What to Expect During an STD Screening

From time to time, it’s a good idea for a man to undergo an STD screening. This is true if a man is enjoying the company of more than one sexual partner, if he isn’t sure that his partner is monogamous (or if he is not), or if he’s thinking about unprotected sex with a steady partner for the first time. Men should consider STD screening an integral part of penis care, not something that can be overlooked or put off!

What happens during an STD screening?
 
For many men, the thought of a strange messing around with their junk is the stuff of nightmares - even if that inspection happens in a medical setting. Here’s what a guy can expect:

1. A ton of questions. A guy will be asked a multitude of questions, and some of them might seem to be asking for ‘too much information.’ A doctor will need to know about a man’s sexual history, how many partners he has had recently (or ever), what kind of sexual activity he engages in and any health issues that might have arisen during those encounters. The doctor will ask blunt questions and expect frank answers. This is not the time to be coy!

2. A physical examination. A guy can expect to have his equipment explored a bit by the physician. This will include a visual examination for any lesions, irritations, bumps, bruises, sores and the like. It will also include a physical examination in which the doctor will touch the penis and surrounding area. The goal is to find any lumps or bumps that can’t be seen, only felt.

3. Swabs and urine tests. During an STD screening, the doctor might want to take samples for examination by a laboratory. In order to do this, swabbing is typically used. This means using an instrument that looks very much like a Q-tip, passing it over and around any questionable areas to pick up a variety of cells from that area, and then sending those cells to the lab for examination. A man might also be used to provide a urine sample.

4. Blood testing. Blood tests are extremely helpful in STD screening, as they pick up infections that might be latent in the body - meaning that there are no outward signs of it at the moment. Herpes is a good example of this. A man who is having an active outbreak shows signs of the problem, but during the times between outbreaks, it can be impossible to tell a man has herpes simply by looking at him. A blood test, however, can reveal the truth.

5. More invasive examinations. A man who is dealing with a particular issue might undergo more invasive testing. For instance, a guy who engages in regular anal play and complains of bleeding or pain in that area might be examined there to figure out what the problem might be. However, rest assured that the doctor will be gentle and try to cause as little embarrassment as possible. Doctors have seen it all, so nothing a guy says will shock them or make them view him differently.

Staying healthy
 
A man who is worried about STDs should take special care to prevent the problem by using condoms whenever he has sex with a new partner, ensuring he is in a monogamous relationship before going without protection, and getting STD screening on a regular basis, regardless of his relationship status.

When it comes to penis health, a man can also make great strides toward better penis care with a good penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Though no crème can prevent a sexually transmitted disease, the regular application of a crème indicates good penis hygiene; and that means a man will be faster to catch the first signs of an STD if he does contract one. A guy should look for a luxurious combination of Shea butter and vitamin E, as well as other nutrients and vitamins, to ensure his penis skin stays in tip-top shape.

The Lowdown on STD Screening - How it Works, and How to Prepare

Before a couple slips between the sheets for a blissful interlude, they're often encouraged to visit the doctor for a thorough STD screening, since a remarkable number of very serious medical conditions can be passed from one partner to another during sex. These tests may become a routine part of a man's penis care regimen, but men who have never been through an exam like this in the past may be filled with fear when they think about exposing such a private part of their bodies to the cold scrutiny of a medical professional. Hopefully, this article will alleviate some of those fears and allow men to get these tests without experiencing panic in the process.

History and Examination
 
The first part of the appointment may consist of a long question-and-answer period in which the doctor asks about a man's sexual preferences, including the number of partners involved and the types of activities that took place. These questions can be embarrassing, but the answers can give medical professionals a great deal of information about the types of infections that might be at play in the man's body. The tests that follow might be deeply dependent on those answers, so it's important for men to be honest.

A visual penis examination might follow, in which the doctor looks for:

• Penis lesions
• Penis bumps
• Swollen glands
• Abraded skin
• Discolored skin
• Unusual discharge
• Areas of pain

Dropping trou in front of a stranger isn't always easy, and it's not uncommon for men to be nervous and uncomfortable. Thankfully, however, this portion of the appointment tends to end quickly.

Tests to Run
 
Men sometimes avoid STD screening because they fear that a doctor will jam a cotton swab into the tip of the penis and cause excruciating pain that simply won't abate. This fear is common, but fortunately, it's rare for this event to come to pass. Medical professionals who do use swabs are careful not to hurt their clients, and yelling or moving is acceptable if the test doesn't go as planned. Also, some medical professionals use urine tests instead of cotton swabs, so there is no poking or prodding involved at all. Men with severe cotton swab fears can call before their appointments and clarify this point, and perhaps look for a doctor that leans on urine rather than cotton.

Open wounds or sores might be poked with swabs or slides, however, as the discharge from these wounds can contain cells that are filled with infection. This sample taking also shouldn't hurt.

A blood test might round out the office visit, and sometimes, a man has to have that test performed in a different part of the medical office, when he's completely clothed. A quick prick of the needle and a few vials of blood might be all that's required for these tests.

Getting Ready
 
Aside from asking questions before the appointment and ensuring that a man is comfortable with all of the tests that will take place, there's little for guys to do in order to prep for their appointments. Washing up beforehand is always a good idea, however, as medical professionals shouldn't be asked to deal with nasty equipment as they work.

A penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) could be a vital part of the cleanup process, too, as these products contain antioxidants and vitamins that can keep penis odors to a minimum. Products like this can also keep penile skin soft and smooth, so mild abrasions won't crop up and give doctors more tissue to test in an exam. Products like this shouldn't be used on open skin, but they could be vital help for men who would like to keep their skin soft and supple, and as healthy as possible.