STD and other medical related subjects.

[JoshDan]

Hi.

I have had couple of BBFS encounters recently. I for some reason became super paranoid. I don't have any usual symptoms of STD or HIV except scratchy throat. Got it checked for Strep and came -ve. Outside of throat bothering nothing else is an issue. I also took at home HIV test twice and both times I was -ve, and I have scheduled a appointment for blood test as well. In the meantime, can use some advice. Anyone faced any similar problem?

[Mattis1775]

Yeah, that I know they take as I've done it and a family member has been covered. It's the STDs that they won't cover, which is pretty bad. But, at least BMC and MGH will be free or covered by insurance. It's always been my go to place and they've treated me very well and with respect.

I've been to urgent care places for non-sexually transmitted infections such as bronchitis or sinus (when I can't get an appointment with my PCP) and they have always taken my insurance. It depends on the type of plan you have, whether you have out of network coverage, or perhaps a high deductible you haven't hit yet.

[HounDog3]

I know those Urgent Care places won't take insurance and they charge hundreds of dollars.

I've been to urgent care places for non-sexually transmitted infections such as bronchitis or sinus (when I can't get an appointment with my PCP) and they have always taken my insurance. It depends on the type of plan you have, whether you have out of network coverage, or perhaps a high deductible you haven't hit yet.

[Jack A Dogov]

Mass General would be the best in the area. Pain to get to and you should call ahead for an appointment. No fee, insurance, just a small donation like a few bucks. They'll test for everything. BMC in downtown next to NMS is also the best place. But, it's outside the area that you're looking. They also require an appointment. Other places, I inquired before and they either need a PCP, referral or be a member. Those two places I mentioned is no haggle, no fuss, in and out. Take my advice and travel the distance to go to the places that work. I tried Fenway before. But, it's mostly for the gay community and if you're straight, you need a PCP. Good luck.

Great info! Do they treat if needed? PP does, which is helpful. Otherwise it's back to the PCP.

Mass General will treat if needed. I go there to get tested about once per year unless I show symptoms and think I caught something in which case I go ASAP. I've had a few scares but luckily never caught anything. Just an over active imagination (or eczema which I've had since I was a kid) but better safe than sorry. Be honest with them about seeing sex workers. They are non-judgemental and are more interested in helping people. Before covid they had walk in hours but now it's appointment only. Payment is voluntary. I have paid when I could and I have also not paid when I could not afford it. Here's a link with all the info you need.

https://www.massgeneral.org/medicine...health-program

It does make me laugh that they're located in the Cox building.

[Mattis1775]

If you're showing symptoms or think you have something, schedule an appointment along with an NP. That way, you'll get tested and you'll get an exam. They will write a prescription if you have anything. But, if they see something during an exam, they'll treat and / or prescribe medication that day. And, they'll write or adjust the prescription when the results come back, usually after a week. You're in good hands. PP, I heard they charge a lot if you don't have insurance and sometimes, insurance won't pay for outside PCP exams. I know those Urgent Care places won't take insurance and they charge hundreds of dollars. Talk about denying treatment to patients who can't afford to pay. Screw them and go to BMC or MGH.

Great info! Do they treat if needed? PP does, which is helpful. Otherwise it's back to the PCP.

[Bran001]

Mass General would be the best in the area. Pain to get to and you should call ahead for an appointment. No fee, insurance, just a small donation like a few bucks. They'll test for everything. BMC in downtown next to NMS is also the best place. But, it's outside the area that you're looking. They also require an appointment. Other places, I inquired before and they either need a PCP, referral or be a member. Those two places I mentioned is no haggle, no fuss, in and out. Take my advice and travel the distance to go to the places that work. I tried Fenway before. But, it's mostly for the gay community and if you're straight, you need a PCP. Good luck.

Great info! Do they treat if needed? PP does, which is helpful. Otherwise it's back to the PCP.

[Mattis1775]

Mass General would be the best in the area. Pain to get to and you should call ahead for an appointment. No fee, insurance, just a small donation like a few bucks. They'll test for everything. BMC in downtown next to NMS is also the best place. But, it's outside the area that you're looking. They also require an appointment. Other places, I inquired before and they either need a PCP, referral or be a member. Those two places I mentioned is no haggle, no fuss, in and out. Take my advice and travel the distance to go to the places that work. I tried Fenway before. But, it's mostly for the gay community and if you're straight, you need a PCP. Good luck.

I don't like to go to my long-standing doc; prefer to keep this stuff private. I've been doing online ordering but its $200 + Did planned parenthood once but with covid they are not so accessible it seems.

[Bran001]

I don't like to go to my long-standing doc; prefer to keep this stuff private. I've been doing online ordering but its $200 + Did planned parenthood once but with covid they are not so accessible it seems.

[Mattis1775]

For those who need to check themselves every now and then, BMC 9th floor no longer accepts walk-ins. Make an appointment if you need to visit. Stay safe everyone.

[Bran001]

Oil with condoms is a classic no-no. Must use a water-based lube with a latex condom, or just that'll happen.

Definitely look into it if you are concerned. The big thing is to take it as soon as possible (the more hours you wait, the less it works). It is the kind of thing they can get you fast. No shame in it either. I was surprised how cool it was talking with my doc about this (really wish I had done this years ago because he was able to give me such good information (including two things that probably caused the condominium to break: not squeezing the air out of the tip combined with her using the massage oil for lube. The lube, depending on if it is oil or water based, can eat away at the condom). And the dude gave me a very thorough screening too.

[STDKing]

Thanks. I will bring it up at my next appointment. I get STI regularly but would like the piece of mind with the HIV blocker Prep.

Definitely look into it if you are concerned. The big thing is to take it as soon as possible (the more hours you wait, the less it works). It is the kind of thing they can get you fast. No shame in it either. I was surprised how cool it was talking with my doc about this (really wish I had done this years ago because he was able to give me such good information (including two things that probably caused the condominium to break: not squeezing the air out of the tip combined with her using the massage oil for lube. The lube, depending on if it is oil or water based, can eat away at the condom). And the dude gave me a very thorough screening too.

[WongMichael]

Thanks. I will bring it up at my next appointment. I get STI regularly but would like the piece of mind with the HIV blocker Prep.

That's really interesting and thanks for sharing. I know this hobby, we keep it a secret, especially our own MD. Because we really don't want that lecture of not using it. Like you said, the philosophy of it changed. It's more of not lecturing and give you the info and tools to stay safe. A nurse at the mgh STD clinic told me about HPV vaccine, which apparently increased the age to 45. It started giving them to younger generations. She told me to consider getting it as it's approved for older generations. I've heard about the prep. But, I wonder if we straight guys can get it as it's more offered to the gay patients. Be safe everyone.

[CornPop]

This isn't true at all anymore, I told my doctor I see escorts and massage girls, he didn't judge, just asked if I used protection (how I used it when I did-apparently that makes a big difference), and now does regular screenings for me. It has honestly made mongering so much less stressful. And getting prophylactic pills is easy (I had a condom failure with a sketchy girl and the doc gave me a pill that greatly reduces chances of getting HIV if taken within 24 hours). Seriously more of us should be frank with our doctor. You get good screening, helpful information, and potentially life saving intervention. It isn't the early 80's. Doctors are different now. Don't let a moment of embarrassment interfere with good health.

Thanks. I will bring it up at my next appointment. I get STI regularly but would like the piece of mind with the HIV blocker Prep.

[STDKing]

I also heard it's a big screening process as well. Mostly geared towards the LGBT crowd. Telling the clinician that you visit different hookers all the time, most likely won't get you that pill. They'll simply tell you not to do it. LOL. But, for women whose profession is to please men, they'll get it more so than you. Hpv is also available for person under 45. But, it's also really hard to get. Countermeasure drugs are available. But, difficult to obtain for us regular guys w / hidden agendas. Wish it was like other countries you can walk in the drug store and it's available on the shelf!

This isn't true at all anymore, I told my doctor I see escorts and massage girls, he didn't judge, just asked if I used protection (how I used it when I did-apparently that makes a big difference), and now does regular screenings for me. It has honestly made mongering so much less stressful. And getting prophylactic pills is easy (I had a condom failure with a sketchy girl and the doc gave me a pill that greatly reduces chances of getting HIV if taken within 24 hours). Seriously more of us should be frank with our doctor. You get good screening, helpful information, and potentially life saving intervention. It isn't the early 80's. Doctors are different now. Don't let a moment of embarrassment interfere with good health.

[CornPop]

If you have unprotected sex with multiple people (or say you do) you qualify. The screening process is a questionnaire and a HIV test. After that, you have to get sti screened every 3 months (only hiv but why not do everything?

Good to know thanks. Since I see the commercial all the time. Thought it would just be subscribed if you told the doctor you had unprotected sex with multiple sex workers.

You are right. They would tell you don't do it or wrap up your dick.