When you suspect you might have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD), the scariest thing to do is pull your courage together and have yourself tested. When you don’t know what to expect, the thought becomes a whole lot scarier and considering we all have the potential to scream like a little girl when faced with the unknown, we thought we’d give you an extra dose of testosterone and answer your most frequently asked questions.

Who should go for an STD test?

Anyone who has had unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal) with an infected person within the last 6 months should get tested even if they have no visible symptoms. The majority of STDs show no signs immediately. Women between the ages of 15 and 25 are particularly at risk. 

Will it be confidential?

Government has specific laws in place which protect you from having your results splashed all over Facebook, so don’t worry, your doctor or healthcare professional is bound by patient-doctor confidentiality.

Can I give a false name and details?

If you are not comfortable giving your real name, you may, by all means, give an alias name, and as much or as little info about yourself on the medical form. But keep in mind that should your doctor need to contact you about results or treatment, they will need a valid number and not Idol’s voting line.

What if I’m under the age of 16? (The legal age to have consensual sex)

Even if you are under the legal age to be engaging in intercourse, you can still be seen in complete confidence. If you test positive for any STDs, the clinic will keep your results private and will not inform your parents, school or doctor without your permission.

What happens when I arrive?

Once you’ve defeated your inner demon and found the courage to get to a clinic, you need to get a form from the receptionist or sister that needs to be filled in. Once this is done, you’ll have to wait for the nurses to attend to those that were there before you, before you can have a one-on-one consultation.

What does the clinic look like?

Most clinics have a large waiting room, consisting of single chairs or rows of benches where patients wait to be seen by the nurses/sisters. However, the consultation takes place in a separate room that looks very much like a doctor’s room with a bed, study desk and armchairs.

What sorts of questions will they ask me?

 What are you concerned about?

 Have you had unprotected sex?

 Have you ever had an STD before?

 Do you have any signs or symptoms?

 Are you on any medication?

It is important to answer all questions truthfully as your answers will determine what tests need to be done and what treatment you will be provided with, if necessary.

But I’m embarrassed…

For most people, visiting a clinic to have an STD test is an extremely embarrassing and humiliating thing to do. But bear in mind that the staff is trained to deal with your issues and that they see tens of people every day with similar problems and that the chance of them remembering your name (or fake name) is very slim. If you are seriously uncomfortable though, ask to be seen by someone of the same gender.

What do the tests involve?

The kind of test(s) you have done will depend on the information you have provided.  You may have one or more of the following tests done, depending on what infection you are being tested for:

 Urine test (try not to use the bathroom for 2 hours before consultation).

 Swabs/samples for various infections may be taken from the vagina, cervix (neck of the womb), throat or rectum.

 The doctor may examine female patients using something called a speculum to take swabs or test for cervical cancer.

 Blood tests are taken in specific vials to be sent to the pathologist for laboratory testing.

Are they painful?

The swabs or tests aren’t painful, but they can be a little uncomfortable, which is nothing in comparison to dealing with the itches and scratches that come with some STDs. If you are worried though, discuss the issue further and make sure you understand everything so that you can be fully prepared and know what to expect.

How long do I have to wait for the results?

Depending on which tests are performed, some results will be given to you immediately, whereas others will need to be sent away and might take up to a week before you get the results. You’ll have to remember your fake name so you can go back and receive your results.

Do I have to pay?

All information, treatments and tests done at a public clinic are free of charge including the condoms that you are encouraged to take.

What happens if the results are positive?

If you test positive for any STD, the sister or nurse will discuss the nature of the disease with you, explaining everything there is to know. They will prescribe the treatment that you might need to go on. Should you require counseling, they will offer this to you, to help you find ways to cope and deal with your results.

How often should I be tested from now on?

This depends entirely on you and the kind of lifestyle that you lead. If you think you might have come into contact with an STD, go have yourself tested. Instead of torturing yourself about the risks, make sure you always use protection. If you are infected, inform your partner and do everything in your power to prevent them from becoming infected. If an accident happens, like they tend to, accompany your partner to the clinic. A familiar smiling face can make the experience a whole lot less terrifying.

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