Kelly Osbourne gets tested Frequently

Kelly Osbourne has admitted to routine STD testing at least 4 times a year. That’s a lot of STD testing! But is she being tested for all STD’s when she is being tested? I wonder if she knows not all STD’s are included in the routine STD testing process.

Hat Tip: I have four STD tests a year, admits Kelly Osbourne

City’s Newest STD Resource Offers Online Testing

San Francisco, CA –  San Francisco STD officials will unveil the City’s newest system to ensure that San Francisco residents have better access, greater convenience, and easier choices in personal STD testing for people at risk for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and herpes.

A confidential online testing resource, www.STDTest.org, is a collaboration between Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc. (ISIS) and the San Francisco Department of Public Health - STD Prevention and Control. It will be presented Wed. Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m. at Gotham Tattoo Parlor (3991 17th St. at Market), one of seven participating lab testing locations.

Through STDTest.org, individuals print their own lab slips and locate a nearby testing site to provide their samples. Test results then arrive within three to five days, accessible online by a unique identifier (PIN). HIV test results are delivered on the phone by a trained counselor. The Department of Public Health will ensure all persons who test positive for an STD receive information on treatment options as soon as possible, whether through City Clinic or their own healthcare provider.

“STDTest.org demonstrates an effective partnership to match new technology and creative resources with local prevention, testing and treatment options, particularly for gay men and young adults,” said Deb Levine, ISIS Executive Director. “Providing accessible and free tools that empower people to take charge of their own sexual health is key in reducing disease in our community.”

After several years of declining syphilis rates in San Francisco, the number of reported cases of early syphilis for the first half of 2008 was 274, up nearly 35% compared to the same period in 2007. In 2007, 595 cases of rectal chlamydia and 494 cases of rectal gonorrhea were diagnosed among men who have sex with men in the city, while the rate of chlamydia among African-American adolescents was over 7 times that of white adolescents.

Through a safe, easy, and secure online payment mechanism, STDTest.org users can “Pay it Forward”– donating a test to family, friends, loved ones, or someone in need– allowing the entire community to benefit from information and services available.

“While frequent testing for individuals can ensure individual sexual health and disease prevention, we also recognize most testing services do not come without a price,” said Levine. “We remain committed to offering STDTest.org for free to any San Francisco resident in need of testing, especially those reluctant or unable to seek medical care for STDs, relying upon community generosity instead of usage fees.” In-kind services have already been donated by Paypal, and a starting “Pay it Forward” donation from an anonymous funder.

Everyone Can “Pay it Forward” While “Playing It Safe”

Shut Up N Post! STD Message Board

Herpes Testing

I have read these feeling will pass

I had been abstinent for over 2 years and tested for everything in that time. I started dating an older, mature, really organized guy. I used to jokingly call us Turner and Hootch because he was so with it and I was so not. His pants were ironed, he always had change for the tolls, knew where his keys were, was never late etc. He led me to believe that he had been abstinent for a long time also, bad break up, etc. and that he was sterile due to prostate cancer treatments.

We never actually had The Talk about testing. The first time we had sex we never used condoms. It never came up. I thought about it a few times, but did not want to hurt his feelings, esp since it would be him that would be the one that was the risk because I had been abstinent for so long.

One day he in a matter of fact way says to me that he is having a herpes outbreak, he had not had one in 8 years, by the way had I ever had herpes. Almost 1in4 people have herpes so I must. What??? Well, about 10 days later I developed herpes. He said he was sorry, but he is just not sorry enough. He acts like it is no big deal, like he gave me a cold or the flu or something, and I should just get over it. Meanwhile, I can barely sit down I am so uncomfortable and I cant stop crying I feel so ugly and ashamed. I have read that these feelings will pass, I know that I need to own my part of what happened but no matter how With It the guy seems, get tested, get tested for everything, use condoms and be firm about it or walk away. - Anon

- Share your courage today

STD Clinics in West Des Moines, Iowa

Here’s the question:

I cant seem to find out some info. I need to get STD tested and cant find prices and places to go. I live in West Des Moines and think i have HPV, but would like some prices on tests. Any links with the info i need? Thanks for all your help.

Here’s what I think:

You might try calling the Centers for Disease Control to see if they  have any recommendations. Maybe you can pick up your local telephone book and check to see if you have any free county health services. A lot of the times if you can find a free HIV clinic, you might be able to get accurate STD testing. You can also try making an appointment to see an infectious disease specialist OR even your family doctor.

Please let us know how it works out for you. If there is anybody that lives in Des Moines, Iowa that would like to make a recommendation as to where a person can get tested for STI’s, please leave a comment.

You can also try  your local Planned Parenthood.

Does genital herpes show up if …

Here’s the question:

I’ve got a question. Does genital herpes show up every time if you get bloodwork done?

Here’s what I think:

If you have a type specific herpes antibody test done each and every time, then yes, the antibodies will be picked up.

Herpes Testing

What are the chances that I get infected?

Here’s the question:

Hello, you might be able to answer my question.  Ive just had a sexual relationship with someone infected.  There was oral and then protected intercourse.  the other person did not have an outbreak at the time.  I guess im being paranoid but what are the chances that I get infected.  if so how long does it takes before symptomes starts showing.  Nice site….need more people like you.  tk you

Here’s what I think:

I guess if it were me, I would start by getting tested. Since herpes isn’t included in the routine std testing process, it’s probably a good idea to figure that part out.

Also, just because you had sex with somebody that has herpes doesn’t mean that you definitely contracted it. People that have herpes are not 100% contagious at all times. The only time we are contagious is if the virus is active and present on the surface of the skin.

But sometimes it can be active and you can’t see or feel it. That’s why people with herpes are told that it’s still possible to pass herpes even if there aren’t any signs or symptoms that you can see or feel.

As far as first time signs or symptoms go, everybody is different. Some people will contract it and they won’t know it and others might get symptoms anywhere from 10 - 14 days afterward.

Be sure and visit my: Herpes Information pg

Talk about  herpes on the: Shut Up N Post! STD Message Board

Is it possible to contract herpes via oral sex?

Here is the question:

I have oral herpes and I have some concerns.  I have been tested for genital herpes and it was negative, but I gave my boyfriend oral sex and he has blisters on his penis now….could I have passed it to him?  I don’t know if it’s possible to pass oral herpes to his penis when I don’t have genital herpes…I am freaking out!  Please help if you can!  Thank you so much!

Here’s is my answer:

Since you say that you have oral herpes, then yes, it is possible to pass herpes to your boyfriends genital via oral sex.

You’ve already said that you don’t have genital herpes and that it’s oral herpes that you have. So there is no way he could have contracted it from your genitals since you don’t have it there. Does that make sense?

Is your boyfriend planning on getting testing OR going to see the doctor so he can figure out what those blisters on his penis are? It might not even be herpes at all, ya know?

Will Oprah ever do a show about Herpes?

Dear Yoshi,

Oprah Winfrey is currently seeking people who have “major” health issues to appear on her show.

I consider the consequences of HSV2 to be “major” if you address the lack of knowledge, health issues, growing infection rates, and deficient testing processes!

I have watched friends (one a virgin) who contracted HSV2 contemplate suicide. We also know those who did take their life after learning they were infected. There are others who suffer serious long-term PID health issues, many who have the inability to form relationships, others who face rejection in the dating world, and some who remain in a constant state of depression because of HSV2.

In one Herpes support group I’m familiar with, one very attractive, well-educated member has not even attempted to date since she was infected 12 YEARS AGO! Following her diagnosis, another beautiful young woman covered every mirror in her home because she could no longer look at herself. Many have totally lost interest in their appearance–as a deterrent to attracting men at all. In the same group, a 50+ year old man with HSV2 STILL doesn’t think you can contract it or pass it on unless you have unprotected sex!

As you have said so many times on your message boards, the world needs to be educated about HSV2. If we’re looking for the ideal opportunity to start the dialog, OPRAH would be the place!  (The subject MUST be presented to the OPRAH staff tactfully, factually, with good statistical data and anecdotal material–or I’m afraid they’ll simply reject it.)

As you know, one critical problem that needs to be exposed is the current STD testing process–both private and public.  When confronted, the man that infected the virgin (through heavy petting/skin-to-skin contact only) said he was “clean” based on his STD test–and also Asymptomatic. His follow-up test for HSV2 was positive. Based on his false assumptions, he has probably infected numerous other women along the way.

There are many, both male and female, who have returned with a “clean” bill of health from STD testing, only to spread the disease because they did not KNOW that they were infected. Why? They didn’t request that particular test and simply  assumed that STD tests include HSV2!

I know people are probably hesitant to go public with HSV2. But, please, please does SOMEONE in the community have the nerve to present this case to Oprah and appear on the show? We owe it to all of those out there who have HSV2 and are suffering the physical, psychological, and emotional consequences of this disease.

P.S.  They also need to know that there’s a site on the Internet and on Myspace that REALLY HELPS!

That was an e-mail that I got encouraging me to contact Oprah. As some of you may already know, I have attempted to contact her over the years. She’s a busy woman and probably doesn’t have time to write me back. So, I’ve resorted to sharing on my blog. I’ll also be posting a link on our Herpes Awareness and Advocacy page! - Angela aka Yoshi2me

Could she pass herpes to me if … ?

From the Feedback Form

Two questions recently I believe this guy who made out with this girl had herpes then this girl made out with my friend in the span of 10 minutes then my friend with no consent to me made out with me.

So if she had herpes from that girl kissing that guy could she pass it to me from having it for that long.

From Angela aka Yoshi2me

Any time you have sex with somebody OR engage in sexual activity you risk the chance of contracting an STD.

I don’t really understand what your definition of “making out” is so I’ll just say that Herpes is spread skin-to-skin usually through kissing, sex OR oral sex.

The only way to know if you have an STD would be to be tested for them. Be sure and ask your doctor OR clinic which ones they are testing you for because they are not all included in the routine STD testing process.

My boyfriend wants to protect me from HSV-2

Question:

My boyfriend wants to protect me from HSV-2 he got back in ‘02. He’s never taken meds, gets 1-2 OBs a year, only one sore on the back of his thigh. We have a question about shedding. Can we cuddle naked in bed when there is no OB or tingling? Does shedding mean he always has to wear pjs to bed?  Can it be transmitted to any part of my body?

Answer:

I think it’s great that your boyfriend wants to protect you and keep you from contracting herpes. I guess what I’m wondering is if you  have ever had accurate herpes testing done? What if you already have the virus and just don’t know it? I think it’s best to be aware of both of your STD status so that you can make more informed decisions together.

Asymptomatic shedding just means that the virus has traveled to the surface of the skin, is active, and you just can’t see OR feel it. So I guess I don’t understand why you don’t think that you can cuddle naked? No, Asymptomatic shedding does not mean he always has to wear his pjs to bed.

The only way he can pass herpes to you is through sex, anal sex, oral sex, OR kissing. Of course this all depends on what type of herpes he has and where it’s located. But seriously, why don’t you have proper herpes testing done so you will know if you have herpes OR not?