and I get tested monthly. I dont listen to guidelines .I do as a feel necessary.. Like a girls visit to a gyn should only be once a year ? That is insane.

There isnt only one test that will cover all stds.. although they can do a few tests with one tube of blood.. Others, you need specimens from papsmears etc.. So some testing i do monthly. Some i do every three months.


-- Modified on 3/27/2006 6:24:24 PM

For ANYONE who is sexually active the first and most important rule is to educate and protect yourself.
After that, about every 3 months for the sexually active and six months to a year (along with regular checks ups) for those who are abstaining or in truly monogamous relationships. (Which means if you suspect or know your partner has cheating on you in the last 2 years, use the every 3 month rule).

Providers should get tested at least every three months or more often depending on their comfort level. As well, be sure to be proactive in your sexual health. Do not ignore any signs/symtoms that something is wrong as a fluke. Take everything out of the normal serious and ell your doctor. Be honest with your doctor about your profession or at least your number of sexual partners (Remember doctor-patient privilege will hold up until you die). Often missing something comes from a person not being completely candid with their physican.

And gentlemen, it is no secret a lot of you CEO and Colonels think you are invincible and don't get even regular check ups when you should. Remember that your family loves you. If you are the provider and want to seems strong, remember you cannot do that from a hospital bed or God forbid, a coffin.

Websites like Hips (www.hips.org), Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org) and Amer. Social Health Assoc. (www.ashastd.org) are great places to get information and resources.

Kisses,
Vanica