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Old Jan 11, 2020, 12:12 AM
LundiHvalursson LundiHvalursson is offline
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Member Since: Sep 2019
Location: California, USA
Posts: 129
Quote:
Originally Posted by Serpentine Leaf View Post
Concerns about STIs are very well-founded, because yes, they are on the rise and some people have become complacent about HIV because of advances in anti-retrovirus drugs. But that concern, just like any other, is itself a concern if it inhibits us from living our best lives. A concern for healthy eating and working out is a good thing, but it can become pathological if it's taken to the extreme of counting every calorie and every nutrient, constantly testing your blood levels, and exercising to the point of self-harm.

It's always wise to seek the advice of experts when you are unsure and are getting conflicting information. It's true that many doctors either don't have time or simply don't care (I've had a lot of bad experiences with doctors) but there are some who will answer your questions, especially about something this important. There are also RNs, NPs, and PAs who can answer these questions, and I've received much more detailed information from them than from DOs and especially MDs.

Considering your area, Lundi, there must be clinics on nearly every street corner that do testing and offer information. Someone there might be able to give you accurate info.
There have been quite a few incidents in the poorer areas of the city where there are large amounts of IV drug users. They drop infected syringes on the pavement, and some people have stepped on them, my guess with some sort of soft or open-toed shoes, and contracted HIV. So there are some rather odd risks here that one could technically get HIV by just walking down the street Downtown. This in itself fires up my OCD because it is no longer just fears, these things actually are happening.

Regarding kissing, I read a bit more about how saliva apparently carries the HIV virus, but in such low amounts that it is effectively “tamed”. However when it comes for the time for actual sex, I would be comforted if both of us got tested, just to be completely sure.

I would not mind having myself tested when the time comes, even though I am a virgin and by definition cannot have any sort of VD in the first place. Just to have the “negative” status on my record as proof. And I do not do IV drugs at all, so that one is also out of the question.