I was going to post this under Mathesar's latest HIV thread, but it was moving downward too fast..

Let's see if we can't have a better percentages of Players testing that the horrific 50% showing from the Polls..

We are now 5 months in the year, and those who test every 6 months should be having or booking their testing appointments. Take them as 'serious as a heart attack' and get them booked and in your Calendars asap.

Condoms aren't the surefire protection we all know but being tested regularly helps prevent many things, and gives peace of mind. AS WELL AS, we all have LOVED ONES we want to protect, too.

Happy Reminder!

xo,
Sedona

For the "other 50%", I would suggest the following:

Plan a day off and schedule an STD test. Give yourself plenty of time, in case you have to run a urine sample to the lab or the hospital (I've found that the Planned Parenthood centers, if that's what is available in your area, sometimes can't do all the necessary tests.)

Relax and take the time to ask the doctor all of the questions that are on your mind. Find out all of the various STD's you are being tested for. Make the experience educational for yourself.

After you're done, reward yourself. Doing anything for the first time is tough. Those of us who get tested regularly have all suffered through the uncertainty of that first test.

Once you get the first test under your belt, regular testing is easy.

One of my girlfriends that also tests monthly (as do I) goes to the county health clinic, and uses the name of her high school nemesis.  

She's found they are very receptive to providers.

Then, on the social security portion of the sign up, she just transposes two numbers of her OWN ss#.

This way she feels that if the worst was to happen, there'd be no record of it that might put her real insurance policies now and future, at risk.

Wear condoms, people, and think about testing more frequently if you are having sex with people that you're not commited to.  Remember, you're basically having sex with everyone that the person had sex with!!

Elise

I use the daylight savings time change in April and October as my  reminder. This way every six months I spring forward or fall back, check the batteries in my smoke detector, and get tested.

Last month's test was a warning to me as well. Nothing nearly as serious as HIV, but an extremely sobering reminder of the health risks associated with our hobby activity. I have played safe according to the currently accepted standards. However, I was shocked and disturbed to find out my test results since I had experienced no symptoms and would have never known otherwise.

best regards, and play safe, mr.man

Although I have a insurance and a doctor for privacy reasons I do my regular visits at the pubic hospital clinic.  Not expensive and the people are so nice - as a suburban mr white guy it's fun going downtown and realizing I'm just like everyone else f'ing around...  I like how non-judgmental they are.  Last doctor asked about costs and noted the providers are making more than him  I just tells it like it is, they give good advice and I get peace of mind.  

Do it - easy, cheap and you'll feel better.  Let's take care of each other!

Depending upon who I visit and how often, I'll be doing it more or less.  

/Zin

I do my testing on the T every month actually. I dont wait every 6 months or so. I figure my health is important and therfore I dont take chances. For those who dont I do reommend doing so for theirselves as well as others.. It is my opinion on the subject if it matters at all. Be safe and have fun.. Kisses
Renee (tampa)