STI testing - I’m terrified

[User301076]

I’ve name changed for this.
I am a mother and a health professional
I’m so ashamed

I’ve had sex with 3 mean since november. I got tested in February and all was ok but then had unprotected sex with the 2nd guy and then the 3rd one.
Now I’ve had irregular bleeding, pelvic pain and generally feeling uncomfortable.
They’ve given me 2 weeks of antibiotics for possible PID
But I am terrified there’s going to be something worse, it’s making me so anxious. It’s like I have a feeling that I’ve brought this on myself for being so bloody irresponsible!!!!! And now I’m going to pay the price.

Please hand hold or just reassure me that I’m not the only stupid person out there! I feel so ridiculous and ashamed! I feel dirty!

[pudding21]

Don't be ashamed or dirty, just remember the stress you feel now and always use a condom in the future unless you are both tested and in a monogomous relationship, and don't trust a guy that says "I always use condoms with other people" etc.

Take control of your own sexual health. Fingers crossed its nothing and its easily treated. Have you spoken to the guys you have slept with ? Maybe you might need to tell them if it comes up as something.

[PrimalLady]

Pid doesn't necessarily mean STI anyway. I've had Pid and never had an STI.

[ThirdTimeUnlucky]

I was tested Thursday and waiting for the results - it's horrible. I've had sex with a few different guys without protection, stupid I know!! Now I've found a decent guy or at least I think so I've developed symptoms and am really scared about what the Dr thought it was. My guy is being tested next week. It's made me feel dirty. You are not alone, is all I can add. Fingers crossed for us both!

[stilllookingforthehills]

I'm in the same position and need to go and get tested tomorrow. What tests do they carry out I'm feeling so nervous.

[User301076]

I also had symptoms
I was going to wait 3 months as a good window but thought I should go now then again in June
And have no unprotected sex

Usually you can do your own swab for gonorrhoea but this time due to symptoms I saw the doctor.
She took swabs, did an internal exam and then my bloods for HIV and syphillis

You can decide what you do and don't want to be tested for.

Also you can choose your clinic, I go to one in the next town, less chance of seeing someone I know and they're so much nicer and they text the results so no need to go back!

Sending to those waiting for results!!!
I haven't had a drink in a week due to the antibiotics they gave me god knows I need it!!!!!!

Stay safe ladies, let's get through this then behave like grown ups (I'm 44 ffs 🙄)

[SirGawain]

I go to one in the next town, less chance of seeing someone I know
If you did see someone you know they would be just as embarrassed as you, they are there for the same reason so they would be less likely to gossip.

[User301076]

Work purposes for me too though, it’s not a big deal to drive 20 mins

Well my results came back and were all negative thank god!!!
Lesson learned

When do you both get results?

[ThirdTimeUnlucky]

So pleased for you!
I was told if I'd not heard within 2 weeks to get in touch. They are supposed to notify by text msg. It's agonising waiting.

[BrokenWhiteStripes]

Don’t forget that NHS tests don’t check for Herpes (unless symptoms are present) or HPV.

[ThirdTimeUnlucky]

Just for the record (I have posted elsewhere about this) my test came back positive for Herpes type 2 and Chlamydia. I was gutted. I have already had antivirals for Herpes and now taking Doxycycline for Chlamydia. My partner has been tested since and is awaiting his results. I've told a couple of ex-partners, not all.
The more I read about it, the more common it seems to be. Not everyone shows symptoms. Unfortunately or fortunately I did.
Please, anyone reading this, get tested, play safe until you know you and your partner are 'clear'.