It’s that time of the month again… to go get tested. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing are important routines to do in living a healthy sex positive lifestyle. But first, I will share with you a horror story of not getting tested till it was too late.
There was a period in college, after my boyfriend and I broke up… I was in a state of crisis. Some of my close friends were aware of the state of my boy troubles by the way I cut or colored my hair. It’s the equivalent to the trend of gay men who are either shaving their heads (doing a Britney) or bleaching their hair during the coronavirus quarantine (I might be next.)
In any case, after this severe breakup I was determined to have as much fun as I could before the next long term entanglement. It was a new aspect in my breakup routine because at this time, I had only had two previous boyfriends. I had also started my college experience in San Francisco. The pool of guys was much larger and it was the first time, in a while, since I’d used hookup apps such as Grindr or Jack’d. It was beautiful to see all these potential sexual interests in a cascade form at my fingertips. I went to town, hooking up with various guys each week. It was a time of exploration and bliss. I was so in the moment that I forgot to do one crucial thing, getting tested.
With a lack of insight or gay friends to talk about regular testing practices, I only got tested when something came up. I wasn’t equipped with the proper knowledge of resources or insights around STIs testing. I should have done more research and in tune with healthy sexual practices but due to societal stigma I was less transparent and to seek help with STI advice. As a very impressionable early 20-something year old, I prioritized other matters over my own health. It wasn’t until I was showing signs that I took the first available appointment at the closest urgent care. Before I could see a nurse, I had to fill out a questionnaire about healthy and sexual activity. Before this I think the last time I got tested was 6+ months and I was nervous about what my response would say about me. I had gone in with some symptoms and walked out with a prescription.
Since then I have learned the ways of how to keep myself in good health and on a regular STI testing schedule. While condoms can only have a 98 percent prevention measure against STI, according to the CDC: sexually active gay and bisexual men are suggested to get tested every 3-6 months. This is a good measure to uphold, though I have found that sometimes it’s more urgent to go every 1-2 months depending on how sexually active a person is. When it comes to STI and HIV, some people (like myself) are less likely to exhibit symptoms over others. Personally, after years of sexual encounters and talking to people, I have found monthly testing to be the best preventive practice.
Yes there are several factors to consider, accessibility and affordability. With the help of technology and online resources, it is easier to find a clinic or facility to get tested for STI or HIV. Though sometimes it may not be convenient. Due to scheduling, the time slots available do not work with my work calendar. While I believe HIV and STI testing should be free, that’s not always the case in different cities or countries. Stay safe, stay healthy, and as always, like, share, and subscribe to our blog for new insights of happiness, heartbreak, and everything else that comes with our exploration of polyamory.
– Your Friendly Poly Guy 2
