Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can be an embarrassing situation, but being embarrassed is no reason not to make sure that it's treated or to hide information from the people trying to help treat you. As such, when preparing to schedule an appointment for STD treatment, it's best to have your records in order and to be ready for any questions medical personnel might have.
Testing
Before assuming that you have any sort of STD, it's best to get tested. Local treatment clinics, as well as city health departments and hospitals, often have free STD testing. Going there and getting tested, which requires blood to be drawn and forms to be filled out, is the first, logical step if you suspect you might have an STD. On average, test results will take about 2 weeks to come back, and the results will show what common STDs you do or do not have. If this step shows nothing, then there's no reason to continue.
Making an Appointment
If you test positive for an STD, often the center that did the testing will be able to recommend facilities for treatment. When calling up these facilities to make an appointment, it's best to have your test information on hand. Make sure that when calling you ask what services the center offers, and if they do in fact have doctors who can deal with your particular STD. If the center can offer treatment, then ask to schedule an appointment with it, and if it can't, ask if it can recommend another facility. Make sure that the day is kept open and that you're fully aware of where the center is located. If possible, ask if the center will call you a day or two before your appointment to confirm it with you.
Be Truthful
Don't try to hedge any information that you're asked for while scheduling an appointment. While it's true that the receptionist probably doesn't need to know exactly how you got your STD, she may need to know what type it is, how long you've had it, when you were tested, if it is the first time you've ever had an STD and other information. While it may be embarrassing answering some of these questions, keep in mind that these people are professionals, and they see and treat individuals with STDs every day. They're only asking for the information that they need in order to better help you as a patient.
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