Seeing the doctor
When seeing the doctor, here are the kind of questions you could be asked:
- When did you last have sex?
- Was it with a man or a woman? (if the doctor doesn’t ask this, it’d be best to mention the sex was with a man, if it was)
- Was this a ‘regular’ or ‘casual’ partner? (have you had sex with this person before?)
- What kind of sex was it? (sucking, fucking, wanking, rimming, etc.)
- How many ‘sexual partners’ have you had recently?
- Do you know how to contact them?
- If you think you have an infection, what symptoms have you had and when did you notice them?
- Are you allergic to any medicines, such as penicillin?
- What medicines are you taking at the moment?
- Have you had any sexually transmitted infections before?
- Do you have any health problems generally?
Although it can be embarrassing, giving honest answers helps the doctor know which tests or treatments you need.
Sometimes the doctor uses words to talk about sex that might not be words you use. You can use the words you feel comfortable with - the doctor will understand what you mean.
If you’re asked if you’ve been the ‘passive’ or ‘active’ partner in anal sex, the doctor means, did you do the fucking (‘active’) or were you fucked (‘passive’)? Let the doctor know if you do both or if you haven’t had anal sex.
Being examined
- The doctor will ask you to pull your trousers and pants down so she/he can look for any signs of infection.
- The doctor may feel the glands in your groin or neck to check for swelling.
- When you’re dressed, the doctor will tell you what tests they want you to have. The doctor or a nurse should do the tests and explain as they go along what each test is for.
This article was last reviewed on: 21/10/11
Date due for next review: 21/10/13
