When Do You Ask For A Blood Test?

Last week we discussed numbers, this week we are discussing whether or not to ask for a blood test and when is the appropriate time? Take our latest poll: Do You Ask For A Blood Test Before Participating In Unprotected Sex?

Freda Says: Ah, alas you found Mr. Right, he is perfect. After such a daunting task of blind dates, bad dates, imperfect mates, internet dating and waiting you are finally in a relationship. You cancel all of your online dating accounts, call the dating search off and change your FaceBook status from "Single/It's Complicated" to "In A Relationship." Yeah!

Several weeks go by, maybe even a few months. You are settling into this new era in your life and finally steady sex with someone you can kiss, cuddle and hold onto. Ah but you are an Alpha Woman and a smart one at that so I would assume that are having "safe, protected sex" but now he and or you want to love without the glove. Do you know him well enough? After all you both have revealed your number honestly, you have discussed your sexual history, it's safe to proceed....right?

What do you do? This is a good question and I for one think it is imperative to have this decided beforehand instead of waiting until the heat of the moment when you are not thinking with a clear head. Figure out now what your response is going to be. I would say the mature and wise thing would be for both of you to go to the doctor and get tested. In this crazy world it is to risky not protect yourself against some pretty down right scary diseases like HIV, Herpes, Genital Warts, HPV and more. It would behoove you to read
The HPV Vaccine Controversy by Dr. Shobha S. Krishnan, M.D.

It has been researched that women often are the ones who end of with the actual disease where men just carry many of these diseases without ever experiencing any symptoms.

An estimated 45 million people in the U.S. are infected with genital herpes, and 1 million new cases occur every year. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the U.S. are the highest in the developed world. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are approaching epidemic proportions among some adolescent populations, and one in five sexually active adults may be infected with genital herpes. Education is critical,as is breaking the chains of transmission through abstinence, condom use or screening and treatment. Silence is unacceptable.

Unintended Pregnancies

Nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. While women of all ages, incomes and ethnic backgrounds have unintended pregnancies, numbers are highest among adolescents, low-income women and women of African-American descent. Unintended pregnancies are also medically costly. They can, for example, increase risk for low birth weight and infant mortality. Aside from higher medical expenses, the cost to society is palpable. Intended pregnancies affect education rates, welfare dependency and even subsequent child abuse and neglect.

AIDS

The AIDS epidemic is shifting toward women. While women accounted for 28 percent of HIV cases reported between 1981 and 1999, they accounted for 32 percent of reported cases between June 1999 and July 2000. We need to observe that the enemy is the virus--not those infected. We need to team up with those infected to stem the spread of HIV. With their help, we can increase awareness of the need for responsible sexual behavior. I think it is very wise considering these startling statistics to get tested before you even consider having unprotected sex. Take care of yourself and be smart!

Gabe Says: All species do it – they mate with partners they sense are healthy and strong with the idea that the offspring will be healthy and strong and the species will endure. Up until very recent history humans judged the health of their mating partners mostly on appearance and ancestry. Now we have blood tests. Though asking a partner before you sleep with her if she would get a blood test is less to determine her state of health relating to her genes and more for protection from various venereal diseases, there is still the primordial desire to mate with a healthy partner. And in contemporary society asking for a blood test is definitely acceptable.

It fact asking for a blood test shows responsibility, and as long as the asker is also willing to submit to the test, shows that they are healthy and cautious as well. It can be something the couple can do together and assuming all is well with the results maybe they can plan a nice dinner after the doctor’s visit, then they can hit the sack.

Travis Says: It is COMPLETELY OKAY to ask your partner for a blood test before you have intercourse with them! I think the gay community is actually more aware of sexually transmitted diseases, especially AIDS/HIV, than the our heterosexual counterparts. Yes, homosexuals may have BEEN the largest group of people acquiring new cases of AIDS/HIV, but that was the past. In our modern society, it has become a part of every gay man's life to get routine STD and STI examinations, and getting tested with your partner before having unprotected sex is now a sort of "passage" which, in many cases, creates a strong bond of trust between partners. I have never offended a partner by asking them about their history of STI/STD screenings, nor have I been offended when asked if I have been tested. It's an adult precaution that anyone who is sexual should take.

Asking a partner to get a blood test is VERY important for heterosexual women!!!! Many men carry STIs and STDs, such as HPV, herpes and chlamydia, and show NO symptoms. Taking precautions to protect yourself is completely and totally ACCEPTABLE. Why should you be expected to subjugate yourself to an infection or disease that could stay with your for the rest of your life?! If your partner is offended that you ask them for a blood test, then they don't respect your enough to deserve having sex with you!!!!!

Do you have a burning question? Email it to info@alphawomen.com because we have an answer!