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.