Between nurses who treat patients like sinners, health centres with little to no privacy, and the very real threat of becoming campus gossip by sundown, getting tested for STIs on a Nigerian university campus is its own kind of ordeal.
In this article, four Nigerian University students tell us why getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) sometimes feels like a nightmare.
1. “I Don’t Have Money for Treatment, So I’d Rather not Know” – Daniella*, 23
The clinic on campus is genuinely terrible. I went in once to treat malaria and left feeling like I’d done something wrong. The nurse looked at me like I was wasting her time. So the idea of walking in there and asking specifically for an STI test? I can’t even picture it.
It’s not just the attitude. There’s no privacy, either. The waiting area is open; everyone can see who’s sitting where, and people talk. My school isn’t that big. By the time you leave, three people you know have already seen you and started drawing conclusions.
I’ve had unprotected sex before, and I know I probably should get tested, but every time I think about actually doing it, I talk myself out of it. What if it’s positive? I don’t have money for treatment, and I can’t tell my parents. So I’d rather just not know.
2. “I’d Rather Wait It Out or Pray It Away” – Anna*, 20
There’s a way people in school look at girls who aren’t bothered by sex. The moment they notice you’re not ashamed of it, they start talking about you. Honestly, I’ve seen it happen to other girls in my hostel and class. Just snippets of gist here and there about what they must be up to.
My friend once went to the campus clinic for a routine check. Somebody saw her there and assumed the worst. Now the entire department knows her for being the girl who took tests at the clinic. She hadn’t even done anything, yet that story followed her for the rest of the semester.
I’m in 200 level, so I still have years left in this school. I can’t afford to have a rumour about me being spread. So even when I’m worried or something feels off, I just wait it out and pray it resolves itself.
3. “My Girlfriend Thinks Asking to Get Tested Means I Don’t Trust Her” – Bazzy*, 24
My babe and I have been together for about two years. A few months ago, I brought up the idea of us both getting tested, just to be responsible. She wanted to know why I was suddenly suggesting it, whether I’d been with someone else, or if I didn’t trust her. I dropped it so fast, and I haven’t brought it up ever since.
The thing is, I actually want to get tested, but testing has this loaded meaning in relationships. It feels like I’m starting to make a statement about my babe’s loyalty, and it’s going to keep causing unnecessary drama. I’ll probably just go alone one day without telling anybody.
4. “My Parents Don’t Know How To Mind Their Business” – Bibi*, 18
I’m really dependent on my parents for all my finances. They pay my fees, my allowance, everything. And because my account is connected to theirs, they’re able to monitor the account. So any unusual transaction is a conversation waiting for me on the next phone call. And that’s assuming they don’t immediately call to ask.
Going to the clinic isn’t free. I’ll pay for registration to get a card, a consultation and the testing. Even if I could explain away a random clinic charge, the follow-up questions are going to be crazy. My mum, especially. She would want to know exactly what I was tested for and why.
I’m not ready for that conversation, and I don’t think I’ll ever be while I’m still depending on them.
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