The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Features

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Click here to read Dionna Mash's counterpoint

As I stepped onto the bus, heading toward the Student Health Center, I could think of only one thing: How many of the people on this bus have a sexually transmitted infection?

I felt the jitters as if I were on a first date. For any student who hasn't gotten tested, my first experience might eliminate any misconceptions.

Before I even reached the Health Center I was slightly paranoid about people finding out I was getting tested. But why would I be embarrassed about being responsible? All I was doing was making sure my body was disease free.

As I surmounted my fear, I swung open the door of the center, walked right up to the front desk and asked, "I'd like to see a doctor about getting checked for STIs."

All that courage building up was deflated when she informed me I needed an appointment. Oops. I didn't even get to see the doctor that day.

The next day, after a nurse checked my pulse, blood pressure, weight and height, she sent me down into a separate waiting area.

It seemed like an eternity. The thought of possibly having something wrong with me started to creep through my mind - what if?

Finally, the doctor called me into her office and began asking general questions: Do I smoke? Am I in a sexual relationship? Are there any symptoms that might indicate that I have an infection?

After the questions, she informed me that there are three general tests she can provide me: I can get tested for genital warts and herpes, take a urine sample to check for gonorrhea and Chlamydia and finally, a test for HIV.

Even though I was nervous heading into these tests, they weren't nearly as bad as I thought they might be. The doctor strapped on some rubber gloves and felt my testicles and penis to check for any lumps.

Women are often pegged as the ones who need to do self-checks for cancer, but the doctor told me males should check for lumps while they are in the shower. So if you feel any lumps while self-evaluating, it would be important to see a doctor right away.

Finally, the last test I took was a urine test. I had to walk to the lab and give a sample of my urine in a cup. Not a big deal. The results for this test usually take a week to get back.

So if you are concerned with having an STI or just want to make sure you have a clean bill of health, getting tested is far easier than what the stress might imply going into it. Nervousness about getting tested is normal. It's like getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist - nobody wants to go, but it's just something we all have to do.

Chris Thompson can be reached at
cthompson@theorion.com

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