Seems this is a good topic for everyone...getting tested....so, since I work in public health, I'm gonna hijack Cat's thread just a little.
Right now, we're all dealing with a LOT of turmoil in life....a broken M, a cheating spouse, the pain, anger, hurt, and being ripped apart. It seems so inhumane to deal with the horror of an STD on top of all that. But, it's a fact, nothing more.
I'm not gonna sit here and justify, or put this in a counseling perspective, just offer info on getting tested, resources, etc.
* I think it's good for ALL of us to get tested, whether during an A or after. * I think if your spouse is with OP, and you are still having sex, insist on protection (condoms...there are female condoms too). Tough luck if you think this may "push them away" * It's good to get tested 3-6 months or so...ask to be tested full spectrum, on all the STD's. * You can always get tested with your Dr. Or, if you feel funny, then there are plenty of community clinics, Planned Parenthood, etc in the area. All testing is CONFIDENTIAL, so no worries. Consider this your chance to get educated on STD's, symptoms and ask all the questions you want. * You don't have to tell your spouse if you want to get tested if you think it may "rock the boat" in your M, this is YOUR health, YOUR test....but, if you find something, then I think it's only fair to tell. * Get empowered....use the web. We;re all good at the web! There are great sites out there with CDC and other sources that have good information on STD's, symptoms, treatment, etc. Read up and get informed.
Getting tested fits into DB work....it's about taking care of you, taking control of your life and your health, in a healthy way. It's about changing you, controlling what you can....and only you can control your health.
It only hurts us to turn our heads to this....by getting tested periodically, you know it's one less thing to worry about.
