Challenges Getting STD Screened

[Sex_Educator]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone here had troubles getting screened for STDs? Like clinic hours, cost of tests, or shame about getting tested...

Thank you!!

[RankAmateur]

(1) My local clinic (Glos NHS/Milsom) operates 'walk-in' in the morning, and 'pre-booked' in the afternoon. The 'walk-in' always succeeds, but can involve a lengthy but not unreasonable (1.5 hours typical) wait. The 'pre-booked' has problems because of the (recently installed) booking system which, for example, is down today, meaning no appointments can be made or altered. I have had to 'fall back' to a walk-in before now because of problems with the pre-booked system. Typical wait time for a pre-booked appointment: 20 days (about 3 weeks).

(2) Cost of tests: nil. No problems here.

(3) Shame about getting tested: none, at least for me. No problems here.

(4) The clinic has a very 'upbeat' but pragmatic feel to it and manages to feel like it's there "on your side" rather than being judgemental or prescriptive. This was a shock. I was expecting cries of despair and being told off for doing this, or that... and got none of it. Would I recommend it? Yes. Without question.

So I'm afraid... I'm a happy customer.

[liverbird1987]

i feel embarrassed about going. i feel dirty even tho ive been with my partner 9yrs and found out hes been cheating on me