getting tested

Post Reply New Topic

Hi there.

I've started seeing someone after a 11 year relationship broke down, and I'm feeling pretty naive when it comes to sexual health. I've had a vasectomy, and have previously been monogamous for well over a decade, as was my former partner, and additionally had a range of STD tests done about a year ago and was given a clean bill of health. Obviously I only know about myself. From my perspective, I think I am pretty obviously "clean" and even more sterile (with documentation to prove it). From my perspective, should I be comfortable about being with someone else without any protection? I guess I should be asking her to take some tests? But what? You hear people say "get tested" but despite being a proper growed up, I don't really know what does or doesn't count etc. We've already done plenty of oral stuff, so are many tests pretty pointless now anyway?

Cheers

No it's not pointless to get tested. You should both do so now--since you have been somewhat intimate, you have been exposed to what ever germs she has, so you both need to be tested.

Also, vasectomies occasionally do fail, or heal up, so women do sometimes get pregnant by a partner who has had a vasectomy. There have even been cases where the woman was also using birth control, but even with both partners "fixed" they still got pregnant. So, you do still need to use protection.

Right, but what does that mean?? Tested for what? Should I just walk into an NHS clinic and ask for "the usual", whatever that is? I'm the UK btw if that helps. Would I be foolish to not require her to have an HIV test, despite having no reason to think she's been at risk?

As I've been explained it, the reasons for vasectomies failing are for when there have been incorrectly severed tubes, multiple ones, residual sperm in your tubes already etc., and once it is tested for be a 0% sperm count you really are done and dusted (and I was there almost a year ago), and are *vastly* safer than using condoms before the snip. Obviously there's a natural inclination to give a "safe sex" message out, but reality has a place too... I mean, it's clearly safer to not have sex at all, but that's not going to happen. I have a formal NHS document (albeit written in comic sans!) which states I am clinically sterile and can confidently have sex without any additional contraception without fear of pregnancy, and that has to count for something.

You've definitely proved your respect for future partners by taking the precautions. Nothing is wrong with asking for them to get a test. Then, let the good times roll.

But again, what IS the test? I suppose could just ask her if it hurts when she pees...

google 'your town' GUM clinic and it will come up with the ward/centre in the hospital in your town and their opening hours.

when you go to the hospital GUM ward, they will take information from you (you can go as a couple) and ask you if you want blood tests (which will be hiv, hepatitis, syphilis) and or swabs (chlamydia, gonorrhea). then you will wait to be called and go in different rooms to have your tests and then they will call you back within 2 weeks if any are positive.

I think its best to go together and get tested as then you can set your mind at ease and not worry, a lot of diseases do not have symptoms but cause long term damage, esp now their is antibiotic resistant strains its important to be tested. Esp now hiv is on the rise and 2 in 10 18-30 yr old women have chlamydia. Its worth getting tested no matter what you have already done, as people often dont catch the illnesses immediately (esp hiv) so dont worry about it being 'too late' but get it done soon so you dont put yourself at risk.