I GOT TESTED!'s topics - tribe.net

Condom/safer sex Fatigue

2008-05-08T04:20:18Z

I was wondering if you all had suggestions about what one could prevent or approach new Ideas to help people with Condom/safer sex Fatigue?
I do a sexual health group at my job, so I try to give my clients positive views about sex, and also use a harm reduction approach on both sex and drug use. I have not really talked much about safer sex yet, because I feel it has been shoved down people’s throats. But I have been defiantly hearing about condom/safer sex Fatigue. When reading some of the treads in this tribe I have also been hearing it hear. So what do we/I do to help to support/empower people to try and be as safe as they can in the population I work with? Any suggestions?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 5 replies

NEWS FLASH!! HIV does not transmit with no viral load . . .

2008-05-08T03:08:22Z

'ello all. I got the following info and link from my previous AIDS doc in NYC who is quoted inside this link - America has yet to accept/advertise the information (no surprise) but Swiss/European studies show CONDOM FREE sex is safe if HIV+ person has no viral load for > 6 months, is on meds and monitored regularly, and no active STD co-infections. It''s a little imbedded in the page - look about 1/2 way down for the straight dope:
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

WOW. that means I may actually be able to fuck without a condom again in my life?? How absolutely weird after convincing myself it didn't really matter . . . wanted you all to know as your replies to my previous topic about being positive and the issues/rejections that go with it were so absolutely wonderful, candid, loving.

what's your reaction? still scared? that scared thing's always such a trip . . . whatever our fears are . . .

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 16 replies

Sterilization options for women...Essure and others...have you done it?

2008-05-07T04:44:09Z

Hi all,

I'm looking at sterilization options. I know that there's a new tech called Essure, and it has to do with occlusion of the fallopian tubes with little plugs, which then basically scar closed. This can be done without the surgery that is required for a tubal ligation. I am prone to scarring and have had a few too many surgeries in my time... so, wondering if any of you women out there have gone with Essure or other less intensive sterilization options, and if so, HOW IS IT?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 13 replies

HSV1 only & Disclosure

2008-04-01T19:13:08Z

I have never had a cold sore or any apparent herpes symptoms confirmed by any doctor. I have had dermatitis diagnosed on my forehead, and a fungal rash on my perineum - this was treated with Daktacort which I was told would have made things worse had it been herpes.
In order to know my status for sure I paid to have a blood test. It came back positive for HSV1 only.

The doctor maintains that there is no need to contact any of my previous partners or disclose to future partners. She says all it means is I have antibodies. I feel unesay about this as well as still slightly shocked - but cannot tell from numerous internet searches so am asking for your advice please?

Am I at risk of infecting others and should I disclose to my ex partner and if Im in a new relationship? Had I not paid to find out Id still be ignorant of my status.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

I'm + . . .women's reactions, and men's . . .

2008-03-22T05:15:38Z

'ello all. I've been + for almost 20 years now. undetectable viral load for the last several years. am completely bisexual (fence, what fence?) and its always been very interesting (and sometimes painful) that women are rarely put off by it but, and ii hate to say it, so many men are. I alwayz tell, that's me. stats show some 50% of + people don't (!) if they're using condoms, not to mention how many just don't even know their status.

since using condoms is extremely safe as transmission female to male is much much less common than the other way around, why is it that so many men get so afraid just because i'm up front about it - I'm also internationally a safer sex educator so if anybody knows how to keep safe i do. its almost like its not even a rational reaction, fear is just fear.

its not personal. and, its of course extremely personal. at the least I'd like to find a way to be with myself so my feelings don't as hurt. bottom line if somebody doesn't really dig me and its a problem they aren't for my anyway . . . but, to say the very least, the fear/rejection because of it is fricking drag.

feedback, you all are at least having the discussion and so i figure are pretty educated/aware . . . thanks

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 14 replies

MRSA

2008-03-22T05:06:35Z

I just read an article on MSNBC.com that I thought was interesting. Just another reason to have safer sex.

"This superbug can cause life-threatening and disfiguring infections and can often only be treated with expensive, intravenous antibiotics.

It killed about 19,000 Americans in 2005, most of them in hospitals, according to a report published in October in the Journal of the American Medical Association."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22665539/

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 19 replies

Yay for healthcare!

2008-02-21T08:36:46Z

Now that I have full coverage healthcare I've gotten around to a full-panel screening...and yay! I'm clean & clear for everything. Now I've started the HepA/HepB inoculations.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

not spam (x-post) iclicku.com

2008-01-18T08:16:16Z

this isn't spam, just spreding the word about a website for people with HPV/HSV that I've had a good experience with.
Hi people, I just got back from a really fun trip(my virgin voyage) to Las Vegas with a group a people I met on a website called iclicku.com. I had a great time, and met some cool people. The best thing was I didn't have to worry if I forgot to pack my acyclovir. Anyway, the site give you a 1 month free trial and I'm definitely going to sign up for the year. I'd love to see some more folks on there.

iclicku.com

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

have herpes?

2008-01-17T22:15:44Z

IF you have herpes/hpv/STD, you may feel dispirited. But 1 in 5 men and 1 in 4 women are living with herpes. You are not alone. Don't Let Genital Herpes Run or Ruin Your Life. Look for Herpes girls/boys for love tonight AT STDromance.com

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

"The Talk"

2008-01-17T18:52:11Z

So how do you have "The Talk" with a potential new sex partner about your sexual health (and your potential partner's?) I'm just curious, and also looking for some pointers.

This came up for me because I met a guy , there was a spark, and it seemed like we were headed for a sexual relationship, or at least a fling. My new rule is no sleeping together until I know if I have a bond with someone, and I was very upfront with him about that, that we weren't going to have sex on our date. I could say that, but then when I thought we'd probably see each other again, I started getting really anxious about how to even start the conversation about STD's and safe sex. It made me wonder how other people do it, whether or not you have an STD. I'm interested to hear you stories about it. What works for you?

I've also been thinking about how, in ten years of dating, only one man I've even been involved with has ever talked about STD's before we slept together, and then it was almost too late anyway. Of course, neither did I until recently, but it's kind of staggering to me that this conversation isn't the norm with people about to get sexually involved. Any thought about why this is? And how to make it easier?

Thanks!

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 18 replies

Outreach with MSMs?

2008-01-03T01:45:50Z

Since there seems to be a lot of Health / HIV workers on this site and since I'm supposed to be working...

Does anyone have any advice on doing HIV prevention outreach with MSMs (Men who have Sex with Men) in rural communities?

We are starting a cyber outreach program, but as far as street outreach goes.. All I can think of is condom distribution and testing referalls.

Honestly, even if you don't work in health related or HIV related fields I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone might have for encouraging MSMs to practice safer sex and to get tested.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

High costs vs anonymous testing

2008-01-02T03:37:58Z

Some posting here have mentioned getting insurance to cover the cost of std testing.

I'm not sure that's always a good idea - if a test comes back positive, doesn't that become part of your health record with them?

I would recommend getting tested anonymously whenever possible, and if you can't afford to pay for the tests, get them done at a clinic that offers free testing or sliding scale. Then make as generous a donation as you can to the clinic.

But definitely get tested somehow somewhere whenever you think you might need it. The women's health clinic in the Los Angeles area at Coldwater and Saticoy? (or is it at Vanowen?) tells me that they now get HIV test results in about 20 minutes. Which spares you what used to be an agonizing several days or longer wait. And the hiv tests are always anonymous. just walk in and get a number.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 8 replies

HPV and IUDs

2007-12-16T21:47:47Z

I am not able to take birth control hormones because they cause me to get blood clots. I want to have an IUD put in but I have heard that they are dangerous if you have an STD. Does any one know about the specifics of HPV and the use of an IUD?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

Where to get tested

2007-08-17T01:19:06Z

Hi all
I live in Santa Rosa.
I do not know where to go to get a full screen std test.
I got my last test from my doctor.
This was fine, but after insurance paid for the first 400, I got a bill for the remaining 250
I think thats a little stiff...actually, a lot stiff
I did some online research, but could not find any other options.
The clinic up here will only perform tests on an "as needed" basis...ie, if you believe that you have been exposed or if you have symptoms for something particular.

Any leads/advice for something comprehensive and less expensive?

Thanks
J

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

HIV and Saliva question

2007-08-16T07:39:33Z

To get straight to the point: I have dental work that is digging into my gums heavily in the last three weeks and causing bleeding that im currently in route to fix. In the meanwhile im spending time with a fellow whom i'm aware does indeed openly carry HIV. Although im aware that kissing does not trasmit the virus i do wonder however if the field is somewhat changed presenting more risk if there are open sores such as the awful awful gash i have in my gums due to my braces malfunctioning adding more concern than what i already had previously. I'm thinking this should be looked at seriously. Any info on if saliva period does not carry the virus... or if open sores and mouth wounds would up the chance of possible infection because of easier access involving warmth, mouth to mouth transference.

I do NOT engage in giving oral because i do know that semen DOES indeed carry heavier viral presence.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 5 replies

Sex Party Group Looking for HOT, Single MEN 21-40yrs...

2007-06-23T17:35:05Z

SOTC is a group of over 500 members, mostly couples and single women and are currently taking applications for SEXY single men to attend our parties. (Of course couples and single women are always encouraged to apply as well.) Bisexual a plus!

All single men have to be prescreened in person by the hosts - we are having a Meet & Greet next FRIDAY night in SF at an upscale strip club.

All guests have to be members (nominal fee to join) which includes invites to parties and social events, a forum to chat with other members, a newsletter, and a community of like-minded adults at your fingertips.

Looking for that single girl who is into play parties and swapping with others? We have made a few connections in the past for singles, we even have a pending marriage. You never know who you might meet a FWB, or even your future partner.

Apply online today and get an SOTC membership to get the invite to next Friday's Meet & Greet. You do not want to miss that meet as all of the men who have been prescreen will instantly be placed on ALL guest list for future parties!

If you are a couple or single woman - we are having a party this SAT, become a member and get your invite ASAP.

See site for details... www.SOTCparty.com

~Jodie~
SOTC Hostess

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Herpes Vaccine Trials - female only

2007-06-05T21:41:00Z

Saw this on Craigslist today, thought some people might be interested.

Women 18-30, Needed for Paid Vaccine Study Against Herpes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: see below
Date: 2007-04-16, 1:56PM PDT

Healthy women ages 18-30 are needed for a study of an investigational vaccine against genital herpes.

Facts about Herpes:
Approximately ONE out of FOUR women in the United States develops genital herpes.
Symptoms are often subtle and most people don't know they have herpes.
People who do not have visible symptoms can still spread herpes.
This vaccine CANNOT give you herpes

Who is Eligible?
Women 18-30 year of age
Women who have no history of oral (cold sores) or genital herpes.
Women who are not pregnant, breast feeding, or planning on becoming pregnant for the next 8 months.
Women who are not planning on moving away from the bay area for 2 years.

You will be paid $20 for your first screening visit.
You will be paid $40 per visit after the screening.
Make up to $340.00

Please visit our website at www.QuestWomensClinic.com to learn more about the Herpes Vaccine study and see if you qualify.

Contact:
shannon@questclinical.com
415-353-0212

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

gonorrhea joins superbug class

2007-04-16T20:28:09Z

The sexually transmitted disease gonorrhhea is now among the superbugs resistant to common antibiotics, leading U.S. health officials to recomend wider use of a diffrent class of drugs to avert a public health crisis.

Pretty scary stuff

This was pulled out of the Oregon newspaper today.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

HPV vaccine

2007-04-11T23:42:47Z

Is now available, and apparently works well - close to 100% efficacy in protecting against the 4 most common HPV varieties.

Seems great - I'm goign to get it.

Medical insurance wont cover it, thou. It's marketed as a "cervical cancer vaccine" and the CDC approved usage is for young girls - the idea being to protect them against genital warts and hence cervical cancer. Which is fine &dandy, but it means that insurance wont pay for it unless you're a pre-teen girl.

Heart,

E.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 16 replies

New potential partner is HSV-2 positive... questions

2007-04-10T23:10:00Z

Hey folks.

I thought I'd ask your opinions, and for some advice here regarding a new potential partner of mine who has told me (sweetly and honestly, yay disclosure!) that he has HSV-2.

So, I know the basics about herpes type 2 (genital herpes)- how it's transmitted, virus shedding, outbreaks, etc etc....and have routinely tested negative for it myself.

My initial reaction to his telling me this is-- dammit, now we can't have penetrative or oral sex. I mean, I'm fine without it, he's a nice boy and I like him no less, but I'm wondering if I'm overreacting, and what the "risk percentages" are.

Bottom line: I don't want HSV-2. I don't want to have to tell my potential partners that I have it, to have that uncomfortable conversation, to be potentially dismissed out of hand as someone not then worth bothering with. (Not that I'd do this to anyone, but I can imagine it does happen to folks).

However, the little pouty part of me that wants to get freaky (safely of course) with this new boy, is going "but how big of a risk WOULD I be taking?"

I know the only way to 100% not get HSV-2 from him is to not have sex with him.
But, if he's not having an outbreak or feeling that tingly-whatever, and we're using a condom, how LIKELY is it that I'd get it? I mean, is it more likely that I'd be hit by a falling piano? Pretty likely? Definitely risky?

I'm wondering if I'm overreacting by saying out of hand "no oral or penetrative sex"....I'm wondering if I'm just doing this out of irrational fear, out of that sense of "I don't want to be socially stigmatized or have to go through telling potential partners". The health risks for HSV-2 seem somewhat small, it's not that I'm worried about (which is a clue that I might just be mentally working myself up over something relatively minor).

As you can tell, I'm feeling a bit scattered. Sorry for the length of this post.

Any advice/suggestions/statistics you could throw my way would be helpful.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 23 replies

Any Poly women w/ Herpes in the Bay Area?

2007-03-26T11:06:25Z

The herpes dating sites I have looked at don't look very promising. Most of the people are older an or/ just looking for a serious relationship. It would be nice to meet some other people in the same condition that are cool with open relationships.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

AIDS conspiracy theories

2007-03-21T00:37:55Z

In another tribe, "Hoax or Real?", I've been having an argument with a person who does not believe that HIV causes AIDS. I'm posting the link here in case y'all are interested and want to discuss the matter;

http://tribes.tribe.net/hoaxorreal/thread/788bf5b3-ffbc-4bc3-adf5-ce9eb84235d1

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 9 replies

Confirmatory Rapid test?

2007-03-11T02:10:46Z

Hey does anyone know if they have started to the 3rd type of rapid test as a confirmatory test yet?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Donate Blood to Save Lives.

2007-02-28T18:02:44Z

Donate Blood To Save Lives

As the proverb says.. 'Where there is a will there is a way'... Donation of Blood would be of immense use to protect the lives from death.

In changing times, if human society is determined can move forward with a great cause to donate blood to protect many ill health persons. A great development is that our society is altering and trying to show some sympathy among those who are in need of blood. Donation of blood can be termed heroic as it would serve the purpose of protecting an ailing person, a fellow being, or an accident victim or those who want to survive.

It will not only reduce the number of persons from dying due to lack of blood but refill the joy among the family members of victims. Also this act would help blood banks to control the declining stocks. And it is the right time to feel responsible and have some concern over the growing number of deaths caused mainly due to lack of blood in the blood banks.

Truly, the donors may feel it great when they find gratitude in the form of tears among the family members of the victims. This is like helping a family lead the same normal lives.

Remember...one unit of blood would save three lives..!

Register Now at http://blood-donors.info to save life for Tomorrow.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

A little story

2007-02-20T02:11:13Z

I do my best to know my partners history and be safe. Back in May I hooked up with a guy who was a friend of a friend. It was just a one night thing and that was that. I saw him again a few weeks ago and he precedes to tell me he has herpes. The thing is he has had herpes for YEARS. He knew back in May and didn't tell me before we had sex. I am still quite pissed because I would have never slept with him if he had told me in May. Luckily I have been tested and I don't have a thing, YA! I even did the blood test for herpes to see if I was a carrier, and I am clean. Thanks the goddess I didn't pick up anything, but I guess I won't be having anymore one night stands. It really feels like he didn't tell me because he wanted sex and once he realized I wasn't going to sleep with him again he decided to inform me that he has herpes. What a fucker!!!!!!! I guess its just me, but I feel like you should be up front and honest if you have anything even if the likely hood of passing it on is limited.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 15 replies

Herpes vaccine

2007-01-12T20:19:23Z

Has anyone had any personal experience with it or known someone close who has gotten it?

Do you think it's safe? Effective? I've seen it offered at several labs and been very curious. But with new things I always hate getting them done ... that whole human guinea pig thing.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 7 replies

Oral Herpes and Honsty has Kept mr out of a sex party Group!!!

2007-01-06T08:34:43Z

I'm just in shock. I should have lied except I don't do it.

What is the percentage of adults with oral herpes, 70 or 80%, and most have had it since they were a child?

Also, a lot of people do not know they have HSV 1 or 2 until they have been tested for it.

I have tested clean for HSV 2.

I doubt that everyone in that sex group is HSV clean.

I have talked to people recently and they do not associated the sores on their lips as a kid with STD's.

They did not know that a cold sore could give someone genital herpes. I thought the first person was an anomaly until it happened a few more times.

I feel discriminated against.

This should teach me to lie and I will the next time!

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 16 replies

Handy STD Chart

2006-12-25T18:02:41Z

http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/sfcityclinic/stdbasics/stdchart.asp

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 2 replies

Circumcision and HIV

2006-12-15T23:01:15Z

This topic was brought up once before... and at the time I said I had not heard any correlation about it... well... what do you know...

I'm not for or against circumcision, just sharing the info I came across:

http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/12/13/hscout600122.html

Circumcision Reduces HIV Rates, U.S. Studies Confirm
12.13.06, 12:00 AM ET

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. researchers in Africa said Wednesday that they found that circumcision is such a good defense against HIV infection that they shut down two studies early, and instead offered all participants a chance to be circumcised.

One study in the east African country of Kenya showed that circumcision cut adult males' HIV infection risk from heterosexual intercourse by 53 percent, while another study in Uganda lowered the risk by 48 percent, according to results released Wednesday.

The findings, financed by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), pointed out that the latest conclusions confirmed previous investigations into the value of circumcision as a protection against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This is especially important in Africa, where AIDS is an epidemic in many countries, infecting an estimated 25 million people on the continent.

Despite the good news, there is still plenty of reason for caution, AIDS experts said.

"Male circumcision is a difficult intervention to implement, and the preventive effect is relative, not absolute," said Thomas Coates, an AIDS specialist and a professor of medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. "The magnitude of effect is 50 to 60 percent, which still leaves ample room for people to get infected with HIV."

There are other caveats as well: The study did not look at male-to-female transmission, and it was also not clear whether circumcision makes it less likely that gay men could transmit HIV to each other.

In the United States, homosexual transmission of HIV is more common than heterosexual transmission, the experts said. And most men in the United States are circumcised, making the procedure less effective as a possible prevention tool.

Still, the findings could have plenty of meaning in Africa, where HIV is commonly spread between men and women.

Studies have suggested the value of circumcision in the past, but researchers wanted to confirm the previous findings.

According to the NIH, most adult Africans are circumcised, but the rate drops below 20 percent in some areas of southern Africa where HIV and AIDS are common.

In one of the two studies, researchers enrolled 2,784 HIV-negative, uncircumcised men in Kenya beginning in 2002. The other study, in Uganda, started in 2003 and enrolled 4,996 HIV-negative, uncircumcised men.

Some of the men were assigned to immediately undergo circumcision, while others had to wait two years.

Then researchers studied whether the circumcision had any effect on their rates of getting HIV.

The results were so encouraging that an oversight board halted the studies this week, and ordered that all participants be given circumcisions instead of having to wait.

In Kenya, researchers found that only 22 of the 1,393 circumcised men in the study were infected with HIV, compared to 47 of the 1,391 men who had yet to be circumcised.

The numbers for Uganda weren't immediately available.

"Circumcision is now a proven, effective prevention strategy to reduce HIV infections in men," Robert Bailey, a study investigator and professor of epidemiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said in a statement.

It's not entirely clear how circumcision reduces HIV infection. But researchers have suggested that the foreskin may provide a moist, safe environment for the AIDS virus and provide more immune cells for HIV to infect.

Coates called the study results the "second greatest finding in HIV prevention," right behind research that confirmed drugs could stop mother-to-baby transmission of the AIDS virus.

Still, he added, "combination prevention" remains crucial -- combining circumcision with using condoms, reducing sexual partners, and delaying the first time people have intercourse.

The Associated Press reported that the link between male circumcision and HIV prevention was first noted in the late 1980s. The first major clinical trial, of 3,000 men in South Africa, found last year that circumcision cut the HIV risk by 60 percent.

More information

The Nemours Foundation's Web site discusses the pros and cons of circumcision.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 16 replies

Whaddy'all know about Post Exposure Prophylaxis?

2006-12-13T01:39:07Z

I'm not at risk, nor is anyone I know, I'm just curious. Sometimes I talk about it and I just want to have my facts straight.

What I know, or think I know:
most effective immediately, possibly within 72 hours
many side effects, but better than HIV, of course
good success rate, so far . . .

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

world AIDS day

2006-12-12T15:22:59Z

Today is world AIDS day, i hope that you guys are out there wearing red today in honor of today... prevention, testing, and most of all hope for those infected....

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

where can you get a quick test in SF?

2006-12-10T02:12:29Z

Hey,

Does anyone know where in SF to get a 24 hour test? The place I usually go takes two weeks and I don't have that long.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 14 replies

testing recommendation in south bay?

2006-12-04T23:59:52Z

The last time I went to my doctor to get tested, it was like pulling teeth.
"Why do you want to be tested for everything? Do you know you've been exposed?"
"No. And I don't know that I haven't been exposed. That's why I want the tests."

I don't have a problem with paying my doctor for the tests, if that's the best way.
But I wonder about his knowledge in this area, versus someone at a
clinic who deals with this field every day.

Here's what I've gathered from reading previous posts.......

It sounds like City Clinic (and many places in SF) are overloaded,
and probably as difficult as my doctor. API may be an option (apiwellness.org)

The tests I should get are:
-chlamydia
-syphilis
-gohnorrhea
-HIV
-Hep A & B
-Blood herpes test (no active outbreak -- "Be sure to get the type-specific IgG.")

(what's IgG?)

And I know I should get the printed results, so I'm absolutely clear what got tested,
and the result of each test.

Anything you can add?
Do you know of somewhere to get tested in the South Bay?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

Cunts for Fags, a workshop on Wednesday 12/6

2006-12-04T07:22:47Z

Cunts for Fags
demystifying the innies of the genital world

a detailed introduction to the vulva geared towards gay men

Wednesday 12/6
7-9 pm
18th and Castro
(email castroworkshops@gmail.com for exact location)

$5-$20 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds
18+ People of all genders and orientations welcome

Queer presenters, live models (women and trans-men), a safe space in the Castro.

This workshop is the perfect opportunity for gay men to learn about vulvas, vaginas, clits, cunts, g-spots, inny-holes, bonus holes, cooters, tranny boners, clit boners, or whatever you call yours.

What’s a vulva? What does it look like? What’s a hymen? Is anal sex fun without a prostate? What’s up with the g-spot? What does it feel like? Why do lesbians love hands? What is female ejaculation? How does it work? What’s with the bleeding? How do orgasms work? What’s a clitoris? Is friction ever good? What’s a cervix? Does size matter? Is lube necessary? What shape is a vagina? What makes clits happy? How does arousal happen? Does licking the alphabet work? What makes it wet? Is there a taint? Is it fun? Is there a difference between a clitoral and a vaginal orgasm? What kind of lube is best for vaginas? What makes these genitals happy?

castroworkshops@gmail.com

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

What is a good site to learn all about safer sex and all std's, not just HIV?

2006-12-03T19:08:59Z

I need a good site to send some people to learn about safer sex which talks about all std's not just one.

Also, I would like to find a site that tells you what to do.

Now maybe I am a little too cautious but when I put lube on myself, I now have my fluid on my hand, if I then touch his cock or her pussy with that hand, I am mixing fluids. If I use a towel and then the other person wipes their genitals with that towel, we are mixing fluids.

Am I too cautious? Who else is this cautious?

Is all this written down anywhere?

These two are in thir 50's and have never practiced safe sex. They did not even realize that you should not let the genitals touch.

Help!

I have done a google search and I have not found a good site.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 8 replies

When have you told?

2006-11-22T09:22:18Z

This post is inspired by the previous HSV post.

I have had oral herpes since I was a kid. Before I ever engage in any sexual activity beyond kissing, I make sure to ask about std's and make my barrier preferences known, but I find it difficult to discuss oral herpes before kissing,since kissing tends to be a more spur of the moment than sex; why would I bring up oral herpes to someone before I know if Im going to kiss them, and how do I discuss oral herpes when I know a kiss is going to happen?

Any folks with oral herpes out there who can share their relevant experiences? Thanks

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 35 replies

AIDS Test

2006-11-13T01:46:55Z

Just got an AIDS test for my birthday, and came back negative! Yay!

The new tests are awesome - just a quick, painless swab to the gums and then you only have to wait 20 minutes for the result - that's amazing!!!

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 8 replies

Ummm yeah...I should really know this but...

2006-11-06T04:17:57Z

Where in Santa Rosa should I go to recieve comprehensive testing for HIV and STD's?
Is there a specific name for the tests I am looking to get?
What is the best way to be the most thourough. ie., getting tested every x months?

Thx
J

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

any poz guyz bored with sleeping alone?

2006-11-04T19:17:59Z

i loveD a BED pal.... but im out of oakland soon and off to zuni new mexcio or TO WAR in oAXACA.. ANY BRAVE FUCKS AROUND...

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Easy on Condom

2006-10-30T19:39:26Z

I just heard about the Easy On condom yesterday.

It is supposed tp work well on larger cocks.

It is made by durex.

I cannot find a site online to but it from.

Has anyone bought and or used these?

Ann

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 11 replies

FRENCH SAFE SEX ANIME

2006-10-25T01:18:27Z

FRENCH SAFE SEX ANIME, by director Wilfred Brimo

FEMME
A woman tries to find love and sexual fulfillment, ever mindful of the
dangers of unprotected sex. French viral for AIDS awareness by Wilfred
Brimo.

http://www.devilducky.com/media/30912/

HOMME
A great new three-minute cartoon by Wilfred Brimo, set to The Rubettes'
1974 classic "Sugar Baby Love". Why can't the U.S. have safe-sex ads
that are this fun, moving, and romantic?

http://www.salon.com/ent/video_dog/ads/2006/05/02/sugar_baby_love/

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

I got tested!!!

2006-09-30T02:02:10Z

All clear, all negative for hiv, hpv, hep c and all the other stuff too! YAY!!!

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

Female condom ... expiration?

2006-09-05T21:28:45Z

Anyone wanna help me settle an argument here? I don't have the female condom here at work and we're debating whether or not there's an expiration on them. If you have one handy, take a look on the packaging and tell me if there's an expiration date.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

Music to test by

2006-08-29T21:28:06Z

So yeah, I Got Tested, and when I called the county-run clinic today for the results, the please-wait background music was a hip-gospel version of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore." Surreal!

(It musta been the gospel, because I am Clean. Very clean. Yay.)

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Ovum donation

2006-08-28T05:50:58Z

I don't believe I will ever have children of my own, but I would like to become an ovum donor. I know there are responsible families who cannot concieve but would be willing to consider using an ovum donor. Have you been a donor? Do you know someone who has? Do you know if STI's affect a woman's ability to donate? Please help me build a support community for this topic by spreading the word!

http://tribes.tribe.net/ovumdonors

Thanks~
MJ

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 6 replies

HPV and Carrageenan - a study published in PLoS Pathogens (open access--can see full text for free)

2006-08-13T23:46:17Z

http://pathogens.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.ppat.0020069

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

penis size

2006-08-11T14:20:05Z

Penis size can matter because it affects your attitude, ability to perform and confidence in the bedroom. If you were a female and you had a choice between a confident
lover with a 7, an 8 or 9 inch penis or a lover who had a 4-6
inch penis and lacked confidence which would you choose?
Most would choose the bigger, confident, more masculine lover. "Sexual research shows that most women subconsciously desire a
man with a larger, thicker penis which is associated with a woman's
innate sexual desire to reproduce." Dr Michael Carter, Psy.D
I just wondered if anyone had tried this site : www.oksextoys.com or one similar to it ?

I want to know if you think these kind of methods would be effective , and most importantly if they would be completely safe ...

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 16 replies

Model for me please?

2006-07-29T21:18:29Z

Will You Model for me PLEASE?!
Model for me and the calendar I am working on.

The calendar is called the Hotties of Harm Reduction. It is a fundraiser for clean needle exchange and HIV reduction strategies here in the city. You can read more about it here: www.hottiesofharmreduction.org/

The plan is to have an "army" of folks marching up Castro tomorrow morning at 6am (yes that is in the am but is before the marathon and before Dore Alley!). Folks would be dressed in tighy whiteys, combat boots and aviator sunglasses (we will provide if you don't have said items!). With the people assembled in military formation the Castro theatre marquee in the background will display the message "CLEAN NEEDLES SAVE LIVES". No one will be completely naked. All body shapes are welcome and DESIRED. Electrical tape will be provided to cover exposed bits etc.

I know that this is last minute. I know that this is a risque and strange request. I know it is super early. I know that I am doing this in a non-personal manner. I know all of these things and yet I am asking for your help to make this shot a really amazing message. Please email me and tell me the news - be it yes, no, maybe or you bloody insane lady go back to smoking crack. I am prepared for the inevitable a rejection from you all but maybe one or two of you will surprise and delight me and actually show up. a grrl can dream right?

Feel free to pass this request on or re-post it elsewhere (just NOT craigslist, i beseech you!) to people you think would be supportive of such a fundraiser.

thank you for reading this
many hugs
arielle

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Yay, I got tested!

2006-07-26T23:15:48Z

And I'm negative for everything! *woohoo*

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

HPV positive partners

2006-07-26T14:36:23Z

Has anyone been in a relationship with someone who is HPV positive? How did you deal with this, and is it easily avoidable? What about risks as far as child bearing? Is it still possible?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 2 replies

Panel time

2006-07-25T17:36:32Z

I will soon be due for my 6-month panel ... actually, most of the panel (I get my HIV test done separately at DPH).

Anyone else in the SF area that wants to go get a panel done? I go to Magnet. We'd be looking at late afternoon/early evening.

Let me know. It's kinda easier when you don't go alone.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 5 replies

Good HPV Site

2006-07-25T02:47:23Z

This site is very "reader friendly" and has some great information about HPV, which can be very confusing.

http://www.4woman.gov/faq/stdhpv.htm

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

Circumcision prevents the spread of AIDS?

2006-07-18T12:29:12Z

This editorial was published in the NYTimes this morning. At first, I couldn't believe what I was reading. But circumcision became the norm in the US during WWI & WWII as a way to slow the spread of venerial disease in soldiers. (see http://www.historyofcircumcision.net ). Anyway, here's the text ( http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/15/opinion/15sat4.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print ):

October 15, 2005
Editorial
Preventing the Spread of AIDS

For years, doctors and policy makers have suspected that male circumcision is a powerful protector against AIDS. Now a new study in South Africa has found that circumcision reduces men's risk of H.I.V. infection by more than 65 percent. If the results are confirmed by two similar studies in progress, circumcision may offer a way to curb the AIDS explosion in some of the most affected nations.

Researchers have long noted that in Africa, Muslim countries where males are routinely circumcised have much lower H.I.V. infection rates than predominantly Christian ones where circumcision isn't widespread. But other factors could have mattered, like Islam's prohibition on drinking alcohol, which could reduce risky behavior.

The South Africa study is the first to offer a high scientific standard of evidence that circumcision is responsible. The study, by French and South African researchers, recruited young men who were H.I.V.-negative and uncircumcised, as are most men in South Africa. Half were randomly assigned to be circumcised. After adjustment for other factors, circumcision reduced the risk of H.I.V. infection by two-thirds during the 21 months of the study. The difference was so great that the trial was stopped and the other men were immediately offered circumcision. Two similar studies with very different groups of people are under way in Uganda and Kenya. It may take two years to get results.

The most likely theory about why circumcision works is that the penis's foreskin has cells that are particularly receptive to the AIDS virus. The studies are looking at only whether circumcision protects men from infection. Circumcised men may also be less likely to transmit the virus, but the current studies are not examining that. Even if circumcision doesn't make a man less contagious, it helps protect everyone by lowering the infection rate.

Circumcision is no easy sell, but it is at least widely performed and accepted in Africa. If an AIDS vaccine were suddenly discovered that could prevent 7 out of 10 new infections, the world would be rejoicing. AIDS policy makers should be discussing how to promote circumcision so they can be ready to act immediately if the Kenya and Uganda studies confirm the good news in South Africa.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 47 replies

awesome aids awareness videos

2006-07-06T03:20:32Z

http://www.devilducky.com/media/45030/

and

http://www.devilducky.com/media/30912/

They're both music videos, and really neat. I like them a lot, and I hope I see people passing them around on their blogs!

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

What (little) I/we know about HPV

2006-07-04T19:48:53Z

Last year in September I went in for my annual pap. It came back with A-typical cells. It wasn't the first time, but it had been over a decade since the last time. I didn't think much of it since nothing freaky had happened to the first time and they just said it was a routine check for cervical cancer. They never mentioned any connection to genital warts. But this time was different of course!

I got a letter asking me to come in for a colposcopy, so I made an appointment in November. I was told it was just to take a look around. But when I got tothe clinic they said it was going to be a biopsy to remove the warts that they were now telling me that they knew I already had! I did as much research as I coulod before I got there on all the reasons someone might get an A-typical pap. Warts was only one of the reasons listed in the brochure.

Then something interesting happened. When they did the Biopsy, the test came back negative! I asked what that meant, and here is what I was told. Genital Warts often go away on their own after 6-8 months, your body fights and gets rid of them. But they can come back anytime during the next two years! They are a skin disease and do not travel within the body. They are easier to pass by hand then orally! They do not travel in the blood stream, or to the best of my knowledge within the nervous system.

So anyone out there have any better info???
They are virtually undetectable in men.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

OK...when were you last tested?

2006-06-27T02:22:31Z

This is the *I got tested* tribe...so when? I got a perfect bill of health on a full panel of STD tests the week of Feb 1st. Clean as a whistle. (It's all that good living).

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 62 replies

typing HPV in men

2006-06-07T23:58:02Z

Is it ever done? I've heard doctors say that there's no utility in it because none of the high-risk strains cause visible warts on men. Is this true?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 13 replies

New lies about women's health, magazine article

2006-05-09T02:51:15Z

I thought this was a pretty great article in this particular mag, for 1, it's an honest assessment of the crap that the fda is feeding certain doctors and patients, and 2, simply the mag it's in. Give it peek, it may open some eyes.

;-)

http://www.glamour.com/features/healthandbody/articles/060403fewohe

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 2 replies

HSV result screwing with my brain

2006-05-05T12:17:37Z

For 7 years, I've thought that I have HSV1 and HSV2 (that's oral and genital herpes, for those of you bad w/ acronyms). My genital outbreaks are classic, textbook ones--they behave exactly like one would expect for HSV2 to behave and ditto for the oral ones (except I had several worse-than the average clinical outbreak outbreaks genitally). The two-virus status I thought I had gave me two things that helped make genital herpes less crappy. 1) I could trace the HSV2 infection back to a particularly stupid night with tequila and a guy who lied about his history and 2) I could do makeout stuff, perform oral, etc. before I had the "talk" because noone says anything about HSV1 unless they're having an outbreak.

A few months ago, I got idly curious and decided to do a blood test that would distinguish between them; this test was not available when I was diagnosed and I decided I should check, as long as my insurance would cover it. It turned out that I only have HSV1. This is largely a good thing, and in fact, my practitioner was like,"Well, at least you don't have to tell people anymore." (which I disagree with, now that I've tried it out and feel really bad about it) And at first, the new information seemed great because it seemed like an easier thing to talk about. It turns out it's not easier because so few people talk about it.

Now, I have no idea how I got it, and could easily have caused the genital infection through something really innocuous like being incautious while drying off from the shower or using a little saliva to masturbate when I was a young kid or having unprotected oral sex with the guy who lost his virginity to me and had only kissed one other girl before me. This makes me feel way more cheated than I did when I had a definitive "stupid moment" to point to (and I really did--I was very low-risk otherwise for HSV2 when I was 17). I've had some of the worst outbreaks of anyone I've ever spoken with, I've treated it like people treat HSV2 complete with stupid shame complex (though I'm pretty much over that), I've gotten nasty stigmatization/comments from non-sexual friends when they found out, and it *sucks* that I got it from myself just by not being super-anal about saliva and my genitals. HRRMPH. Also, I'm relatively sex-positive, and I believe in disclosure, but I can't figure out *when* to tell, now. My oral infection is presumably way more risky, transmission-wise than my genital one, because HSV1 doesn't do quite as well below the belt, and I have far fewer genital than oral outbreaks. That means my "performing unprotected oral, but not recieving it before disclosure=ok" rule is stupid and always has been, and perhaps even the "kissing first=ok" one is not so great, either. On the other hand, HSV1 is soooo fucking prevalent and other people who have it rarely know or disclose because "it's just cold sores", and it feels wierd to make a big deal of something that's so widely minimized. So, here're my questions (honest, this post was not just bitching):

a) When do I tell people? I've had very active swingers flip out when I explained the HSV1 as part of the break-in for an HSV2 conversation. Noone ever mentions they had a cold-sore when they were five, and people aren't used to hearing things like that. It sounds far worse to the average human, even the average sex-positive human, than it actually is. (I've never really been able to be super-comfortable starting this conversation, though I've had some wonderful partners make me very comfortable, I've also gotten ripped to shreds a couple of times, and that makes it nerve-racking). So how and when to do it, now? I don't want to minimize it entirely, because it sure as hell has been a big deal for me, but I also think that people w/o symptoms in mid-adulthood have likely been exposed many times, both orally and genitally, (even if not sexually very-active, there is sharing drinking glasses and chapstick and kissing the occasional friend, etc.), and aren't likely to be affected by it unless they're immunosupressed for some reason.

b) anyone seen any information about HSV1 detection rates in vaginal secretions? (the "days transmissable" done w/ PCR for HSV2 genitally and HSV1 orally kind of thing is what I'm looking for)

c) I know that in vitro studies show that HSV2 is less likely to infect cells already infected with HSV1, but that 17% of the US population has both of the viruses... any in vivo studies of HSV1 and 2 same-site infection? In other words, are people who are infected with both viruses likely to be infected orally and genitally with both, or are they likely to have the infections in their traditionally accepted locations? (like the above PCR thing, but looking for it both in both mouths and genitals)

d) this all (ok this confusion and my practioner's statement I decided was crap after I took it for a test run) threw me off enough that I didn't talk about it with a new couple when things moved a little faster than normal for me. If I'd only had oral symptoms, they wouldn't flip out about late disclosure, but the exact same virus located on my cunt is probably gonna cause some drama for them, even if it's likely less transmissable there. What's *with* that, anyway? Ok, this is a somewhat rhetorical question, but how would *you* react to that information? And why? 'cause I should tell them soon, and a rational reason for a potential flip-out will make me feel way more confident and less hurt about dealing with one if/when it occurs.

I know it's kinda silly to make a big deal out of this, but some people make a big deal out of it when I tell them, and the stupid GH has made some pretty important weeks of my life pretty unpleasant (anything exciting equaled a whammo herpes explosion until I learned how to destress better). I'll get over it, but if anyone's got any words of wisdom, I'd be very grateful.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 14 replies

Best place to get tested

2006-05-05T00:34:50Z

I need to get a full battery of tests. HIV, Hep A & C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, and I would like to get throat and vaginal smears too.

I live in Berkeley the the Berkeley Free Clinic does not offer this, you have to go once for Hiv and once for Hep. It is a 4 visit deal that takes over 4 hours.

Is the City Clinic in SF the best place or what about Planned Parenthood?

Is there any pace where you can get the test for herpes 1 and 2?

I need to do this soon.

Thanks for any comments.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 33 replies

how long are hep a+b vaccinations good for?

2006-05-03T05:56:30Z

I was vaccinted for both hep a and b as a kid in the early 90s. I'm guessing anywhere from '91-'93?
how long are the vaccinations good for?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

safer-sex humor

2006-04-06T16:53:52Z

At the grocery store today, guy in line in front of me was buying a roll of some saran wrap-like clingy film. And on the box was written in large print: "For the protection you need to get things done." Innocent kitchen tool? Or clever under-the-radar multipurpose marketing? I don't know, but it made the wait more amusing.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

Panel Time

2006-03-28T18:13:51Z

I'm due for a panel. Probably gonna go and get it done after work on Friday. If anyone else wants to join me -- I know a lot of people hate to go to these things alone -- let me know.

I was thinking about getting it done at Magnet, 18th & Castro.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Compton’s Cafeteria Riots Commemoration Kick-Off

2006-03-15T05:23:14Z

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

For Immediate Release Media Contact:
Dawnne Woodie
415-748-2396, sf_dawnne@yahoo.com

Compton’s Cafeteria Riots Commemoration Kick-Off

A Commemoration of the 40th Year Anniversary of the Compton Cafeteria Riots will be celebrated throughout the Bay Area in 2006. Three years before the famous rioting at New York’s Stonewall Inn, a group of transgender women and gay street-hustlers fought back for the first time in history against everyday police harassment. This was known as the Riot at Gene Compton’s Cafeteria in the Tenderloin in San Francisco.

A chronicle of this historic time in 1966 marks one beginning of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) movement resistance. It has been captured in a documentary made by Susan Stryker and Victor Silverman, entitled ‘Screaming Queens’.

Please come support this kick-off event of Compton’s Cafeteria 40th Anniversary activities. It will include a showing of ‘Screaming Queens’. Come learn about this important time in LGBT history, and meet community leaders who are working to showcase this series of events and activities.

Date: March 23, 2006

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Metropolitan Community Church Sanctuary

Address: 150 Eureka
San Francisco, CA 94114

This event is free, but seating is limited to the first 250 attendees.

Compton’s Cafeteria Riots Anniversary Activities are sponsored in part by Good Vibrations. For more information, please visit www.comptonscafeteriariot.org.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Syphilis

2006-03-08T02:16:51Z

I thought it might be good to start individual threads for various STDs. Let's talk Syphilis here.

Syphilis is currently making a huge appearance in San Francisco, mostly with gay men at the moment, and anyone who's sexually active should consider being tested every 3-6 months for this bacterial infection. It's easy to get through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex. It's also simple to treat but symptoms are not always obvious.

Information and testing: 415-487-5580

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 11 replies

Oral Sex Questions.

2006-03-08T01:34:50Z

Hey all,

I am curious what folks know - and what they practice as far as safety is concerned - regarding oral sex.

Four categories:

1. Going down on pussy. Hypothetical risks? Stats? Safety practices?

2. Having your pussy gone down on. Hypothetical risks? Stats? Safety practices?

3. Sucking cock. Hypothetical risks? Stats? Safety practices?

4. Having your cock sucked. Hypothetical risks? Stats? Safety practices?

Thanks!

-LaSara

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 14 replies

Getting tested with your partner.

2006-03-06T21:25:38Z

A couple of weeks ago I went and got tested with my partner. I have done this with previous partners in the past and it has been a good safeguard for preventing disease and maintaining sexual health. My results are negative yet my partner is apprehensive and still hasnt recieved her results. I am unsure as to how to adress the situation as I believe our health to be of the utmost importance, and I feel that its better to know than to not know. So if by chance somthing did come up it could be treated preventing further complications and preventing the spread of disease. I have explaned this to her yet she hasnt persued the matter further. I am using pertection, but I still am concerned for her health.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 2 replies

Gene therepy

2006-02-25T23:55:56Z

I'm 44 yrs old and tested poz in 1985, after many yrs of 40 + pills my regiment is down to 4 tabs a day my numbers are based at 385 T cells and undetectible Viral load, in October of 2005, I underwent a double blind process, in which either a placebo, or an AntiGene was introduced into my Tcells, this procedure wil enable, the antigene to destroy all hiv material present in my tissue, lyphadic, sytem, brain and vital organs, " It is not a Cure" but it means a possible long term drug interruption, this procedure was first iniated and administerd, to folks who were born with no Immune system 14 in Australia, nine of which are florishing, outside the bubble' so to speak, this April I begin the drug interruption sequence of the study, to monitor wether or not I recieved the AntiGene, to think that half my adult life has been spent on painful and debilating drugs and procedures, with this disease, and someone can possibly one day say, " the rest of your life is yours without the meds, The study closes febuary 13th 2007, and the treatment gets released to the Community, I pray it works for everyone . Peace Robn

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Swallowing?

2006-01-30T12:57:43Z

So, what's the word these days on swallowing cum?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 7 replies

iud feedback

2006-01-30T02:02:55Z

I just got the Mirena IUD. I realize it's not for safe sex (still plan on using condoms with everyone but my primary partner, not that there's anyone else right now.) Just wondering if any of the ladies here have any experience with that.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 22 replies

Who's thought that they might want to do STD counseling?

2006-01-28T03:29:21Z

Just curious.

How would you do it? what kinds of information would you emphasize? What would you say to people who got bad results?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

Need Dental Dam Recommendations

2006-01-25T06:48:39Z

I am now starting a new female-to-female relationship, after having been fluid bonded with previous female partners. We each have something we don't want to share with the other (like yeast infections), so we decided to get dental dams for oral.

We found approximately *one*. We used it, but it proved pretty unsatisfactory. It felt good to the one being pleasured, but the dam got all folded up on itself, which wasn't safe. It also resisted efforts to hold it in place by hand.

After looking in vain in several drug stores, sex stores and head shops, I began looking for dams on line. I found a few, but they were fairly expensive, and there was not much variety. Sadly, I was not able to find a single harness that could be used to keep such a dam in place.

Can anyone recommend particular brands and/or techniques to me? The only useful suggestion so far was to cut out the crotch of an old pair of panties to put the dam into for a harness.

Actually, I did a search for dental dams on this tribe, and found a very information thread from this time last year. It answered some of my questions, like do women just not get oral sex unless they are willing to forego protection (yes and no). I know the dams cannot be wildly popular, as witnessed by the difficulty I have had in finding them, but I had no idea it was this bad.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 5 replies

opinions/advice on starting a relationship

2006-01-20T15:38:51Z

I met someone who has told me he is HIV +. He has no symptoms, he takes his meds regulary. He is very healthy. Am I crazy to contemplate this or will I be able to keep my self safe and negative?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 14 replies

Herpes social and support groups

2006-01-18T05:33:10Z

Lots of resources here:

http://www.yoshi2me.com/herpes-hpv-ssna.html

and...

I'm active with this crew in Baltimore - DC here:

http://www.dc-h2o.com/

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

Herpes

2006-01-11T05:39:52Z

I thought it might be good to start individual threads for various STDs. Let's talk Herpes here.

I've heard a few people discuss Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, mostly related to where infection occurs, but I think it should be said that these viruses can infection any area of the body, not only the face or genitals. Generally the skin is thinner and softer in these locations so this is where infection is most common - but it is not exclusive. Also, condoms are not entirely effective against HSV (or HPV for that matter).

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 64 replies

M4M Portland FREE rapid HIV testing, STD screening tonight.

2006-01-10T21:17:42Z

Cityguys offer free counseling and testing
for men, by men,
every Tuesday night.
5:30-8pm
at CAP
620 5th Ave., 3rd Floor,
503-223-6339x501

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

AIM services in LA open to the General Public

2005-12-09T00:15:32Z

I just found out the adult industry medical health care center offers its' services to the general public. They have 2 locations in LA and are even open on saturdays. You can get in and out really quick, thier prices are reasonable, and they have the most up to date tests (with 3 days results). You don't need an appointment for most services.

http://aim-med.org/

http://aim-med.org/

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

BDSM Tribe Pointers tribe

2005-12-08T07:55:34Z

OK, this isn't specific to this tribe, but the following is for all tribes that have anything to do with anything sexually explicit or has any sexually explicit content.
=============================================

I just started a new tribe called BDSM Tribe Pointers specifically to provide a listing of all BDSM-related tribes on Tribe.net. This is not a discussion tribe, just a listing of names and urls for other tribes.

It looks as if we're going to have to make our tribes private in order to survive the new Tribe Terms of Service and continue to operate. Private tribes do not show up on searches, so it's going to be difficult for new Tribe members to find us if they want to. Hopefully, at least this tribe will be able to remain public so that anyone looking for BDSM content will find it, and subsequently be able to find the rest of our tribes.

The url is http://tribes.tribe.net/BDSMTribePointers

Please spread the word; there's not even any way to post a listing about this any more without putting it into a regular category, which is just about guaranteed to get it deleted.

Wendy

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

safety issues - latex and non-latex

2005-11-29T01:54:11Z

does anyone know whether the non-latex condoms protect you better/worse than the latex ones? not relaly interested in how they feel, etc, just the differences between the two.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

Incubation Periods

2005-11-18T06:35:23Z

As I've been formating some of the medical protocols I use at work I found this great table of information. Unfortunately the table format went away, but the information is present.

Incubation period
Gonorrhea 2-7 days
Chlamydia 1-2 weeks
Syphilis 10 days-3 months
Trichomonas 4-20 days
Bacterial vaginosis Not applicable
Scabies Not applicable
Pubic lice Not applicable
HSV 2-12 days
HPV Not applicable
Hepatitis B 6 weeks-6 months
HIV Antibody detectable within 3 months after infection

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 2 replies

HPV / Cancer Documentary

2005-10-28T04:26:10Z

Hi!

We're making a documentary-type video on HPV and cancers related to it (ie. cervical, rectal, urethral, etc) and would love to talk with people about their experiences, resources, support networks ...anything and everything, ya know?

Thanx

-Rob Keebler

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 0 replies

group for women with hpv and/or herpes

2005-10-28T04:21:44Z

hi! i am starting a group for women living with hpv and/or herpes. there are several of us on the project, and it is still in the early planning stages, but we are looking to connect and activate a specific and wide community by putting out an anonymous zine containing resources, information (because there is so much of it, most of it contradiciting), essays, and personal stories.
and we need help! we also are basically forming a support group, so even if you are not interested working on a zine, we would love for you to come.
here is the info:

ARE you a woman living with HPV (genital warts) and/or herpes?

*Want to come vent about it?

*Meet an eclectic and diverse bunch of other fabulous women dealing with
the same thing(s)?

*Any interest in becoming an active member of a community which will
be putting out an anonymous zine, sharing stories, art, health/
alternative health sources, essays and more?

If you answered YES to one or more of these questions, WE want YOU!

You are hereby invited to a venting and planning meeting.

Wednesday, August 17
8 pm.
The Center for Sex and Culture
398 11th Street @ Harrison
(ring small doorbell on right-hand side of door)

Contact: breakthestigma@yahoo.com

suggested donation ( to cover space rental)
$1-5 (no one gets turned away for lack of funds)

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 6 replies

Home HIV test kits

2005-10-22T04:53:37Z

Anyone have any experience with these? How much blood do they want you to extract from yourself? And how, exactly? Any other info would be great.

(I'm looking at the test at home option cos it's a time saver, and less of a drain on local, nonprofit resources).

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 3 replies

At-home HIV test

2005-10-19T02:35:25Z

This makes me very, very angry:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/13/health/13aids.html?hp&ex=1129262400&en=d48286bf1008ffd6&ei=5094&partner=homepage

At-home HIV testing could be as easy as a pregnancy test, and cost less than $20. Yet the FDA has been deliberately stalling the development of such a test for EIGHTEEN YEARS because they're worried about a couple people committing suicide.

How many hundreds of thousands of people have been infected with this fatal disease in the mean time because they didn't know they were infected? How much death could have been prevented with a $20 at-home test?

Sometimes I really wish there was a hell for these bureaucrats to go to.

Jeff

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 1 reply

blowjobs and condoms

2005-10-15T04:33:03Z

do you bother?

tips, tricks ...?

thoughts from men?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 4 replies

Wow...

2005-10-12T04:05:04Z

http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsvacc074458454oct07,0,1065744.story?coll=ny-health-headlines

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 7 replies

Unprotected Sex in Poly Relationships

2005-10-11T21:04:28Z

A friend of mine in a poly relationship recently came to me in a panic. She and her husband recently met another couple with whom they've played a few times, and paired off last night for an evening of play. In a momentary lapse of reason, she had totally unprotected sex with the guy from the other couple. I suggested that she ask the other guy to get a full workup of tests - HIV, HSV 1 and 2, HPV, HBV and HCV, chlamydia, syphilis, etc. I couldn't think of others, but gonorrhea comes to mind just now, though I suspect her playpartner's doctor or clinic will think of it and others.

This friend does not *want* to have protected sex. I know that it's not smart to exchange fluids, but is there anything that she and her husband can do to keep themselves as safe as possible while having condomless sex?

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 34 replies

HPV Condom Warning Update

2005-10-10T06:11:58Z

Representative Waxman in Letter to FDA Says New Research Indicates Condoms Protect Against HPV, Condom Labels Should Not Be Changed

Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) has sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford asking the agency to consider the findings of a new, not-yet-published study before requiring manufacturers to include a package warning stating that condoms do not protect against the transmission of the sexually transmitted disease human papillomavirus (HPV). According to Waxman, a study presented in July at the 16th biennial meeting of the International Society for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research in Amsterdam, found that condoms significantly reduced the risk of HPV transmission among women. Researchers studied 200 female university students for 22 months, with medical exams conducted every four months, and found that women who used condoms 100% of the time were 70% less likely to acquire HPV than women who used condoms less than 5% of the time. "The new study, combined with previous evidence, seriously undermines the call by some conservative organizations and lawmakers for labeling that warns consumers that condoms do not protect against HPV," Waxman wrote.

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 24 replies

I'm clean, again

2005-10-06T20:08:31Z

Just got my results back from the SF City Clinic (thank you non-profit entity!) and I'm clean. This is significant since I am fluid-bonded with a partner who has Herpes II. This is good news for both her and I: obviously I'm clean and not posititve, she is not shedding.

Time to go set up some play dates!

*hugs*

flint

posted in **I GOT TESTED!** - 5 replies

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