Well, I can honestly say that my first time getting tested was more out of fear than being proactive with my health. Even though waiting for your results is probably the most nerve-wracking part you are going to experience, the relief of knowing afterwards makes it totally worth it. Whether you go to a clinic, hospital, or doctor’s office, you will be given some sort of paperwork to fill out in regards to your sexual history. It is very important guys- and I can’t stress this enough- to be honest with yourself and your doctor when filling this part out because that’s the only way to make sure you are getting all of the right tests.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "Always be honest about your health concerns so that all of them are actually covered and not overlooked."

Getting tested for both STI’s and HIV at the same time is the best way to go about it. That way you know you have all of your bases covered. An HIV test will be one of two things. There is a 20-minute test where they swab the inside of your mouth, but they will ask you to come back and do a blood sample to make sure your results are extremely accurate.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "This is known as HIV rapid testing, where results can be available in 20 minutes. Sometimes an additional blood test will be recommended if the health care professional notices something that may make the oral swab rapid-testing seem inaccurate (e.g. if they notice that the oral swab test often gives inconclusive results)."

The other HIV test is of course drawing of the blood, which is nothing to fear at all unless your veins are really hard to get to like mine. In all seriousness, though, it really isn’t too bad. You will get your results, depending on where you go, between 1 and 2 weeks and the whole process will be over!

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "There is also an oral swab test known as the ELISA test. It looks for HIV antibodies just like the blood test does, but no needles are needed. So if you have concerns with needles and drawing blood, this test is just as accurate (it is different from the rapid-testing oral swab because results take 1-2 weeks for the ELISA)."

Now, an STI test is a little more involved. One of the first things they will do is stick a cotton swab down your urethra. Yes, your pee hole guys! Even though it sounds a little weird and creepy, it is over quick.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "The sticking of a cotton swab down the urethra is an 'old-fashioned' way of doing an STI test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. A urine sample can be collected to do the same thing just as accurately. This is less invasive and less 'weird.'"

Depending on what you disclose as far as your sexual history goes, you might have to bend over and get your butt checked out to make sure nothing’s going on back there. The doctor will be looking for signs of HPV, herpes, and syphilis. You are going to feel a little exposed and embarrassed, BUT DON’T LET THAT STOP YOU FROM GETTING TESTED! You feel those same feelings and they last much longer if you are always wondering if you might have herpes or be HIV positive.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "An anal or rectal examination may be done if a person has had anal sex since STIs can also be found in the anus or rectum. A good doctor or health care professional would not object to this concern. If she or he shows signs of judgment because of personal biases to anal sex, it’s probably time to look for a different doctor or health care professional."

If you’re worried about some girl or guy physician seeing your junk, just remember that your MOM already has! And that girl or guy you slept with last night! LOL! But seriously, early detection of any STI or HIV can lead to a longer and more fulfilling life. What most people don’t realize is that even if you are diagnosed with something, it isn’t a death sentence. Many STIs are treatable and don’t have to ruin you or your partner’s life. You just have to find out early so you can take care of it before any major damage is done. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what they are doing or what they are looking for. Once you get your results, you will feel that much better.

The Sex Ed Guru Says: "True, most STIs can be treated successfully if found early, so getting tested regularly (every 6 months or at the start of a new monogamous relationship) for STIs is important! But don’t forget to include protection by using male or female condoms and dental dams every time you engage in oral, anal, or vaginal sex; and finger dams if you use your fingers to manually stimulate your partner’s genitals."

You’re not the first person to ever have sex without a condom, or get tested for something you think you may have. The doc won’t be shocked by your story- they’ve seen it all before. The point of the matter is whatever sexual adventures you choose to embark upon, make sure you are practicing safe habits and keeping up with your sexual health.