I went to the doctor today because I was running a fever and had a sore throat (it turned out to be strept throat-- although I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly). My doctor knows I'm gay because I've been honest about it. I'm also in a commited longterm relationship that's headed toward a marriage. She's always been fine with my sexuality since I live in a very educated and liberal part of the state. The sad thing was that when I told her my symptoms she automatically wanted to get me an HIV test. I've had this happen before with other doctors. I know gay men are at risk of HIV, but I'm so sick of all doctors automatically thinking we're infected any time we have a runny nose. Does anyone else feel this way?
2007-02-06 07:27:09 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Don't feel bad, I had this one doctor who assumed that because I had a soar throat that kept returning after several rounds of antibiotics that I must be giving bj's to every Tom, Dick and Harry...and actually asked me right to my face, "Who have you been "blowing"! "
I was mortified!
I actually slapped him and stormed out, on my way out I informed the front desk that they will be getting a complaint from the Medical Board!
I was absolutely infuriated.
Turns out I had a staff infection in my tonsils that I must have gotten while visiting my mother in the hospital. But I complained to the medical board and had him investigated because he refused to treat me properly for this very serious infection that nearly killed me!
I've also had a female doctor who, even though she knew I am a lesbian and have been in a long term relationship for ten years still persists on asking me if there's anyway I might be pregnant.
I told her, "Trust me, if I was raped, you'd know. If I was sleeping with men, you'd know. But you know I'm a lesbian, you know I'm in a long term relationship, why do you keep asking me if I could be pregnant?"
2007-02-06 08:07:35 · answer #1 · answered by DEATH 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not gay but since you know this doctor, I dont think you should be offended. She's just looking after your well being, covering all the bases. Gay men do run a higher risk of getting HIV, just like heterosexuals who don't use protection, even if they're in a committed relationship. While you love your partner and you believe (and probably know) that they wont cheat on you, the doctor can't run the risk of not making sure to rule out that your partner may have gotten something. It would be the same with straight partners, and gay men do run a higher risk. I don't know if you use protection, but I would say, don't take it too personally. Your well being is in her hands as the doctor.
2007-02-06 15:34:29 · answer #2 · answered by mmatthews000 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm not so sure that it's a gay thing as much as its a doctor thing watching their backside with an at risk a patient. Not that you would but, with the way that people sue these days the doctors have to watch thier backs. If he/she says nothing and youre infected with anything it could be mal-pratice. You're not the only one who has a problem with being at risk. I'm pretty sure you're not the only person gay or strait, black or white that he/shes ever ask to get tested.
2007-02-06 16:19:07 · answer #3 · answered by walstib_710 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've not had this situation happen to me. As a matter of fact, I have to request the HIV test (usually as part of a more extensive blood test) and remind my doctor why I'm requesting it. So it's a catch-22.
2007-02-06 15:35:04 · answer #4 · answered by behrmark 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes even educated and liberal folks do not agree with gay lifestyles. I may even go so far as to say maybe...just maybe there are ignorant uneducated gays out there just balling away. But thats just a guess.
To doctors they are just looking at the numbers. Numbers don't lie.
The numbers say gay men are at high risk.
Whether it annoys you or not the facts are facts.
2007-02-06 15:44:22 · answer #5 · answered by Papa Mac DaddyJoe 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't blame your Dr blame your lawyer.
If a Dr were to see you with any symptom that could even remotely be related to HIV and didn't treat for it she could be held liable.
This accounts for a LOT of the unnecessary tests we are subject to constantly.
2007-02-06 17:41:18 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to go to a gay doctor. I have had a gay doctor for 20 years and I have never had that problem.
2007-02-06 15:57:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
She probably doesn't mean it that way. It's just....HIV is a very deadly diesease, and she would probably never forgive herself if you caught HIV and she didn't give you atest just because she was afraid it'd hurt your feelings.
It's better to be safe than sorry.
2007-02-06 17:40:49 · answer #8 · answered by Sabrina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep - She is trying to protect you but she doesn't realize that she is making a glaring prejudice.
All you can do is thank her for her concern and assure her that you and your boyfriend are both monogamous.
It's nothing to be embarrassed about. HIV is just one of those things that is more common in certain groups.
It sounds like you have a concerned doctor - imagine the opposite. What if she didn't care at all?
2007-02-06 15:31:18 · answer #9 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋
MY DOCTOR gave me hiv test be
2007-02-06 15:30:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋