Using STD Testing as a Screen

[N8ture Girl]

I've read that the HSV Test is 85-90% accurate after 4 weeks from exposure and 99% accurate after 12 weeks.

Another thing to add to this is that only 80% of those that have HSV1 will test positive for it.

Getting that same extra insurance against HPV is much more difficult. You can't do anything to determine if a single man is a carrier. With committed couples, you could test the woman and make the assumption that the man has the same status. However, testing for HPV in women is also not easy. A colposcopy is too invasive and pap smears are not very accurate. I have heard that there is a new blood test for women, but I know nothing about it

The blood test is not accurate either, dont remember the percentages but the only way to tell for sure is a biopsy thats provided that there is something there to biopsy. I went in for my year end testing and was able to pick my Dr's brain for statistics on the subject. Might as well get as much first hand info as I can while I am there!

I found a great web site while searching for UTI info, and I may have posted the link before but the info is important and worth posting again. At the top middle of the page there are links to the different disease and all the related info about them. There are pictures too....

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Information and Pictures

And to answer the orginal question, having someone provide their test results is a waste of time to me.

[CXXC]

Were I a squeamish kinda guy, I would start to have second thoughts about being a member of the lifestyle!

It is very unfortunate that there are individuals within our community who do not speak honestly about being infected with ANY illness. These individuals put us ALL at risk.

As HSV2biguy clearly stated, you can ask and wear protection but you still run the possibility of contracting something. The odds are lower when you limit your play partners to a specific few or play with newbies alone. But this is not the answer at all!

Certainly there are those who don’t know they have become infected. However, along the chain, someone did but failed to reveal the info. Again, I am back to the issue of those who dont care and play while infected.

Asking is simply going to make the questioner feel better in that moment. What comes about in the future is an other matter entirely.

Most individuals practice safe sex in one form or another. However, orally, these same illnesses have every possibility to infect the individual as they would through penetration. The options are still there.... Dip yourself in latex and have at it! Opps! Latex allergies! Forgot about that.

The most we can really do is hope that each and every individual is honest with each other. Take every precaution to avoid contracting anything and get tested often. Other than that, we are at the mercy of those wanting to play while infected and not having any concern for another's safety!

Earlier today, I asked Mrs. CXXC if she would like to find a couple with whom we could play bareback. She replied with a resounding YES! In light of this thread, I think we will hold off on that. There are too many (Even if it is only one individual) people out there who play with the full knowledge that they are infected. At this time, we simply cannot risk it.

I guess this long winded diatribe is my way of saying that asking for test results and for honesty about being disease free is not really the best screening practice. It is simply a placebo to assuage your fears.

Man! This was really a negative reply! Hmmmmm. I think I need to take a happy pill or build something! Honey! Lets replace the kitchen Cabinets this weekend!!!!

[quietlykinky]

I agree. We considered asking for tests but really, in this lifestyle, there are too many dynamics in play that make tests nearly worthless as a screening mechanism.

We wouldn't agree to it simply due to the financial burden. Getting tested regularly, for our own peace of mind is one thing. However, if we were to get tested each time we planned to meet a new couple, that could get expensive.