You will usually be asked about your understanding of sexually transmitted infections—what causes them, how they are transmitted, and so on—and be given a chance to have all your questions answered. This is a great time to get accurate information about STDs; with that information, you can make changes in your life that will put you at lower risk for acquiring an STD.
If your health care provider does not bring up these questions, you may want to bring up the topic yourself. Here are examples of ways in which you might start off the discussion:
— “I have just started a new relationship, and my partner and I have decided that we want to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.”
— “I have concerns about sexually transmitted infections.
There are a few questions I want to ask you.”
— “Is there anything unusual that you noticed during the examination today? I have concerns about sexually transmitted infections.”
In addition to the questions listed, you will be asked about your medical history regarding nonsexually transmitted infections or other illnesses. You will be asked what medications you take and if you are allergic to any medications. You will be asked if you have taken any antibiotics within the last month or so, since this may influence which tests are done and when. (If you took an antibiotic within the previous few weeks, you may test negative for certain bacterial STDs even if you do have the infection.)
If you are a woman, you will be asked when your last period was, if you have ever been pregnant, and if so, how the pregnancy turned out. Did you have the baby, lose the baby (a spontaneous abortion), or have an abortion (an induced abortion)? You will also be asked when you last had a Pap smear and if you’ve ever had an abnormality on a Pap smear (the section on genital warts in Part II explains why this question is important).
Before you leave the office or the clinic, try to express all your concerns. Nevertheless, it may take a while during the visit before you feel comfortable, and it’s possible that you’ll overlook something. Find out how to contact your health care provider after you leave. That way you can call if any more concerns or questions occur to you later.
If your health care provider does not seem to have the answers you are looking for, or if you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you may want to consider a visit to another clinic or health care provider to get the help you need.
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