfortunate enough to contract one?

~ SBcpl ~

MFM... watching... doing... taking turns...
~

[LikeMinds321]

We have a Planned Parenthood office in a nearby town and that is where we went to get tested for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

They don't provide herpes or hepatitis testing. For those you have to go to a state office which handles testing for those who plan to travel out of the country or...for "other" reasons--I guess that's how they locate all the swinging Iowans.

As far as opening up to your doctor about your sexual lifestyle, that's your call. I imagine it would be a very good idea. But I haven't told mine yet. I've only seen her a few times and don't feel I know her well enough to have that comfort level.

I hope to one day.

If you do suspect you have contracted something you'll need to get tested. Don't put off going to your doctor. You can also go to Planned Parenthood.

LM

[sunnylady4]

I wouldn't think there is any specific reason to tell your doctor. If it were me (and this is what I do as just a single female), I would just get tested for STDs every year during my pap, no need to mention why. It could be any number of reasons, and I suspect they may run some STD tests anyway that you are unaware of during a pap (I am not 100% on that..).

I have never had my doctor ask me why, although.

[graygo98]

When you were single, and doing what single people do... and taking whatever precautions you thought made sense... did you tell your Dr that you were single and seeing people?

Seems to us that this is a way more knowledgeable community, and probably way less risk, than back in university, for example. Not riskfree.... so be careful, but not paranoid.

[tracy1878]

my doc only ever asks if i have had more then 1 sexual partner, and I answer yes, then he checks for std's... He's never asked any questions, and I've never provided details. I was afraid to answer truthfully the first time, as he is the doc that delivered my children and knows i'm married, but i did answer correctly and he never said a word.

[wiscpl]

We have gone to be tested and had the doctor ask us why we needed to when we have been married for so long. We just said there have been partners outside of our relationship and left it at that. She did say that monogomy was the best way to avoid STD's and we thanked her for that information.
It is my opinion that Doctors are professionals and not there to judge your moral character. Their job is to diagnos and treat any illnesses and nothing more.

[Justwatch]

Hell, I don't even know my doc that well...guess I'd answer truthfully if it comes up. I do know from a past experience with a free test clinic that they did ask Mrs JW how many in the last year and she did answer truthfully....while she was a little embarassed, the nurse didn't have any kind of reaction that she could tell.

[BiDrywallChick]

well, since the new HIPPA guidelines are pretty tight about privacy, I would say there really isnt a reason not to be 100% honest with your dr. You dont have to go into the details of being swingers or what have you. I use the county health dept for my std checks and my husband uses the VA. I dont know what all he tells them since I am not allowed back there due to the HIPPA guidelines unless he is unable to communicate for himself. I simply check the boxes as needed. The dr that did my last check up asked me how many sexual partners I had since I checked more than one. I told her. She asked if they knew that I was not Mono. I said yes. Check did the ole " Scoot all the way down to the edge of the table and relax" routine. Gave me info on STD's told me that syphilis is prominate in this area as well as clamydia (sp) filled my BC patch and gave me a sack of condoms. She was very professional. She also wanted to make sure that I wasnt being abused or in need of drug or alcohol counseling ( sometimes i wish) and sent me on my merry way. IMHO, it is just easier to be honest with your dr than to keep tract of half truths or as i call it, lying by ommission. You health is more important than a few uncomfortable moments. Honestly, even if your dr is completely uptight, vanilla preacher, he/she is required to treat you the same as any other one of his clients and to treat you with respect.. as well as keeping your privacy. You know that little patient's bill or rights and hippa thing you sign every time you go to the dr, everyone should read it sometime. It is only dull until something goes wrong, then its better to know what your rights are from the beginning

[hilltop]

Originally Posted by BiDrywallChick

You know that little patient's bill or rights and hippa thing you sign every time you go to the dr, everyone should read it sometime. It is only dull until something goes wrong, then its better to know what your rights are from the beginning

Good advice and it sums it up from the official POV.

It's natural to be nervous about telling all but you're protecting more than just your health you're looking out for your partner as well!

I've always preferred to have my doctor know because he already has the rest of me in mind so it helps him as well.

[Spoomonkey]

Originally Posted by BiDrywallChick

well, since the new HIPPA guidelines are pretty tight about privacy, I would say there really isnt a reason not to be 100% honest with your dr.

HIPPA is a nice program, but mostly it creates more red tape - it does not neccessarily protect your personal information. I work in an industry that accesses medical records on a regular basis. All HIPPA does is require that we have the correct forms in place in order to have access.

Not to cause any alarms here, but be very aware that when you buy products (insurance) where you health history will be reviewed, everything your doctor writes in your file will be requested. Again - those HIPPA laws apply to the person given access to your records, and they also have the responsibility to keep what they read in confidence but don't assume that your records will always be locked in a file cabinet where only the doctor will see it.

Spoomonkey