Ask Dr. Mitch

BE AWARE!!! THIS SITE CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE FOR HARM REDUCTION RISK OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE FOR SEX WORKERS

Dear Dr. Mitch,

A lover of mine tested positive for syphilis. I went to my doctor asking to be tested, and requested that I also be tested for other STDs as well. I am sexually active and it helps to know. When the test came back, I found I had only been tested for syphilis (results were negative) and not for other STD's I had requested.

As a sexually active male, who is obviously more prone not to show symptoms if carrying diseases like chlamydia or HPV, how can I have a doctor perform the necessary tests?

Thank you kindly for your advice.

J.

Hello, J and thanks for your important question. I admire your wisdom in the information you seem to have about the symptoms of STDs. Some MDs and even some public health clinics are still afraid to acknowledge STD and HIV testing particularly because they feel that in some cases they will offend the patient and most MD's (not all) lack the counseling and probing skills surrounding sexual health. More importantly, some MDs receive little training in the areas of STDs.

Occasionally what will happen in the typical case of an HMO doctor’s office, is that some tests will get lost in the communication from the doctor to the nursing or clinical staff. First off, take the result back and let them know your specific requests were not met and you may be at risk. Any clinician will respond to that.

So let's be aware of how the tests are performed. HIV can be done by serum (blood) testing for the antibody or the presence of the HIV inhibitor and it can also be done by the oral mucosal transidate (swab in the mouth). Chlamydia and gonorrhea are done by a urine PCR or LCR test (amplification process). They can also be done by a vaginal or urethral swab. Herpes can either be done by blood, or swab, or culture (specimen sample). HPV (warts)is done by Pap smear or sample probe and Syphilis is done by serum (blood) and is clinically called an RPR. Hepatitis is done by the serum testing for the presence of the antibody , antigen or viral load.

So my dear, when they are working on you, be persistent!!! Ask as many questions as you wish. This is your body and your life and treat it as the treasure that it is. For more information on symptoms and treatment, please go to http://aim-med.org. Thank your for letting me be of service.

- Dr. Sharon Mitchell, AIM Healthcare Foundation