Sexual Health Screening

[Lakitu]

In recent times, the media has been encouraging the general public to take better care of their sexual health and that there is no (longer) any stigma attached to going for a full STD screening.

We had Anna Richardson on Channel 4 for the last few weeks promoting the importance of it, we have the embarrassing illnesses doctors promoting awareness and we have the advert (in Scotland anyway) where the couples are getting down to business with the name of 'their' STD written on their belt or knickers.

Well, their hard work paid off as I was visiting the nurse in my GP practive this afternoon and when we were done I asked her to book me in for a full sexual health screening and I am astounded at the response I received.

She tried to discourage me, starting off telling me that if I'm in a long term relationship that it's not necessary. I pointed out that I am not and even if I were, how could I possibly be sure that my partner had not picked something up from his previous partner or that he wasn't cheating on me unprotected at this very moment.

She then said "But you won't be wanting an HIV test, willl you?" I said that I would as I assumed that when I asked for a FULL screening that an HIV test would come under that umbrella. She told me that if I have an HIV or Hep B test then that will affect my chances of getting a mortgage as they will see my medical records and put me in the "at risk" bracket and I'll be less likely to be granted the mortgage.

How can this be? Surely mortgage companies are not dinosaurs still in the 80's? Surely they would see that I have been sensible enough to get tested and that a negative would stand me in good stead since I'm not dying anytime soon and leaving them with my debt?

Continued.

[Lakitu]

Wiggal, I remember when my mortgage was provisionally accepted and I was asked to fill out all the forms, that there was a section about my health, though I honestly can't remember if it was anything other than the standard questions one is askd in these forms.

I agree Max, it isn't something that is more popular in one community more than another anymore, it really can happen to anyone after having unprotected sex just the once.

Ice, I remember when there was stories in the paper about people contracting HIV and Hep B through donated blood.

Bath if you're still reading this, then I was talking to someone else about what happens if your donated blood is infected, apparently they do NOT telll you what is wrong with your blood but you will be informed that your blood is not suitable and to refer to your own GP.

[Bathsheba]

Oh thanks, Lakitu- just logged on + was having a quick scan over last night! That's useful to know x

[Lakitu]

LOL that was handy! x

[sara3]

be a blood donor, it's a great cause with a massive "feel good" factor. and they do routine HIV testing.

but you shouldn't go for that reason alone. it's everyone's responsibility to look after their sexual health. my last partner didn't want to use a condom, and when I talked him into it he said, "I haven't used them for years". well, wakey wakey mate! evidently he's had unprotected sex with women, and you only need to have sex with one infected person who may or may not know they're infected....

anyway, I ditched him for many reasons, and we never got to the sex stage. my point is.. you never know who has it.

I've been tested. it's scary waiting for the results but the thought of potentially leaving something untreated is far far worse.

your GP is a nightmare and someone should be alerted.

[foodluva]

I don't think the mortgage companies ask about sexual risk but I know for sure that any related life insurance will always ask the question. It's an unfortunate fact that people to declare an HIV test will often have their insurance premiums inflated as they are deemed higher risk.

Nurses have a legal obligation to ensure that patients make decisions that are fully informed. Personally, I wouldn't condemn her for ensuring you knew the full consequences but perhaps she could have approached it in a different manner.

P.S I worked in the mortgage industry for 15 years and am now a nurse. Weird or what?

[Lakitu]

Good for you for standing your ground with the guy, Sara.

Are those that are in a profession where they need to be tested regularly penalised too, foodluva?

[IggyB]

yes its bad, yes its out of date etc etc but thats how it works - if you don't like it you could either join the industries and try and change them from the inside OR try lobbying government for a restriction on what in mortage companies and insurers are allowed to demand when making contracts...
however as the companies involved have worked out for themselves their present operating system is designed to best make them money and as that is what they are trying to do that is how they will continue to go about business. Additionally as this government is very very keen on monitoring and collecting as much info as possible about every citizen and don't imagine they would be very likely to start listening to any argument in favour of privacy...

as you have already pointed out the solution has already been found e.g. the GUM clinics, it is your choice whether to choose wisely and keep yourself of the record or choose badly and against your health professionals advice and make it formal thus leaving yourself open to problems in the future.