Be In The Know: Here's How To Find Out And Deal With Your STI Diagnosis
When you're sexually active you can sometimes forget about the repercussions of sex. Why should such an enjoyable experience suddenly become your worst nightmare when it can be a simple procedure to find out your sexual health status? Finding out and dealing with an STI diagnosis can be frustrating as hell. Here's some sexually transmitted infection advice and how to deal with your diagnosis:
Sexual health clinic or GP
Visit your sexual health clinic or GP to undergo STI testing. If you're embarrassed about visiting your local GP don't be. The tests are completely confidential. The sexual health clinic offers anonymity. If you're living in Dublin St. James Hospital has a sexual health clinic that is free with walk-in services available. Click on the link here to get more information.
Name and details to get back results
You can provide a fake name if you wish. The clinic or GP will need an address or number to contact you with the results. You can choose to have an anonymous envelope sent to you with the results of the test.
Answering questions about your sex life
The clinic or GP will want to ask you questions about your sex life. If you're uncomfortable with answering questions about your sex life you'll have to lose that discomfort ASAP. You'll most likely be asked questions such as when was your last sexual partner or how many sexual partners you have had in the last year etc. You can choose a male or female nurse/ doctor if you feel more comfortable but you may have to wait longer. Sex is a completely natural thing that you should not be embarrassed or ashamed of.
STI tests that you may have to undergo
Depending on the STI you will have to undergo different tests. If it's a urinary infection it will involve you doing a urine test whereas an HIV test will include a blood sample. Other examples of testing include swabs from the urethra (the tube where your urine comes from) or from the vagina which you can do yourself or a physical examination of your genitals. If you're embarrassed remember this happens to thousands of people several times a day around the world.
Dealing with your STI diagnosis
Don't panic! If you are diagnosed with an STI contact any previous sexual partners that you have had sex so they can undergo an STI screening or the clinic can contact them for you confidentially. Take the medication provided to you by the doctor which is usually antibiotics. The important thing to remember is that even if you have protected sex and are in a monogamous relationship if you have entered that relationship having had sex with other people you may still be carrying certain viruses even if you feel fine health wise. It's crucial that you have the tests because if an STI remains undetected it can impact your body and health. Many STI's do not show visible symptoms.
If you are worried about being diagnosed with a long-term virus such as HIV or HPV, 21st-century medicine allows you to live your life to the fullest. The most crucial element is to discover your status in its earliest stages. Medication such as PREP and PEP are becoming more commonly available to avoid contracting or sharing HIV but condoms are still one of your safest bets.
Getting a sexually transmitted infection can be a worrying experience. All of a sudden you feel like a failure, you begin slut-shaming yourself and question your life choices. Step back and take a breather! It'll be okay - we promise. Talk to someone you love if you need to discuss your diagnosis. Remember you are more than your diagnosis and continue to get tested regularly to counteract any infection and always use condoms and a water-based lube! Enjoy your sex life and always keep your sexual health a priority.