Just wondering to all the pros and hobbyists out there if they have any solid advice to protecting themselves against STDs..
Namely Herpes since they say 1 in 5 have it and can be passed unknowingly even when somebody is asymptomatic...
It would seem that any "Full Service" provider- just in by doing the math- would inevitably end up with something like Herpes- since condom usage does not protect fully and "skin to skin" or even recieving oral can transmit (and can lay dormant for weeks, months, years)
Dont want to be a downer- but just wondering if there is any further screening providers to prottect from clients who have STDS- or if they may have any special techniques in addition to condom usage that may help.

While we are on the STD subject:

I'm asking NY hobbyists and providers alike if they can let us all know a great,safe,cheap(reasonable price),secure(confidential) place that provides confidential STD screening and results. Also, is it covered by medical insurance;and,of course kept in the strictest confidence?If STD's are found...Who provides treatment under the same parameters for screening?
I believe many, including myself, do not want to deal with the reality of catching anything so we avoid screening because we simply feel okay and have no visable indications of STD, sort of like, "what we don't know, won't hurt" attitude.TER surveys seem to indicate this as well.
This is, of course, a very sharp "double edged" sword that must be dealt with and perhaps we can once and for all eliminate our fear of screening with the NY TER community's advice.
Please share. Thank you.

Tally-Ho!

-- Modified on 2/5/2004 8:10:52 AM

The NYC Dept of Healt, confidential screening for all diseases including HIV but it takes time, plan on spending an entire day there and results are given only in person through another appt which again will take your time.

If you file with your insurance carrier it is not longer annoymous and discreet and the MIB in Mass. has it on record if you come up positive on anything, could effect getting a policy for life or health elsewhere.  Another interesting fact I read in the NY Post, even auto innsurance is effected by health related issues, they feel that if you were risky in bed you will be risky in the auto.

An entire day, Chap? why?

Where are they located?...One in each borough?

What are the costs?...and What info. do they require which will somewhat unmask confidentiality or is it they don't ask identity info at all with payment?
The NYC TER Community thanks you for your response. Any others that can share other choices and experiences or comment on WL's post.

Tally-Ho!

Planned Parenthood is normally associated with women's services, but they offer STD testing for men as well.  For info on men's testing, go to the link and near the bottom click on the picture for men's services to get a PDF flyer.  Appointments can be made in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

I have not personally been to PP, but I know a woman who thought they were very professional. I'd be interested in knowing if anyone has tried these services, how long it takes, etc.

I believe AIM has a testing facility in NY.  I will post there site when I can.  They are discreet and should be quicker than the Health Dept.  AIM stands for Adult Industry Medical.  They can do just HIV screening or a full screening of all STD's.  Hope this helps.

Love,

Gemini

I will try to get the website info when I get home this week.

Planned Parenthood stated that they are obliged to disclose by law all info regarding results to the Health Dept.

Not sure if once in the hands of the Health Dept that your results are completely anonymous to all (???)

In the meantime, I have directly heard from the Center for Disease Control that additional protective measures that can be taken aside from condom usage (during ORAL, anal, and vag sex) couls be to keep boxer shorts on.  This helps to avoid skin to skin contact and prevent HPV (Human Papiloma), HSVII  (Genital Herpes).  Sounds corny, but may save some of us out there from any STDS that can originate from simply skin contact.

It is important for hobbyists and providers alike remember that exposure to ANY STDS can additionally increase chance of getting Aids.

Any thoughts?

PLEASE BE SAFE

You just go to the NYC Health Dept in your boro, but the best one for STD's is the one directly across the street from Bellvue Hospital Ctr on 1st Ave and 28th street.

No name required, no ID ck, jus dress down (do not go in suit and tie or expensive designer clothes, plain jean and t shirt0 (it is suposed to be for the poor).

They will give you a code number, that is the number they track you by. A series of questions to follow, about partners, frequency safety etc.

You call back or go back, they will not repeat NOT give you the results over the tel, they counsel you with the results even if negative about safety concerns, they offer you protection.  If the results are positive for STD's then a nurse speaks to you about the results and asks you to contact partners, if it is positive for HIV then a psychologist counsels you along with a nurse and then you should REALLY seek a private doctor and again get tested and starte medicine immed.

in the phone book .. many clinics and doctors for under 100 bucks will give you the results right then and there  under 30 minutes..
We use a clinic in the west side 57 st for this.

so with the money we make.. 100 bucks is chump change for health ...

what is the name of the place and/or phone#

Thanks Gemini....I found this snippet (URL provided as well) along with tons of other good info on AIM's site...Seems they have affiliates around the nation, you need to phone them to find out (according to what I read).

URL:  http://www.aim-med.org/testbymail.html

Snippet:
How do I get my GC & HIV by PCRDNA test by mail?
AIM has over 40 affiliates nationwide. You can get a list of these affiliates by calling the office at (818) 981-5681 Monday through Friday from 10am-5:30pm and Sautrday from 1pm-5pm. Have a credit card number ready to pay a fee of $145.00 dollars. We will fax all the info to the affiliate lab or doctor's office along with the doctor's order (the PCRDNA test requires one) and a release that you will sign at the time of the draw. They will draw your blood, collect urine, and send your specimens overnight by Fed Ex to AIM. You will have your results in 2 to 3 days (4-6 days for GC)by phone and/or fax, a few days more via snail mail.

In the event that you are HIV positive, AIM will make sure that you get the best disclosure counseling through our Affiliates and we will also make sure that your positive result is confirmed by the standard Western Blot test and RNA test (viral load.) These tests can eliminate any question and can also be helpful with a time frame when notifying partners.

If you're positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, one of our doctors on staff will prescribe the appropriate meds for you.

Because we are a non-profit organization, we can find a free facility for counseling and meds in most all states. You can also call AIM for as much counseling as you need. The PCR/DNA for HIV is a state of the art test and you should praise yourself for getting tested because being aware is being part of the soulution!!!

Why... we all thank you Gem but it is my understanding AIM is based solely in California. Say it's not so, as I heard they do great work.

Tally-Ho!

I say chap...Not to say that your posts were not appreciated but could you be more specific with details as mentioned in my above requests.

Surely, others in the NY TER community can share their experiences and under an alias if they so choose. It only keeps this hobby that much more safer if we all have a clear understanding of our screening options. I would ask that NY CONFI, MONA LISA,UPTOWN,AN AFFair, BDJ, JULIES,etc.,etc. chime in with their respective health resourses and suggestions.
Thank you.

Heres the link for NYC Dept. of Health