Lets talk about Tests baby

[gmaximus]

This poll is anonymous but please be honest when voting.

Where do you go to get tested in Ottawa usually? Do you prefer Anonymous HIV testing or don't mind giving your info ? How was your experience at the clinic where you got tested ?

Lets help each other out and encourage people who are nervous about testing to get tested regularly.

 

[gmaximus]

Since I started the poll, I'll go first. The last time I got tested was at Somerset West Community Health Centre on 55 Eccles Street. I went for the Anonymous HIV testing because of the stigma and also I wanted to deal with a professional trained in dealing with sexual health concerns. I did the walk-in and didn't have to wait too long to be seen by a Dr. I was asked a couple of questions relating to why I wanted to get tested and then my blood for drawn. A rapid HIV test was done and I knew my result within a few minutes. Although my Doctor was professional I preferred the Hassle free Clinic Doc in Toronto who made me feel more comfortable sharing my health concerns.

The other STI tests are not anonymous and you have to give your info to get them done.

I've never had an STI but it's a good idea to get tested regularly every few months as sometimes STIs are asymptomatic. Better to detect them early and get treated or risks getting complications when it gets worst.

Some helpful links:

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/anonymous-hiv-testing.aspx

https://swchc.on.ca/our-programs/anonymous-hiv-testing

https://swchc.on.ca/sites/default/files/2013_anon_HIV_flyer.pdf

 

[MidGuyy]

Every 2 to 3 months, sometimes even more frequent if I happen to have the time.

Usually through work or HFC in Byward market. Super easy and usually quick.

I’m sorry but what do they do if they have your information and it turns out you have an STI which i’ve Never had btw

 

[kinkydahlia]

I’m sorry but what do they do if they have your information and it turns out you have an STI which i’ve Never had btw

They call you and you come in for immediate treatment and are given the choice to personally disclose to your previous partners or have them disclose (this was how it worked when I volunteered for a youth sexual health clinic). Anonymous rapid HIV testing is great but there are SO MANY other STDs you can transmit, and the most common ones are asymptomatic. I'm not surprised but still disgusted by the guys who chose the 1-3 year option. Do better by your providers and get tested every 6 months minimum!!!

 

[kinkydahlia]

Imo, the best way to go (and what I do) is just make an appointment with my GP every three months. Its fast and easy and means no clinic wait times.

 

[gmaximus]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think for some clients it's the fear of their SO finding out they got an STI or a test done if they go to their Family Doc. Also not everyone is comfortable talking about the hobby with their Family Doctor. That's why Anonymous test centers are a good option for HIV testing. Other STI testing can be done at most walk-in clinics I believe.

Let's keep this thread judgment free. There are a lot of misconceptions about testing and STIs, that's why some people don't get tested frequently or even tested. The aim of this thread is to encourage everyone to get tested frequently.

I hope testing becomes a standard in the future and a requirement for both providers and clients. Clients and providers should be able to able to see each others clean test results before an appointment or on arrival. Agencies/Spas and reputable Indys could enforce this rule and then the rest of the industry will follow. This rule would force clients and providers to get tested frequently.

To the people who voted "1-3 yrs" I hope you're not seeing any providers/clients and if you're then please get tested for your own health.
To those who voted "Never" I hope you're just kidding or not clients/providers. If you're engaging in this hobby then please get tested. It's pretty easy and will ease your mind of any doubts. The sooner any STI is treated the better. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[MidGuyy]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think for some clients it's the fear of their SO finding out they got an STI or a test done if they go to their Family Doc. Also not everyone is comfortable talking about the hobby with their Family Doctor. That's why Anonymous test centers are a good option for HIV testing. Other STI testing can be done at most walk-in clinics I believe.

Let's keep this thread judgment free. There are a lot of misconceptions about testing and STIs, that's why some people don't get tested frequently or even tested. The aim of this thread is to encourage everyone to get tested frequently.

I hope testing becomes a standard in the future and a requirement for both providers and clients. Clients and providers should be able to able to see each others clean test results before an appointment or on arrival. Agencies/Spas and reputable Indys could enforce this rule and then the rest of the industry will follow. This rule would force clients and providers to get tested frequently.

To the people who voted "1-3 yrs" I hope you're not seeing any providers/clients and if you're then please get tested for your own health.
To those who voted "Never" I hope you're just kidding or not clients/providers. If you're engaging in this hobby then please get tested. It's pretty easy and will ease your mind of any doubts. The sooner any STI is treated the better. PM me if you have any questions.

What in the world is wrong with telling doc “I hook up at clubs/bars a lot”. Are you my medical doctor or moral guidance counselor.

 

[voyagers]

I have used this online service, which is very convenient:

https://www.letsgetchecked.com/

They send you the kit and you send them back the sample. You can see the results online.

 

[KatrinnaHendrix]

Every 3 months. Clearance clinic is great plus free safe sex supplies & the staff are awesome !
I always get nervous for the blood drawn tests and they give me a juice lol

 

[qqxsxxx]

AFAIK the clinic on Clarence is discrete but not completely anonymous and they still have a duty to report if you test positive for something. However, they also run a special program somewhere else on Thursday nights that is completely no-questions-asked and you don't need to even provide a name. I'm not 100% on this, though.