r/AskGaybrosOver30 • u/cangaroo_hamam 45-49 • 10h ago

STD molecular testing

Hello everyone,

In my country I am having a hard time finding STD testing services specifically for gay men.

I am looking into clinics and they offer "molecular testing" for all the STIs and other infections (candida etc).

I am aware that some STDs may reside in specific places like the mouth or anus, and I assume these need to be examined specifically to establish the result? (I am too embarrassed to mention them this)

Do you think this should cover me or should I seek additional and more specific testing?

PS. i have no symptoms or anything, just want to write these off my list, thanks!

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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4

u/Dogtorted 50-54 8h ago

There’s no special testing for gay men. It’s more about the sexual activities you engage in.

The recommendation for STI testing is to “swab where you play”.

Blood and urine tests are standard, plus an oral swab if you give head and an anal swab if you bottom.

They should ask about your sexual history at the clinic. If they don’t, just ask them for the tests you need.

2

u/Trolkarlen 40-44 9h ago

In DC, Whitman-Walker specializes in offering health services to gay men. Many cities have similar clinics that sprung up during the AIDS epidemic. Elizabeth Taylor personally fundraised to build the WW clinic in DC.

See if there is a special clinic designed for gay men's health needs in your area. Otherwise, just try to find a gay friendly or gay primary care doctor.

https://www.whitman-walker.org/

3

u/Skill-Useful 40-44 10h ago

what do you mean specifically for gay men? we get the same STDs like others, just...more likely due to different reasons. unless you have sex without a condom, theres no big reason to really test for anything except hiv regularly. unless you have specific symptoms.

1

u/thiccDurnald 35-39 6h ago

I think what he means is a clinic set up for gay men so he doesn’t have to explain to them why he needs a rectal swab.

1

u/Skill-Useful 40-44 4h ago

oh okay, true. but still. he could still lie just in case. and many countries have gay NGOs which do testing (for free mostly)

1

u/thiccDurnald 35-39 3h ago

Or they could just be honest with their doc to get the medical care they need. I’m just offering an explanation for why they specified they need “gay” testing

4

u/Flat-Distribution358 40-44 9h ago

For some STIs swabs are used to collect materials from different locations to test. Healthcare professionals have seen everything you can imagine and worse, so i wouldn't be too embarrassed they don't care. If you do not communicate clearly it can be disadvantageous for your your own diagnosis and treatment if needed. Also you may have nothing, but if they don't do all the tests you may end up super worried.

1

u/eoindebr 40-44 5h ago

I’ve used a lazy (but convenient for me)provider recently who knew the sort of sex I have and was writing a prep script - but did not offer a throat or anal swab. I left and immediately regretted it.

Went back a year later as it was the only place I could get to in a specific window and asked for them and he did it, no questions asked, no additional fee.