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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to be annoyed that the NHS keep hassling me about STI testing

30 replies

ant3nna · 22/02/2010 19:10

I got a letter today from the NHS about chlamydia just because I'm under 24. Especially annoying as I was only tested in December (required before a coil was fitted, not because I engage in risky behaviour) and found to not have it. Every time I go to the doctors I'm asked whether I've been screened for STIs recently. One doctor, even when I told her that I had a long-term partner that I trusted, still insisted that I should have an STI test and the appointment was about my long term joint pain not anything that could be caused by STIs.

AIBU to feel a little offended that because of my age, it is assumed that I have STIs or that DP is cheating me? I really don't think I'd be getting asked if I was older or married.

OP posts:

GhoulsAreLoud · 22/02/2010 19:22

I don't know, isn't chlamydia more common amongst under 25s? (don't know my research on this so could easily be wrong).

I know it can make you infertile - I don't really have any problem with proactively trying to stop an infection that has such devastating results.

Interestingly, when I was 26 and getting the pill at the family planning clinic the Dr offered me chlamydia screening but when she realised I was over 25 she lied about my age on the form so I could get it done for free.

So actually, in your shoes, I'd probably count myself lucky that I'm in a group where I can get tested for free.

posieparker · 22/02/2010 19:27

It's not personal, it's statistics that you need to blame.

JaneS · 22/02/2010 19:33

Yes, drives me nuts too. Esp. since last time I filled in a form at the GPs I ticked 'not sexually active' and still get this question. I've even been asked if I have safe sex just minutes after telling the nurse at hospital that I haven't had any sex at all for the last 18 months - as if I'm not fed up enough!

foreverastudent · 22/02/2010 20:28

Dont GPs get bonus payments if they meet their quotas of testees, regardless of individual risk factors?

Mum72 · 22/02/2010 20:40

I have the same re the Mirena Coil! I assume my local GPs surgery are on a Mirena Coil Drive because they keep on telling me how wonderful it is. They even suggested it on a recent appointment for tonsillitus !

I assume your GPs surgery must be on a Chlamydia Testing Drive atm!

Its all to do with commission payments and targets they have and nothing to do with the fact they really think you have Chlamydia or that my life will be much improved by the Mirena coil!

Very annoying!

smileyhappymummy · 22/02/2010 20:41

No. No money for GPs for getting people to have STIs screening. Just the satisfaction of knowing that chlamydia - an easily treatable disease - might be picked up before causing long term health problems such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, increased risk of ectopic pregnancies. Can also cause a form of inflammatory arthritis as well (among other things).
So your GP is probably not doing it to annoy you, just because of health promotion. If it bothers you, I'd ignore it.

Sidge · 22/02/2010 20:47

There is a testing drive at the moment including primary care facilities, offering chlamydia testing to all 16-24 year olds. This is part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme

There is also a big push on long acting reversible contraception (LARC) hence why many providers are promoting depo-provera, Mirena and implants to women.

It's not always to do with direct cash, but QOF points for toeing the Government line which indirectly can mean more cash to provide services to patients.

HarrietHarpy · 22/02/2010 20:51

Don't take it personally. It's part of their job. The rate of under 25 yr olds with chlamydia in some parts of the country is at epidemic level.

Also, chlamydia can sometimes be missed by testing - and other STDs (herpes, for example) can take months or even years to rear their ugly heads. Even within a serious relationship I would continue to have a yearly sexual health test, to be honest.

Just grit your teeth and bear it. They are only trying to help.

Northernlurker · 22/02/2010 20:53

Seriously - you are getting all huffy because the NHS is trying to ensure you are healthy and stay that way?

I think you need to get some bigger things to worry about!

Original poster

ant3nna · 22/02/2010 21:08

Ok, I've been told. I'll try not to take it personally when they inevitably bring it up again. I was just post-letter offended at having the issue brought to my house when I was tested not that long ago and haven't actually had sex since. Grumble grumble. Maybe there was a little frustration there as well. How dare they remind me that DP is far, far away?

OP posts:

addictedtomn · 22/02/2010 21:23

ant3nna i hate to prove your point, but when i got married, the doctors stopped asking if i had been screaned for sti's recently (before that they asked every time i went for an appointment, even tho i insisted that i was not sexually active they still sent me for tests!)

and when i moved in with dh and registered as married, suddenly no questions about sti tests its annoying, but i guess its just some thing they have to do.

Mongolia · 22/02/2010 21:29

It's not because of your age, they pester ANYONE who sets, or has set, foot in a family planning clinic, they always ask about what kind of relationship you are in no matter that you tell them that you have had the same partner for the last 45 years (then they start doubting the partner for good measure). So don't take it personally

TrillianAstra · 22/02/2010 21:39

It makes sense for them to do it. I see you've already decided not to take it personally so well done

fluffles · 22/02/2010 21:52

I keep being sent details of 'long-term reversible contraception' by my GP who is determined to get me onto it.

The fact we're ttc doesn't seem to put them off

SloanyPony · 22/02/2010 21:57

If its any consolation, I am a crusty old prune (well, in my early 30's anyway) and recently had a Mirena fitted. Initially I had the swabs done as standard, one of which was a Chlamidia test, and then I went in for my fitting. At my fitting the doctor and nurse informed me that my Chlamidia test had come back as "inconclusive" meaning they hadn't got a viable swab or enough cells or whatever as opposed to me actually having it.

They asked me if I wanted testing again and I said no, because I had been tested before and had the all clear and was in a stable faithful relationship but they still insisted on testing me again, so I said, fine, go for it and of course it was clear.

So the point is that regardless of situation (I've been married for 10 years and my husband is so trustworthy its almost depressing) they do tend to push the testing thing a bit - though I do think its a bit overkill to accost you at every appointment regardless of what its for.

If I were you I wouldn't get sniffy at them asking you if you'd been screened recently, just say "yes thank you" but if they do get pushy, and dont take no for an answer or at least make you feel like they are not, then no YANBU to feel a little harrased about it.

clayre · 22/02/2010 22:01

my mum has a similar problem she keeps getting hasseled to have a smear test despite her having a hysterectomy 15 years ago, she gets letters every few months and questioned everytime she goes to the GP.

Nataliejayne85 · 22/02/2010 22:05

Hi! I understand what you mean! I'm also under 25 and some people act as though you aren't allowed to refuse testing.
We had some come to the college and stood in the toliets nagging everyone to do one even telling a girl in my class (aged 27 and married but looked younger) that it doesn't matter people still cheat and implied she was an idoit to trust her husband.
My personal favourite experience was when I wanted to change my contraception yet I didn't want hormones or a long term option (scared of the coil as there are so many scary risks which could result in hystercetomy). So I choose an option and had the doctor fitting me for diaphragm basically shouting at me because I didn't want to a coil or be on the pill!
But to be fair all the nurses at the clinic I use are fantastic and listen to you and advise without bullying

Original poster

ant3nna · 22/02/2010 22:08

Sloany, I didn't mind having the test as part of the swabs for a coil fitting, its as you say, a not taking no for an answer that's irritating. There is just no need to send me a letter with 'Chlamydia - Got it?' in big bold judgemental letters. All that wasted NHS money

fluffles, you've had completely opposite experience to me there. I asked for a coil as I'm fed up of hormones and no plans to ttc for a good few years and all GP wanted was to keep me on the pill. Doctors, eh?

OP posts:

elliedodger · 22/02/2010 22:53

I get really annoyed by this. The other week I went to the family planning clinic to get my bc pills. The nurse asked me if I wanted to get a blood test for Aids. There's no reason for me to have it as I've always been careful but I thought I may as well have the test to make sure and said that I would get it done in 3 months when I collect my next lot of pills.

I would've done it there and then but I had an empty stomach, and I always pass out if I have injections without eating first. I told the nurse this and I said that next time I'd eat first and bring a sugary drink with me and she said 'you won't come back. You'll never get it done.' I was really annoyed by this assumption. I HAVE to go back there to get my bc pills.

The problem is that there are so many people who are irresponsible with their sexual health, so everyone gets tarred with the same brush - particulary unmarried early 20somethings. It's pretty shocking to think that 1 in 10 of my age group have chlamydia.

BelaLugosiNoir · 22/02/2010 23:27

Clayre -assuming your mum lives in England, the reason she keeps getting smear test letters is either:

she had a sub total hyst - still has a cervix
she an abnormal smear test +/- treatment prior to the hyst or
the GP surgery hasn't completed the correct form to sign her off (it's called ceasing recall). The agency that sends the invites has to have the official from the surgery. If the GP has all her notes then when they get their prior notification list then they can complete that and stop your Mum getting another invite letter. Essentially if your Mum definitely hasn't got a cervix and doesn't need follow up then it's totally down to her surgery not filling in the correct paperwork. If she goes in and quotes cease recall, prior notification list and no vault smears that might do the trick!

TottWriter · 22/02/2010 23:46

Huh, I seem to have missed out on all that chalmidia testing then. Currently 22 and have never been offered any screening for anyhing, except the routine stuff they do when you're pregnant.

Though I would be equally annoyed at the constant repetition you seem to be getting. Bog standard leaflets to a specific demographic are one thing (it's probably mostly automated anyway), but it does sound like your doctor's in on the gung-ho act too...

cantthinkofagoodname · 23/02/2010 11:08

Whenever I've been to the doctors in the past, I've always been asked what kind of contraception I'm on as the doctors seemed confused that I don't have anything written on my records about it.

Every time I've explained my situation and every time they've seemed to take no notice.

Why is it so hard for them to grasp that lesbians don't need contraception?

To confuse matters even more, I'm currently pregnant via artificial insemination - which has led to more wearying conversations about whether it was planned and how sure I am of my dates!

clayre · 23/02/2010 11:11

Bela she lives in Scotland, has no cervix and has never had an abonoral smear, must be the paperwork neeeding updated!

JaneS · 23/02/2010 11:18

cantthinkofagoodname

And doctors are meant to be so smart ...

Vallhala · 23/02/2010 11:23

cantthinkofagoodname are you sure dearie?

You really ought to try the Mirena Coil, it's fantastic!

And your baby dearie... unplanned was it? No, no, you can't possibly be right about the date of conception, we know better...

(Congratulations! Val).

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