Do you test yourself regularly or ...
- Thread starter Herbie
- Start date
You are right, this is not a sexy topic. But, since someone else bumped this, I will clarify a few things, summarize, and add some info, as I find this topic to be very relevant.
Getting tested is very important for hobbyists. Many of the most common STI's (particularly in men) have no symptoms!! Treatment for the most common STI's is usually quite simple and effective, often with one dose of antibiotic. Left untreated can lead to serious complications.
The Ottawa Sexual Health Centre is THE BEST place to go for this because this is their area of speciality and they will order all the proper testing. You need BOTH urine and blood tests to be given a complete sexual bill of health. Some STI's are not detectable in urine samples.
The Sexual Health Centre's testing is anonymous, you don't have to give your real name, and you do not need to provide a health card. There are different ways to get your results, but generally you give a phone number and if they don't call you, your tests have not shown any problems. (No news is good news!)
The Sexual Health Centre has more than one location, as they offer satellite clinics throughout the city on various days of the week.
Locations and hours here: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/sexual-health/sexual-health-centre
For example, I always go to the Barrhaven clinic, I get there right when they open at 2:30, and I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to see the nurse. If you are worried about discretion this is perfect, because they host the clinic within another regular Health Clinic (so you could be there for any number of things). To make it eve more discreet, you can go to a location in a different part of the city than where you live/work.
The nurses at these clinics are very friendly, non-judgemental, and knowledgeable on sex, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. I recommend the Ottawa Sexual Health Clinic above a regular health clinic or your family doctor, because they know all the exact testing you need and specialize in this area.
For your own sake, and the benefit of the Escort/Hobbyist community, Please get tested regularly!
Thank you!
Getting tested is very important for hobbyists. Many of the most common STI's (particularly in men) have no symptoms!! Treatment for the most common STI's is usually quite simple and effective, often with one dose of antibiotic. Left untreated can lead to serious complications.
The Ottawa Sexual Health Centre is THE BEST place to go for this because this is their area of speciality and they will order all the proper testing. You need BOTH urine and blood tests to be given a complete sexual bill of health. Some STI's are not detectable in urine samples.
The Sexual Health Centre's testing is anonymous, you don't have to give your real name, and you do not need to provide a health card. There are different ways to get your results, but generally you give a phone number and if they don't call you, your tests have not shown any problems. (No news is good news!)
The Sexual Health Centre has more than one location, as they offer satellite clinics throughout the city on various days of the week.
Locations and hours here: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public-health/sexual-health/sexual-health-centre
For example, I always go to the Barrhaven clinic, I get there right when they open at 2:30, and I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to see the nurse. If you are worried about discretion this is perfect, because they host the clinic within another regular Health Clinic (so you could be there for any number of things). To make it eve more discreet, you can go to a location in a different part of the city than where you live/work.
The nurses at these clinics are very friendly, non-judgemental, and knowledgeable on sex, and are happy to answer any questions you may have. I recommend the Ottawa Sexual Health Clinic above a regular health clinic or your family doctor, because they know all the exact testing you need and specialize in this area.
For your own sake, and the benefit of the Escort/Hobbyist community, Please get tested regularly!
Thank you!I go the first business day every month to my family doctor. He knows what I do and I want to have a full record of everything that goes on with my health in one place. He does a full spectrum, swabs, blood and urine with no issue. It took a while to find the right doctor but once I did it made everything so much easier. Twice in the last six years I've had an emergency; needing to see him immediately and was the first patient on the roster when I arrived. Both times it ended up being strep but I feel it's important to leave nothing to chance.
There are so many STI/STD's that men don't show symptoms for and we must take personal responsibility if we are going to play in this arena. 25 years of testing and I've never had anything but that nagging little angel on my shoulder keeps me vigilant about staying safe, it's the little devil that keeps me playing...
cat
There are so many STI/STD's that men don't show symptoms for and we must take personal responsibility if we are going to play in this arena. 25 years of testing and I've never had anything but that nagging little angel on my shoulder keeps me vigilant about staying safe, it's the little devil that keeps me playing...
cat
It also doesn't hurt to ask for a throat swab if you're regularly going down on your provider (or you're a provider who offers bbbj).
