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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Original poster

STI tests

12 replies

Sunshineandflipflops · 06/02/2019 17:41

I’ve been putting it off for a year now but as my ex husband had an affair, I have decided to get tested for peace of mind.
I am obviously nervous and wondered if anyone could shed any light on what is involved and anything I need to do before I go?
Not the most pleasant topic I know Confused

OP posts:
adayatthebeach · 06/02/2019 17:44

I would guess a blood test and pelvic exam with cultures taken? I would hope they talk to you first about anything you’ve might of noticed.

dartitus · 06/02/2019 18:10

They stick a long tiny (what looks like an ear cleaner) up your bits and will probably take a blood test or maybe even a saliva test. Nothing scary :)

BreastSideStory · 06/02/2019 18:23

Basically what the poster above said.
It’s a lot less invasive than a smear test

Sidge · 06/02/2019 18:28

The female nurse will take a history from you, which may include asking about sexual partners and sexual behaviour.

They’ll examine your genitalia to look for blisters, warts and discharge, and use a couple of long cotton bud type things to swab the cervix and vagina. They may swab the throat too.

They’ll take blood for syphilis, Hep B and C and HIV with your permission.

You don’t have to give your real name, address etc but you may need to provide some way of contacting you for results, usually a mobile number. Clinics in different areas do things slightly differently but everywhere I’ve worked that’s generally what to expect.

Original poster
Sunshineandflipflops · 06/02/2019 18:32

Thank you. I can’t believe I am even in this position but I’ve had two babies and numerous smear tests so it can’t be any worse!
I’m not worried about the results but it will be good to know I have the all clear for the future.

OP posts:
Sidge · 06/02/2019 20:55

I feel for you, I was there too, not helped by the fact that I had to travel out of the area as I’d worked in my local CASH clinic!

It was reassuring to get the all clear, and one less thing to be worrying about after all the shitstorm of infidelity and divorce.

💐💐

Ovendoor · 06/02/2019 20:59

I had one a couple of weeks ago, I did the swab myself (I got the choice) and gave a blood and urine sample.

They took my sexual history and it was all very conversation-like. I was really put at ease even though I still felt that age old stigma of going for a test!

Don't worry about it, the nurses are fab x

Politicalacuityisathing · 06/02/2019 21:04

Be proud of yourself that you are taking control and responsibility in a shitty situation that you did not choose. And get cake/wine/buy yourself flowers or do whatever soothes you after Flowers .

whatamidoingwithmylife · 06/02/2019 21:22

I had to have my first test last year and I was so worried. But all they do is a blood test for HIV etc and a swab which isn't too invasive if a bit uncomfortable as it's a dry cotton bud.
They did a pregnancy test on me too (they seemed a bit obsessive about those and did one every time I went in Confused).

They text you the results if they're clear so you don't even need to go back unless you've been unfortunate enough to catch something.

What I did find upsetting was the invasive questioning about domestic violence (they advised me to get counselling as I have had abuse in the past and got upset when they asked something I wasn't expecting) and they'll want to know a lot about your past sexual history. They were quite forceful in their questioning about my current partner and our sex life as if they expected him to be some drug addled pimp.

If you have ANY symptoms at all it's worth letting them know.

SlimGin · 06/02/2019 21:27

Wow I've never had one as thorough as some PPs. Whenever I've been it's a swab that I did myself in the toilets and a quick blood test, no examination. I'm sure if I asked for the full works and if I had concerns they'd do it. and yes lots of uncomfortable questions about drink/drug use and sexual acts. It's the completely right thing to do though so well done.

Sallygoroundthemoon · 06/02/2019 21:30

In London you can do it all on line and by post. Fill in a form, they send you the kit. You do a vaginal swap and a fingertip blood test, send it off and they text you the results. Don't have to speak to anyone which was great for me.

Original poster
Sunshineandflipflops · 06/02/2019 21:35

Well i’m not going to give them much excitement with my sex/drug/drink life! Unlike my ex husband, I was faithful to him for the 18 years we were together and 3 sexual partners since but only one with no condoms (I went on the pill after a while). I’ve never used drugs (apart from smoking a bit of weed in my pre-children days) and do enjoy a glass of red wine or 3 but hell, I think I deserve it Grin
Thanks for all your words of reassurance x

OP posts:
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