Getting tested on a regular basis is important to me, even when I don’t have any new parters I put it on my Outlook calender and make regular appointments every 6 months.
I don’t think it gets enough attention and most people I know don’t get tested on a regular basis. It’s what I do to stay healthy even though I take every pre-caution necessary. I bring my own rope when I’m going to be doing anything that evolves crotch rope, my own toys in most circumstances and numerous other measures.
However when you can get certain STD even from kissing, where do you draw the line on how safe you are? Herpes is a perfect example, the majority of the population have it, I’m a miniority and don’t. However you can easily get it as a child or a hot make out. Most people don’t know that they have it. I’m curious on where others stand about what they think are necessary measures to keep themselves and their partners safe? How often do you get tested?
I do have HSV 2 (oral herpes, or cold sores). You’re absolutely right, most people either have this particular form of the virus or have been exposed to it in their lives. What I have done since I became aware of the possible consequences is make sure any potential partners are educated as to what can happen. The chances of transmission when there’s no sores present are extremely minimal, but there.
When I have a cold sore (or feel one coming on), no oral without a barrier. When I’m cold-sore free, it’s a matter of the particular relationship and much discussion (after making sure my partner understands the implications and that we’ve both tested very recently).
Necessary measures: Communication, education, and barriers.
As for testing, once a year (I’m actually due soon), but I have had very very few partners in the past several years. If I were more active, I would test more often.
STD testing is a huge thing and needs to be addressed if there’s any possible chance of transmission.
Thank you for the wonderful comment. I agree with testing, most people don’t know how important it is and it barely takes any time. Also, we have numerous clinics that you can go to and get the whole range of tests for free.
I try to encourage all my friends to get tested and to talk openly about it. I think a lot of it is ignorances and hopefully with time and education it will only be a minority that don’t get tested on a regular basis.
I agree that testing is important, even when you don’t think it’s something which should be done. I think so many people view STD sufferers as “the wrong sort of people” that they’re blind to the fact that STDs are so fucking common these days. There’s no certain type of person who is more susceptible (except for maybe careless); it affects people from all situations. Really, it’s not the minority who has them anymore, it’s the majority. I think if more people realizes that, there would be more testing.