Today I got up early to go to the Hassle Free clinic to get tested for sexually transmitted infections. My partner asked me where I was going, so I told her. It shocked the hell out of me when she asked if she could come. She had never been tested either and thought it was a good idea.
Strangely, I didn't wonder if she NEEDED one. We've only been sleeping together for a few weeks...frankly only dating for a short time more than that.
I wondered if it would be awkward to get tested with a new lover. That seems to be backward thinking to me.
Regardless, we went together. The Hassle Free Clinic is right on the corner of Church and Gerard. I went to Ryerson for four years; I lived not two blocks from that clinic. I had no idea it existed. I had been to the copy place below the Hassle Free to buy boot legged photocopies of text books. Why didn't I know that clinic exited?
I had heard the Hassle Free Clinic existed and that they were queer friendly, I didn't know they had separate appointment times for men and women. I didn't know that the staff during the female drop in times was all female as well.
When we entered the clinic, it seemed like any other waiting room, except that there were pails attached to the wall in rows of four. There must have been about 16 pails full of condoms and lubricant. Beside that wall was pamphlets and print outs with information about every kind of STI one could imagine and some I had never heard of.
I grabbed a number, three, I was early.
My number was called, I filled out a form with basic information, all the normal information needed at any clinic except, they asked about my sexual orientation, when my last pap smear was and when they called with the results could they say Hassle Free Clinic or should they say 'Anna' was calling?
Interesting and very thoughtful. I do not live with my parents so it wasn't a problem for me but, I see why it would be for other people.
Then I was taken into a regular doctor's examination room. The doctor introduced herself as Erin and began explaining the process to me. I was nervous and she did her best to put me at ease.
She asked me when my last pap smear was, I told her the truth. I had been given one at 18, before I lost my virginity. She asked why I had been given one prior to losing my virginity. The truth? My small town doctor did not believe I was a virgin. I assume he found out I was when he got down there. Still, he said it was necessary. Dr. Erin seemed as though she did not agree but, she stressed that I needed to get one every year for the next three years. Then instructed me to take my pants off, cover myself with a paper blanket and lay down on the table.
I think she was a good doctor to have for my first STI test, but I still felt strange. I still felt a tad violated, but she was very professional and very nice.
She warmed and lubricated the speculum, the device that is inserted to open the vagina to allow the doctor a better view of the cervix. I think it was a bit too hot...Thanks for trying though!
I found it a bit painful when she opened the speculum and even more so when she collected her cervical scrapings (samples). It only lasted for about a minute. She took about three or four samples, told me everything looked good and explained the next step in the process.
She had to put her fingers inside me and push on my uterus to make sure everything felt normal. That lasted less than 30 seconds.
The whole ordeal was very quick and the doctor was very nice. She explained fully every step and the reasoning behind what she was doing. That relaxed me a bit.
All in all it was a much better experience than the first time it happened. I vowed I would never have another pap smear in my life. Now I think I will do it next year. Just to be safe.
After I put my pants back on Dr. Erin asked if I wanted to have my throat tested.
I was very confused. Why would I do that?
She explained that she asks everyone, straight or not because if we are giving oral sex we are ingesting sexual fluids. Those fluids can infect the backs of our throats. She said it was rare, but she saw it about four times a year.
I let her test; she swabbed the back of my throat twice.
I gagged the whole time; guess I wouldn't be so good at giving oral to the other side.
She told me I might bleed a bit and that it was normal. I didn't bleed *sigh of relief* I was wearing new underwear!
My partner did not find her test to be painful at all.
I guess it is different for everyone.
Victoria Gray
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