STD testing

[CuteKitten]

Hi Scarleteen I feel a bit silly asking this question as I should probably know the answer by this age!

So I was just wondering like how folks gets tested for std infection, is it like a blood test urine sample swabs or like tests you can order like the pregnancy test.

It’s not urgent I haven’t had sex yet or anything I just want to be more prepared for the future

Also I will definitely wear protective such as condoms but if I were protection but someone has a sti does that mean you can still get infected. Also I read the article called something like the STI files which I really liked it was interesting how common they are and that they as so shamed by society.

I also want to say I am not trying to be hurtful to people with STIs with this post that’s not my intention at all. Also with tests what’s like the accuracy rate and i assume it’s best practice to be tested after every different encounter? Also how often do people lie and say stuff like they tested when they really didn’t.

Also this is a complete side note but I have read the great informative article:
breathe-risks-realities-safer-choking-breath-play. I have recently started learning Krav Maga (I am a very gentle person really don’t like any violence but it’s important to know how to defend yourself.) Anyway today in the lesson one part was learning how to get out of backwards chokes. Anyway we did it were was not pressure on the neck and learned how to get out of it. I then asked if he could put an bit amount of pressure into it so I might have a better understanding what it felt like being choked, and even with light pressure my vocal box sounded a bit croaky. Like I trusted him very much as he’s done this for 20 years and is saftey conscious and I could still properly breathe. However I was wondering why would anyone do this sexual it’s so so dangerous and could easily go wrong . What do you think has caused the rise in sexual asphyxiation)

[amber]

Hi CuteKitten ,

I'm glad to hear that a handful of articles have been helpful to you. I also wanna say this isn't a silly question, there are adults much older than you who wouldn't be able to answer even basic questions on STIs!

STI testing looks different depending on what you are being tested for. Urine samples, blood draws, swabs, and even visual exams, are all forms of testing! Here is another great article that goes over all things testing -- Testing, Testing: All About Getting Tested for STIs .

Barrier methods, like condoms, are great at protecting oneself and their partner. Still, STIs can be spread in various ways and forms of contact so testing is a great form of prevention.

I also find that the article on choking and breathe play is great at offering insight into the seemingly growing interest in the fantasy and the emphasis on safety. I'm not sure I have any insight to your question on why, but when it comes to sexual interests there is so much variation and diversity that sometimes there is nothing to understand. Does that make sense?

[CuteKitten]

Hi Amber, thanks for the article link it was really informative

What I was thinking is there are so many different STIs out there and if someone was asymptomatic to know what tests to get done. I know some can like lay dormant like HIV and come in outbreaks later on?

Some good news is recently I went to my uni offer holder day which is great as I already have my spot secured for September, and there is like a student health center so that’s pretty cool!

Also what happens if a condom breaks without me knowing is that likely to occur?

[Becky]

Hi CuteKitten!

That is true, some STIs can lay dormant and be asymptomatic. The good news is that STI tests can detect infection even if you are asymptomatic. Super cool, right? That's why regular STI testing is so important!

As for what happens if a condom breaks without you knowing? Well for starters, I really hope that your partner would alert you if that happened. If you suspect at all that a condom has broken or slipped off during vaginal sex, the best course of action would be to take Plan B (if you aren't already on hormonal birth control) and to get an STI test if you don't already know your partners status.

Is that *likely* to happen? I don't think so. Even with typical use, condoms are around 86% effective. But just for your knowledge, things that could cause a condom to break would include:

• Condoms being expired
  Opening the wrapper with nails, teeth, or other sharp objects
  Using oil-based lubricants on latex condoms
  Too much friction (aka not enough lube)
  Improperly applying the condom on the penis

To decrease any chances of breakage, make sure you are properly rolling the condom onto the penis, using plenty of lube, store your condoms in their box, check their expiration dates, and never open them with something sharp!

You can get some tips for using condoms effectively here:
Condoms: A User's Manual
Birth Control Bingo: Condoms

[CuteKitten]

Hi Becky,
Thanks for your reply i really enjoyed reading the article, Birth Control Bingo Condoms!

Being a guy I luckily don’t have to worry about getting pregnant and plan B of course I would tell a sexual partner if a new a condom had broken however with all the sensations would it be easy to know?

It’s super cool there are latex free condoms for people with allergies!!!

I thought initially when reading the article that if you combine the male condom effectiveness rate which said was 86% typical use and female 79% typical use then the risk I assume would be even lower.

HOWEVER I was intrigued when it says later on in the article using more than 1 condom increases risk? Does that mean if you have 2 male condoms or also a male and female condom. Also with sex I assume there might be movement even and possibly a bit of friction even with lube. I haven’t expericed intercourse yet so am speculating!

Sooo is it like the condoms rubbing together which could cause it to break and how is this different from a condomed penis rubbing against a vagina??


It’s also great that condoms have the least side effects compared to other methods and I read a article here that there is like flavour condoms which made me squeal in excitement as if I ever have or give sex it would be super cool!

I know I’m am very excited by all this but I don’t think that’s a bad thing!!!

ps
I also have a question about periods but I will stick with this topic for now don’t won’t to overwhelm the boards hehe

[CuteKitten]

Also I do know i have made mistakes in the past which I have posted on the boards. Sadly i feel like i maybe can sometimes be a bit niave and trusting and i hope by understanding things better than when stuff isn’t online and in person i will understand stuff like the risks better and how to reduce the risks! Also would you peeps say it’s common to makes mistakes at my age I know stuff like parts of the brain don’t develop until like 25 but I feel like I have gotten into all the situations by being like to curious and doing things in kinda secret?

[mikky]

hi cutekitten,
Usually, if a condom totally breaks, the person wearing it is going to feel a change in sensation. If there is a small rip or tear, that would be something that you would likely notice visually (like if there was semen leaking out, for example).

As for the risks with adding a second condom- yep, this is about friction, and does apply to both layering two external condoms or pairing an internal and external condom. Think about medical gloves- if you've ever worn a pair, imagine the difference between rubbing two gloved hands together friction-wise and rubbing a gloved hand on a non-gloved hand. During intercourse, vaginas ideally are also lubricated, so even less friction.

I think that knowing that you can struggle with trust is important. Sometimes we need extra reminders around certain areas, and it's good that you're aware and learning this about yourself! I do think it is very common to make mistakes at your age. I mean, we all make mistakes at all ages, but especially when we are in stages of learning and growing. When you are following curiosities that you have, do you have any practices to check in about safety and trust?