First Exp. with Risk/Getting tested

[buyinggreen]

Hello,

I've never exhibited any risky behaviour before (e.g. drugs, random pick ups etc), and from my last health check-up I was cleaned. I recently had an encounter with a girl offering her services on craigslist. I met her and had protected intercourse and oral. Nothing out of the ordinary, just offering services out of her suite; however, since I've never done this before. I'm really starting to worry about catching something and I want to get tested for STIs.

I have two questions:

1) Am I just being paranoid? Should I only be worried if the condom broke?
2) When should I get tested? I've heard it takes a bit after the act to get reliable results.
3) If in the worst came, I am the most unlucky person alive, when will I see symptoms?

Finally, for those men who have been perbing for a while now. What has your experience with STIs been, if you don't mind me asking. I don't mean to offend or anything just really want to access the risks I am taking if I ever ever choose to try it again. Lets be honest it was enjoyable.

 

[Sir Woodster]

1 - you can PM the Health Nurse

2 - you can check the sticky in this thread for the Sexual Health Services

3 - you can go here for STD/HIV information: www.stdresource.com

Finally - you can always go to your DR who can advise you accordingly and arrange the needed tests...

 

[Health Nurse]

Hello,

I've never exhibited any risky behaviour before (e.g. drugs, random pick ups etc), and from my last health check-up I was cleaned. I recently had an encounter with a girl offering her services on craigslist. I met her and had protected intercourse and oral. Nothing out of the ordinary, just offering services out of her suite; however, since I've never done this before. I'm really starting to worry about catching something and I want to get tested for STIs.

I have two questions:

1) Am I just being paranoid? Should I only be worried if the condom broke?
2) When should I get tested? I've heard it takes a bit after the act to get reliable results.
3) If in the worst came, I am the most unlucky person alive, when will I see symptoms?

Finally, for those men who have been perbing for a while now. What has your experience with STIs been, if you don't mind me asking. I don't mean to offend or anything just really want to access the risks I am taking if I ever ever choose to try it again. Lets be honest it was enjoyable.

Hi buyinggreen

To answer your questions

(1) Nothing in life is risk free e.g. driving a car, getting on the bus etc... Sex is the same in that you can do a lot to reduce your risk when having vaginal intercourse like using a condom and getting tested but since some infections can pass from skin to skin contact it is not completely risk free.

This brings us to the topic of risk tolerance which is different for each person. I have seen many clients who can get very paranoid or anxious after having sex.

I would suggest that you come and have a chat with us at one of our clinics. Learning the facts about sexually transmitted infections (STI) can help with peoples fears as there can be a great deal of myths out there.

It also helps for people to work out what type of sex is in their comfort level. I once had a client that was so anxious about genital warts that he ended up deciding that he would only feel comfortable if he got a hand job.

STI clinic locations:
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq-about-sexual-health/4-sti-clinic-locations/

Have a look at our blog that has a question & answer on risk tolerance.
http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq-about-sexual-health/risk-tolerance/

(2) If you start getting symptoms e.g. it hurts when you pee, sore’s etc... You should come in straight away. If you feel fine we recommend you wait 2 weeks before coming in for testing. Here is a link to some information on when to get tested. http://healthnurse.wordpress.com/faq-about-sexual-health/3-getting-tested/

(3) Different infections can show symptoms at different times. Gonorrhea can show up in a couple of days and primary syphilis could take up to 90 days. We recommend that people come in for testing as most STI do not show symptoms.


HN
www.healthnurse.wordpress.com
www.stiresource.com