How to ask for testing from my doctor

[Coupleerotic22]

Me: Hey doc, I would like you to run a full STD screening.
Doc: Ok, no problem. Anything specific we need to be looking for?
Me: Nope, just taking precautions.
Doc: That is smart, your results should be back in a few days. By the way, prevention is the best cure.
Me: Got it doc, thanks!

This is how it has gone for me. They have already asked about drug usage on the questionnaire I filled out and he can see I have no markings of drug use. He knows my medical history. He doesn't need to ask too many questions, they can assume much an know what else to look for too. So they can assume it means I have more than one sex partner.

Some docs may ask a few more questions, like verifying you are not into recreational drug use. Or asking you if you understand the dangers of unprotected sex. They are very good at being discreet and understanding why you ask certain things. If they need to know more they will ask and you should tell them as much they need to know. They might want to know if you have multiple sex partners, they don't need to know it is by way a gang bang or even swinging for that matter.

[fun4Ds]

I don't know if this helps the situation, and I didn't want to add fear to the factor.

But is it just us , because we know a heck of a lot of medical professionals, that like to get naked.

I'm just sayin....


fun4ds

[Coupleerotic22]

Originally Posted by fun4Ds

I don't know if this helps the situation, and I didn't want to add fear to the factor.

But is it just us , because we know a heck of a lot of medical professionals, that like to get naked.

Actually, it brings a certain level of relief to me. They know the medical consequences better than most, so if they are willing, the I figure I am ok, as long as I take precautions. Maybe it is a false sense of relief, but it is there none the less.

[ClosetSwinger]

So I had my appointment and my doctor was great. I just casually said since I'm here could you check me for everything.....you know for peace of mind? She said sure and didn't ask further questions! I wasn't concerned that I had anything as I am not having any problems but I do like having the peace of mind. Now had she asked me questions I was going to just say that hubby and I have some friends with benefits at times. I doubt she would have questioned me beyond that.

[JM153]

Glad to hear it worked out as easily as it did. I think most Doctors would respond the same as yours. Ms JM used to go to a Doctor who was always trying to get her to go to the church the Doctor attended. Not sure she would have taken the request very well. Slightly off topic, I have always been concerned about my insurance company knowing I was being tested for STDs. I have gone to a doc in the box and paid cash rather than use insurance. Any of you know whether or not the coding on the blood tests indicates it is for an STD? Should I have any concern about my health insurance company knowing I am being tested for STD?

[funcoupledayton]

I would not be concerned about your insurance. STD testing can be required in many instances not related to promiscuity or other high risk behavior. For example, when we adopted we were required to be tested for HIV as part of the adoption application.

[Edison Carter]

Do not use the blood supply as your test media-- BAD, BAD, BAD idea. What if they miss something and you infect someone ? If you can have sex with other people you have to be grown up enough to get tested. I'm a biochemist and you simply do not do this.

[synergy]

I went for my yearly pap and was seen by the Physician's Assistant rather than the regular doc and was hoping I could ask for std testing and fly under the radar. First she asked me if I've had multiple sex partners, I confirmed yes and then she asked why I would do that since I indicated in my history that I'm in a relationship. She also asked if we were happy. I'm sure my face was beet red as I had to explain that we were both happy with the arrangement of my multiple sex partners :- l . She didn't appear to approve, But... I got to get my full spectrum testing and all was right with the world. Good thing for privacy laws as this is the same obgyn office my mother uses!

[ClosetSwinger]

Originally Posted by Edison Carter

Do not use the blood supply as your test media-- BAD, BAD, BAD idea. What if they miss something and you infect someone ? If you can have sex with other people you have to be grown up enough to get tested. I'm a biochemist and you simply do not do this.

While I agree with you that it's probably not the best route to go, it's FRIGHTENING that something could be "missed" in that arena. I guess NOTHING is full proof though.

[SexyRedmondCpl]

Originally Posted by Edison Carter

Do not use the blood supply as your test media-- BAD, BAD, BAD idea. What if they miss something and you infect someone ? If you can have sex with other people you have to be grown up enough to get tested. I'm a biochemist and you simply do not do this.

Yeah, my understanding was that blood testing is not conducted on all donations but, rather, on a random basis. I don't know how accurate that is, but I would just nut up and get the tests done - which it sounds like you already have.

[tyndz]

Oh....if you donate....its tested. I only offered it as another option to anyone terrified of talking to their doc plus the additional benefit of donating blood. But, know this, lab tests your doc orders can, and are, flawed too. But, to each his own. I had a full screen ran on me by my doc and the lab up and lost all of it. Now...it made me wonder....how accurate are the labs??

[PB&J]

Consider that back in the early 80's, before HIV was even known to exist, it entered the blood supply when unknowingly infected people donated blood. You can't screen for something that isn't yet identified, and you cannot deny that even with condoms, we do indulge in a higher-risk behaviour that the average blood donation clinic is not going to be too thrilled about. If you want to get tested, and really can't face your doctor, go to an anonymous clinic. I know we have them in Canada because that's what we've been doing.

"To each his own."
The action of donating blood could have a serious impact on someone who receives the blood. In that case, it's not all about the person who can't bring themselves to ask for tests.

[Fundamental Law]

From a physician and scientist...

1. Getting tested is a logical part of managing risk.

2. As mentioned by so many posters, your health care provider is legally obligated to maintain your confidence. As a health care provider, there is little you can tell me that will surprise me. I have seen/heard of it before caring for someone else. I cannot help advise if I do not know. So spill.

3. Insurance companies have little interest in whether (much less why) a test is performed that is in the realm of screening. Where they get interested is when they are on the hook for money. So if a test comes back (for example) HIV positive, they are most interested in managing the costs.

4. Edison Carter is correct. There is no test that guarantees safety. A test is part of risk management, but by itself does not constitute risk management. Choosing partners thoughtfully, using condoms, and so on are all part of the management strategy. Caveat swinger.

[MN Tom]

Well, for us (my wife is a nurse, and worked in our local clinic for a few years), we decided that we didnt want to get tested in our local clinic, just to limit the chances of someone finding out locally about our lifestyle. Yes we know about privacy and all the regs, but still, rumors happen.

So, since we live by a big metro area, we went to the county health clinic. Which works out rather well. It's vastly cheaper for testing, they do it all day long so they have it rather streamlined, and nobody we know works there.

I know it's not directly on topic, but it's a workaround if someone wants to go that route.

[a_d_xxx]

We trust our family GP explicitly. We've both been going to her for years. A while back, for *A*'s annual checkup, I tagged along and we sat down and had a talk with her about the changes to our relationship. We talked STIs, testing, HPV vaccine, etc. It was honest, nonjudgmental, and informative. It is awesome to have her as a doctor.