The Wall

So here’s something not a lot of people like to talk about.  Getting tested for STD’s!

Yeah, I know it’s not a lot of fun to think about.. STD’s are gross so you usually try to keep it out of your head.  But bottom line: If you want to have fun in the sack, you should at least know that you’re safe AS WELL as your partner.

So now it comes down to getting tested.  How do you do this?  Well, I learned a while back that even with health insurance, I had to pay full price at the labs for the tests (over $800!).  My doctor didn’t know the costs, just wrote me a prescription for it.  When I went to the lab, they said that the tests weren’t covered under “Preventative Maintenance”.  I was like “Wow, so insurance companies are helping to discourage people from getting tested.  Great!”.  An STD test should be economical and encouraged.  It’s ridiculous that it costs this much.

So I did some research and I found some great solutions.

#1)  If you’re in Las Vegas, go to the Southern Nevada Health District (http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/std-clinic/index.php).  There you can get screened for only $30.   They test for HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

#2)  If you don’t live in Las Vegas, go to: http://www.gytnow.org.   This site (sponsored by MTV) will take you to a directory of clinics in your neighborhood.

#3)  For additional testing, you can go to: http://www.requestatest.com.  There you can order specific lab tests and get them done for cheaper than going straight to the labs.

If you go to the SNHD, go early in the morning to avoid lines.  Be sure to drink lots of water as there is a piss test.  And there’s a blood test (ugh, i hate needles!).  If you have an active sex life with more than one partner then you should get tested no less than once every three months.  Just don’t forget the condom and be sure to take a look at the goods before getting down to business!

So that’s it.  Good luck, safe sex, peace, love and happiness