Testing

Family Doctor? Or Clinic?
Anyone who’s having sex is taking on a responsibility—for themselves and, arguably, for others, too. How often do you get tested? And where should you go get tested? Some prefer an anonymous clinic. Others think a relationship with a family doctor is important because more comprehensive help may be possible.

How Often?
It’s up to the individual to get tested as often as they choose. Many wait until they have symptoms before getting tested—which disregards the fact that some STIs don’t exhibit symptoms. How often a guy should get tested depends on the number of partners he has and also on whether he’s having unprotected sex or not. Remember: only a health care provider can diagnose STIs properly. A bump on your dick may be an STI or may be an ingrown hair from the last time you shaved your balls. Before jumping to conclusions, or accusing innocent boyfriends of messing around, one should always see a pro.

How is it done?
A simple blood test can be administered at STI clinics, or, guys can go to their own doctors. There is a window period of about three months post infection before HIV antibodies can show up in a test. After three months, the test is about 99% accurate.

Anonymous testing is possible at STI clinics. But, it’s best to check on that beforehand. Anonymous testing means that people don’t have to give any identifiable information. Some doctors offer confidential testing, using initials, but can still report names to health authorities if the test is positive.

Because an HIV test can potentially have a life-changing result, some guys find them very stressful. However, testing can also relieve feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Furthermore, testing can be an opportunity to get support and accurate information, reducing the chances of infecting more people. Plus, if you do test positive shortly after becoming infected, you have the chance to take action early on.

We recommend that guys who are thinking about an HIV test seek out some kind of pre-test and post-test counseling. The idea behind pre-test counseling is just to help prepare guys for the impact of a test result, whether negative or positive. Guys should be encouraged to examine their own coping skills and support network.

Receiving results from such a test is often more stressful than the test itself. Reactions vary and are as unique as the guys themselves. Post-test counseling is an opportunity to wrap the mind around the information received, address reactions, promote any suggested behavior changes, and assess the needs for follow-up and care.

From: FERLATTE, O. and HARRIS M.. 2005. Totally Outright a guide for sexual health leaders. Community Based Research centre. 134 pages.