The last twenty-four hours were a blur. I arrived in Des Plaines with my work bag in hand, ready to make the most of the all-expenses-paid work convention. But I had a little time to myself before having to immerse myself in networking and presentations. The bottom floor of the hotel had a bistro, and I treated myself to a drink on the outdoor patio. The bartender was gorgeous, and she certainly poured heavy. The more I took in the scenery around me, I realized there were many attractive women around. Some looked professional, others looked carefree, and after being single for a while, I felt like any of them could be a good match.
A few drinks later, I found myself back in my hotel room with someone I met at the bar. It certainly wasn’t the best way to kick off my work trip. Just because I was single and out of my comfort zone meant that I needed to sleep around. Worst of all, I skipped out on measures to protect both of us. But I figured it would be okay, and it wasn’t the first time I looked the other way on using protection.
The next morning, Sabrina left the hotel room and I hurried to get ready for my presentation. I was kicking off the first day of the financial summit my company was hosting. I thought I’d feel confident, but all I felt was guilt and a lingering headache from those heavy drinks.
I silently scolded myself on the elevator ride down to the ballroom.
I could do better than this.
My presentation went well, and I faked my confidence while mingling with co-workers and company stakeholders. I was in the clear, aside from the brain fog and self-loathing.
The conference lasted two days, and I realized how great the convention was for my career. But there was a problem on the third day when I was scheduled to leave. I was starting to have discomfort and physical symptoms that worried me about potentially contracting something from the first night.
I pulled out my phone from my pocket and searched for testing centers. Did it matter if I took it at a random walk-in clinic immediately? Or should I wait until I arrive back home to try and get in with a primary care doctor?
All of the options were overwhelming and only aided in my fear of a potential diagnosis. But then I came across something I didn’t even know existed – an at-home STD test by a local diagnostic center called ALC Diagnostics.
Perfect.
I skimmed the instructions and let out a sigh of relief. I could order the test online and take it in the comfort of my own home, with privacy and peace of mind. It even stated that if I had a positive result, I could receive a telehealth consult for treatment options.
Once back at home, I patiently waited for my testing kit to arrive. I couldn’t believe I’d put myself in a situation to have to do this, but the physical symptoms were growing more and more uncomfortable. The least I could do was be thankful I didn’t have to go sit in a waiting room and sulk in more embarrassment. When the kit arrived, I opened it up and couldn’t believe how easy it was to perform the urine test. I mailed it back the same day, feeling relieved that I would have a definitive answer within a few days.
While waiting for the results, I truly realized how risky it was to be having unprotected sex. It didn’t matter if I had steered clear of any STIs in the past because every situation is different. I’d never considered myself a risky person, but I sure was behaving like one regarding my sexual health.
The results arrived a day earlier than planned and revealed that I tested positive for Chlamydia. I was disappointed but happy to know that I could start treatment and relieve myself of the symptoms I was experiencing. Through a referral from ALC Diagnostics, I scheduled a telehealth consultation with a practitioner and got a prescription for antibiotics.
Like everyone, I didn’t want to be in this situation, yet ALC’s service made it more convenient than I ever thought was possible. Not only was I able to discreetly take my test, but I also had a clear path forward once I received my diagnosis. Still, practicing safe sex quickly shifted to a higher priority of mine after thinking I was too lucky to ever contract an STI.