Welcome to another episode of the patient stories from Better2 Know.
At Better2 Know, we believe that sharing personal experiences can help break down the stigma that many people feel to be tested on STDs. We have collected stories from people who have been tested to inspire and encourage others to take this important step for their sexual health.
Certain names and details in these stories have been changed for privacy.
~
Norman’s story shows the value of happy accidents. While he was a student, a hard push from his university to test Norman showed how other parts of his life needed some attention.
When Norman went to university in early twenty, he was pushed into a new environment, with new people and new life experiences right for him. Like many young students, the sensation of learning mixed well with the sensation of dating.
If you have had sex and you are worried about STDs, Better2 Know is here to help.
“I started to date more often when I went to Uni in early 20,” Norman said during a video call. Despite his name, Norman has the rounder, softer characteristics of someone who is quite young, his jet black except for a single shock of gray at the front. “They would have sti-conscious drives every few months on campus. They would do a test for drink vouchers, so it was a no-brainer!”
For Norman it was not about a dramatic sexual encounter or went wrong a night of pleasure. What led him to be tested was much more prosaic.
“I was not specifically concerned about having an STD because I always used protection, but at that moment all my friends were tested at the same event, so I participated.
“I think testing is very hard on a decade or two ago[…]It was quite normal. I remember campaigns at the time. ‘
Norman also noticed, as we at Better2Know, the lack of consciousness in recent years about sexual health tests.
“Not much is being talked about nowadays. [I think there’s] More stigma confirmed [than there used to be]. “
Despite an increased willingness to be tested at homeunsafe sex practices rise among the 16-24 year olds, with condom use much less usual than twenty years ago was. National surveys have shown that although young people have less sex than previous generations, they have risks sexual behavior rather and get a STI rather than other age groups. This points to a need for more access to sexual health information.
We asked Norman how he felt about his results, and when we did, he helped a smile while a look of ambivalence crossed his face.
“I was more relieved than worried. I received a message asking. I thought the worst, but then it discovered that it wasn’t that serious.”
Fortunately, the Norman brush with an STD test did not result in positive results. At least not those Types of positive results.
“I tested positively for non-specific urethritis, which is caused by hard shower gels. I looted a lot and didn’t think about it, but I switched after I found out, which has helped since then.”
Norman was satisfied with his test experience. But it made him think twice about how casual he had been about his sexual health.
“It is easy to let the priority list slide if you have a lot going on or you are worried about the result, but it is really a relief knowing so that you can do something about it.”
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Book an STD test at a sexual health clinic in your area.
#Patient #stories #Norman #Better2 #Blog