Medical Exam in Moscow

[slim 1,533]

OK, here is my question. I thought the exam involved tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea. I have always thought that people tested for these in a way that involves a gynecological exam, not a blood test. Do they show up in the blood test? I thought that since they were bacterial infections they wouldn't, but I'm not a doctor and don't know much about medicine.

I didn't think they tested for those, but if they did, yeah, they'd have to "take a look." (Or so I thought too.)

As far as which clinic to go to, there's one that could charge you extra money for stuff you don't need and the other one could possibly harass/abuse you?

What ever happened to the days of "I'm the one paying you.... do what I say." Sure, then they're not going to sign the required documents, but that's why there's another clinic. And another. People here in the States do that alot too. They forget that their doctor and medical staff are working for them. There's not too much disagreement with doctors and nurses here. Usually just complaining after the fact.

Remember, going to the doctor is no different than going to Jiffy Lube. You're going there to get a service performed and your equipment checked. If they give you any hassle, either go to the dealer or do it yourself.

[eekee 182]

They're on the list of things that would make you fail a medical.

I didn't think they tested for those, but if they did, yeah, they'd have to "take a look." (Or so I thought too.)

[mendeleev 69]

No STD tests for my wife, either, except for HIV. So the outrageous aspects of my wife's examination cannot be dismissed as a "misunderstanding".

[eekee 182]

Why are they on the list (along with syphilis and some things that I've never heard of) if they don't test for them?

No STD tests for my wife, either, except for HIV. So the outrageous aspects of my wife's examination cannot be dismissed as a "misunderstanding".

[mendeleev 69]

Why are they on the list (along with syphilis and some things that I've never heard of) if they don't test for them?

No STD tests for my wife, either, except for HIV. So the outrageous aspects of my wife's examination cannot be dismissed as a "misunderstanding".

Let me correct myself: apparently they also tested for syphilis with the blood draw they used for the HIV test. As for the various other conditions you refer to -- I cannot comment.

[Bobalouie 0]

I wanted her to go to AOM, but neither they or Filitov would pick up the phone. She called all day, every day for about 4 days and finally decided to try MOM/IOM and they picked up the phone.

[eekee 182]

According to wikipedia they can test your pee for gonorrhea/chlamydia as well. Good to know.

Why are they on the list (along with syphilis and some things that I've never heard of) if they don't test for them?

No STD tests for my wife, either, except for HIV. So the outrageous aspects of my wife's examination cannot be dismissed as a "misunderstanding".

Let me correct myself: apparently they also tested for syphilis with the blood draw they used for the HIV test. As for the various other conditions you refer to -- I cannot comment.

[visaveteran1 33]

According to wikipedia they can test your pee for gonorrhea/chlamydia as well. Good to know.

Why are they on the list (along with syphilis and some things that I've never heard of) if they don't test for them?

No STD tests for my wife, either, except for HIV. So the outrageous aspects of my wife's examination cannot be dismissed as a "misunderstanding".

Let me correct myself: apparently they also tested for syphilis with the blood draw they used for the HIV test. As for the various other conditions you refer to -- I cannot comment.

The clap disease-chlamydia test used to be be VERY unpleasant, for men anyway. Now they can test with urine sample. Thank you modern medicine!

[visaveteran1 33]

The medical exam is an issue for me and I resent our embassy allowing such nonsense to occur under it's oversight. Abuse and rip-offs and we have to pay for such #######.

There needs to be a better way...but there's so much corruption and bribery and mafia influence in Russia...especially Moscow, that there seems no better way except to maybe add more clinic choices than 3 or 4.

Regarding MOM, I understand they offer same day results and, unfortunately, I think many folks who want to save money by limiting their stay in Moscow choose to use MOM for that reason alone. I have already decided we will not use MOM. If there were no choice, I pay a female body guard to go along.

[eekee 182]

Not so pleasant for women either, but unfortunately the, uh, technique is still a part of the exam for other things.

The clap disease-chlamydia test used to be be VERY unpleasant, for men anyway. Now they can test with urine sample. Thank you modern medicine!

[visaveteran1 33]

Not so pleasant for women either, but unfortunately the, uh, technique is still a part of the exam for other things.

The clap disease-chlamydia test used to be be VERY unpleasant, for men anyway. Now they can test with urine sample. Thank you modern medicine!

Yes...don't envy you.

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

My Alla is not looking forward to that forthcoming procedure.

Not so pleasant for women either, but unfortunately the, uh, technique is still a part of the exam for other things.

The clap disease-chlamydia test used to be be VERY unpleasant, for men anyway. Now they can test with urine sample. Thank you modern medicine!

Yes...don't envy you.

[Satellite 1]

My wife (fiancé) then had a terrible experience there back in 2005. The only advantage of MOM is that it might be $5 cheaper. The disadvantages can fill a substantial list.

There is always one bad case in any operation. You've also done a great job of spreading the negative word here on VJ.

Unfortunately many others including myself had the experience at MOM described below:

My wife and her daughter had their medical in MOM in 2006 and had no problems at all. Most reports lately have been positive.

And if it was only a $5 savings it would make no difference to me. But when you are on budget, limiting the amount of days you have to be in Moscow is crucial. For us it was a better calculated risk to stay less in Moscow, a savings of several hundreds of dollars and be subject to a 1 in 100,000 or chance of getting the rape with an instrument scenario. Also back in 2004 no reports of "rape" were mention regarding any clinic in Moscow here on VJ.

As for my wife, her checkup was typical. A chest x-ray was as sexual as it got.

[Chuckles 0]

Mine/our experience at MOM in 2006 was fine as well.

[visaveteran1 33]

For some it's about money and for some it's about other things...like love and vigilance for our wives and children. We all choose our way. I choose love and I'm not willing to accept even a 1 in 1,000,000 level of risk when it comes to my wife's safety and well-being.

It won't sooth me at all to know I saved $150 at my wife's expense. If abuse occurs, there's no going back. Satellite, I have a feeling you'd make your wife walk down a dark alley at midnight to save a $1.

I hear you (Satellite) complaining that someone reported abuse at MOM (just as he should). Wow...you only want to hear positive reports on the forum. That's funny coming from you. Or are you challenging the story's truthfulness?

For those who used MOM, I am happy it worked out for you and I don't fault the decision. In some cases it seems there was little else to do. If other clinics won't answer the phone, that limits choices. I would suggest that people write the Embassy and tell them about their phone problem with the clinics and maybe things will change.

I hear the stories about men in Russia, and I heed the call to be careful.

IT IS RUSSIA!