Do you as a punter know how long does it take for symptoms of the pox to show ??

[mrfishyfoo]

Well it seems a lot don't so here are the figures off the NHS wbsite.

Taken from the NHS website External Link/Members Only

Chlamydia

Symptoms usually appear after one to three weeks, but could start much later. They include:

discharge from the vagina or penis
pain when peeing
vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex
pelvic pain in women
testicular pain in men
About 50% of men and 70% of women don't have any symptoms.

Genital herpes

Symptoms can appear after four to seven days, but might not start until months or years later. They include:

small, painful blisters around the genitals
pain when peeing
a tingling or itching around the genitals
Most people don't have any symptoms when first infected.

Genital warts

Symptoms usually appear within two to three months, but could start as early as two weeks or not for several years. They include:

small, fleshy growths or bumps on the genitals or around the anus – these are usually painless, but may be itchy
Most people with the virus that causes genital warts don't develop obvious warts.

Gonorrhoea

Symptoms usually appear within 10 days, but could start much later. They include:

green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis
pain when peeing
About 10% of men and 50% of women don't have any symptoms.

Pubic lice and scabies

Symptoms usually appear after five days to five weeks, but could start later. They include:

itching around the genitals (usually worse at night)
black spots in your underwear
small spots of blood on the skin near your genitals
a spotty red rash

Syphilis

Symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after first becoming infected, but could start earlier or much later. They include:

one or more small painless sores or ulcers on the genitals
a blotchy rash and flu-like symptoms that may follow a few weeks later
Symptoms are often not obvious and may come and go.

Trichomoniasis

Symptoms usually appear within four weeks, but could start months later. They include:

discharge from the vagina or penis
pain when peeing
itchiness or discomfort around the opening of the vagina
About 50% of men and women don't have any symptoms.

HIV

The first symptoms may appear after two to six weeks. They can include:

flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature (fever), a sore throat, a headache, and achy muscles or joints
a red rash on the body
Not everyone gets these symptoms, but in people who do they usually last a week or two.
After they disappear, you may not have any further symptoms for many years, even though the infection remains in your body.

[mediumjoe]

Thanks Mr Fish,  as you always say it isn't for the squeamish or fainthearted this game is it, and the bloody idiots that go barebacking ought to be locked up, imho.  Joe

[mrfishyfoo]

Thanks Mr Fish,  as you always say it isn't for the squeamish or fainthearted this game is it, and the bloody idiots that go barebacking ought to be locked up, imho.  Joe

Yeah then we also have to take account of the fact that accidents do happen. It's been a while but I have had a rubber split on me, fuck me I absolutely shat myself for the 2 weeks I was waiting to go to the GUM and then it was another 2 weeks before the retest. I was out of action for 6 weeks.

That's why, even though I am super careful, I get tested every 3 months and sometimes I think that is too long between tests. It only takes one rotten cock being sucked OWO or one rotten cunt being licked in RO and that's it the genie is out of the bottle.

[vw]

Yeah then we also have to take account of the fact that accidents do happen. It's been a while but I have had a rubber split on me, fuck me I absolutely shat myself for the 2 weeks I was waiting to go to the GUM and then it was another 2 weeks before the retest. I was out of action for 6 weeks.

That's why, even though I am super careful, I get tested every 3 months and sometimes I think that is too long between tests. It only takes one rotten cock being sucked OWO or one rotten cunt being licked in RO and that's it the genie is out of the bottle.

They only retest if positive not as standard, never in 20 years have i had a retest just next normal visit.

[mrfishyfoo]

They only retest if positive not as standard, never in 20 years have i had a retest just next normal visit.

Clearly the policy is different in different parts of the country. 

Like I said on the WM string they retest at the GUM I go to even if the 1st set of tests is negative.

[Silver Birch]

Clearly the policy is different in different parts of the country. 

Like I said on the WM string they retest at the GUM I go to even if the 1st set of tests is negative.

Not disputing the policy of your clinic, but I have been to a variety of clinics and never been retested. Judging by the queues, I don't think they would have the capacity.

[dude86]

I wonder if it's worth sharing links for reputable sellers of antibiotics like doxycycline which I believe treats chlamydia and some other STIs, might just be of use?

[Tricky Dickie]

I wonder if it's worth sharing links for reputable sellers of antibiotics like doxycycline which I believe treats chlamydia and some other STIs, might just be of use?

Huh? Why would anyone want to self diagnose and then self medicate? You take yourself to a GUM. They reliably tell you what you've got and give you a prescription. Why do you need a DIY route?

[vw]

Huh? Why would anyone want to self diagnose and then self medicate? You take yourself to a GUM. They reliably tell you what you've got and give you a prescription. Why do you need a DIY route?

Seems some punters have an irrational fear to GUM clinics others maybe  concerned about bumping into family or friends at clinic and others are just idiots, take your pick.

[Tricky Dickie]

Seems some punters have an irrational fear to GUM clinics others maybe  concerned about bumping into family or friends at clinic and others are just idiots, take your pick.

Well every one of them should grow a pair and man up. If there were fewer people self prescribing antibiotics there would be fewer antibiotic-resistant bugs.

I've got solutions to your suggestions why though:

Irrational fear of GUM clinics. Solution - be a man.
Fear of bumping into someone you know. Solution - go to a clinic in another town.
Being an idiot. Solution - stop being a twat.

[Desimonic]

If you regular punt, you should regularly get checked out at GUM. Free , simple painless, just takes a little of your time to feel safe

[mrfishyfoo]

Seems some punters have an irrational fear to GUM clinics others maybe  concerned about bumping into family or friends at clinic and others are just idiots, take your pick.

Fucking incredible isn't it. 

We are all responsible for our own wellbeing and need to deal with it.

Relying on anyone, or for that matter anything, that doesn't involve a trip to the GUM or GP practice is IMHO fucking insane. 

[vw]

Fucking incredible isn't it. 

We are all responsible for our own wellbeing and need to deal with it.

Relying on anyone, or for that matter anything, that doesn't involve a trip to the GUM or GP practice is IMHO fucking insane. 

Going to the GP is also insane for those in a relationship in my view, that leaves a stamp on your medical record, where as gum is confidential and anonymous, laugh every time  i give my fake name. 

Also GP's are pretty clueless when it comes to matters of a sexual nature, and have heard some shady advice punter have been given by GPS.

If in doubt speak to specialist.

[mrfishyfoo]

Going to the GP is also insane for those in a relationship in my view, that leaves a stamp on your medical record, where as gum is confidential and anonymous, laugh every time  i give my fake name. 

Also GP's are pretty clueless when it comes to matters of a sexual nature, and have heard some shady advice punter have been given by GPS.

If in doubt speak to specialist.

...relationship what's that ??

Oh yeah the monthly maintenance I have to pay to the ex. 

Fair point for the chaps with a wife/partner. 

[vw]

...relationship what's that ??

If you want some etiquette lessons to help you find out PM me.   

[MrMatrix]

Thanks MrF, a timely reminder to all on such an important issue is always useful. We should all get checked if you punt on a regular basis. 

[mrfishyfoo]

If you want some etiquette lessons to help you find out PM me.   

Ooooh goody  I'll be doing that straight away.

[munterhunter]

A good informative post. I play safe I've had a small number of condom accidents in my time I get checked regularly for my own peace of mind and if I had any doubts or symptoms I'd have no hesitation in going to the GUM clinic for a check.

[dude86]

For the record, I do go to the GUM myself.

[jjmoons]

Going to the GP is also insane for those in a relationship in my view, that leaves a stamp on your medical record, where as gum is confidential and anonymous, laugh every time  i give my fake name. 

Also GP's are pretty clueless when it comes to matters of a sexual nature, and have heard some shady advice punter have been given by GPS.

If in doubt speak to specialist.

If you're anonymous and give a fake name i assume you have to return for results?

What if it's a positive test, then what?

I have only punted 5 times in the last 10 years all protected and part of the reason is this risk oof catching something and the other part is the relationship and getting caught!

[vw]

If you're anonymous and give a fake name i assume you have to return for results?

What if it's a positive test, then what?

They text results to my punting phone, supposedly you return and give your punting phone number or other fake details.

Well all the regions i have lived in have done it this way, not sure about Yorkshire though Fishypoo thinks they are very different.

[vt]

If you're anonymous and give a fake name i assume you have to return for results?

What if it's a positive test, then what?

I have only punted 5 times in the last 10 years all protected and part of the reason is this risk oof catching something and the other part is the relationship and getting caught!

They send the results to your punting mobile a few days later. Sometimes you have to call them.

I guess if positive and no diagnosis was made on the initial visit, you would have to return for treatment. I don't know what would happen if you were unlucky enough to get a positive for HIV, I reckon they would push to inform your GP.

I once met the Senior doctor at my local GUM, he said the service was confidential, but not anonymous, implying that I should be using my real name. I still gave him my fake name and modified date of birth (you just have to make sure you remember them for the next visit). I don't want HIV tests on my real-life medical records.

In 6 years of regular punting & partying with over 200 prossies and having the full gamut of GUM tests every 3-6 months, I've never had a confirmed diagnosis of an STI. I've had a couple of NSUs which cleared up with antibiotics, but neither time did it turn out to be Chlamydia, so were probably self-inflicted infections from using too much shower gel. I've also had the Hep B vaccinations as that's a nasty one if caught.

I heard anecdotally from a nurse at a busy London GUM, that they've had not one case of STI in the 3 years she'd been working there from OWO, RO & covered sex, the typical services we enjoy in punting. Any positives were from BB vaginal between hetero civvies & BB anal between MSM. That certainly eased my mind about the risks we're taking in punting.

[alpharius]

Pay attention too to your orgasm. Many moons ago I realised I'd caught the clap when mine changed (painful, blood tinged). That was a fun conversation to have with the (cheating) ex! (turns out she had cheated on me but probably had the clap from before we got together, because lo and behold, no symptoms for her!)

GUM clinics have really seen everything. A nurse came to my 6th Form once and gave us a fun talk: condom use, how testing works and when to do it, but also went into fetishes (that day I learnt that bugchasing and rainbowing were things  ). Equally, they went into the ins & outs of HIV - you're basically asking for it if you share IV needles but also interestingly I recall her telling us only a few prostitutes in the city now had it after massive drives to get them all into regular testing programmes, making sure they had condom supplies and any that were IVDUs had needle supplies

Alpharius 

[mrfishyfoo]

They text results to my punting phone, supposedly you return and give your punting phone number or other fake details.

Well all the regions i have lived in have done it this way, not sure about Yorkshire though Fishyfoo (CORRECTED  ) thinks they are very different.

They text results to my phone as well.

As for Yorkshire being different........I can only report on my personal experiences when I had a rubber split on me. They told me to wait 2 weeks before getting tested and then I had to go back again 2 weeks later. Both sets of tests were negative.

Perhaps the nurse fancied me and wanted to cause me more pain when she shoved things up my cock. 

[vt]

They text results to my phone as well.

As for Yorkshire being different........I can only report on my personal experiences when I had a rubber split on me. They told me to wait 2 weeks before getting tested and then I had to go back again 2 weeks later. Both sets of tests were negative.

Perhaps the nurse fancied me and wanted to cause me more pain when she shoved things up my cock. 

I guess it's because you had a specific risk with the rubber splitting, the extra 2 weeks was to get you beyond the window period of some STIs that might not show up so soon after the risk event.

External Link/Members Only

HIV tests are only 95% reliable one month after an unprotected event. Only after testing again after 3 months is the result considered conclusive.

[mrfishyfoo]

I guess it's because you had a specific risk with the rubber splitting, the extra 2 weeks was to get you beyond the window period of some STIs that might not show up so soon after the risk event.

That's my take on it as well.