How do I deal with the stress of an s.t.d. test?

Question

I have an appointment today to get an std test and I'm scared to death! I've been tested for HIV several times in the past due to blood exposure at work and every time it came back negative but I've never been tested for anything else and I had my share of unprotected s*x. I look back and realize how incredibly irresponsible that was for all involved and I deeply regret it. I'm not a hypochondriac but after reading about how common std's are, I'm convinced I have something. I had no symptoms of an std but I now know that many people don't show any symptoms. I'm just wondering if anyone reading this has been in my situation and can give me some advice besides obviously wearing a condom every time and having a monogamous relationship with an uninfected woman. Thank you for reading!

Answer 1

Try to be busy, working or make plans with friends, even somebody who can cheer you up on this hours. I'd been there, and nothing will help you until you get the dmn results, so try to breath.

Answer 2

I actually got HSV from my wife when we were married and didn't find out until 5 years after we were divorced (I overlooked my only outbreak as "just a rash" that eventually went away and didn't return).

Look, if you have it, you have it, and you deal with the consequences.  HIV is life threatening, but the future for patients looks more promising than ever before.  They change your life, but they don't change who you are.

For me, waiting for the tests was torture, but as a guy on this side of the HSV aisle, it's not that bad, frankly.  Awkward to tell people you're dating, but the ones who think you're a meaningful person to get to know will find ways to deal with it.  I've dated, and had intercourse, with a couple of women since getting HSV.  THere are even dating sites devoted to people with HIV/HSV, and the number of members is pleasing.

Between the time you get your results back and now, just try to understand that it doesn't change all that much, frankly.  I know, at least where HSV is concerned.