STI Clinic

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and they can affect anyone who is sexually active.

Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Each STI has its own symptoms, risks, and treatment options, so it's important to get tested and treated if you think you may be at risk.

How often you get tested will depend on many factors. A good general rule is to get tested every time you switch partners and before engaging in sex with your new boo. If you are with the same partner for a long time and don’t have any concerns around sharing needles or tattooing equipment, getting tested every year is another great rule of thumb. It’s important that you don’t wait until you see or experience symptoms of an STI because so many are asymptomatic and can still be passed on even without showing any signs of infection.

Another great option is to make testing a routine part of your health care. If you’re used to going to the dentist or to see your family doctor once a year, make STI testing just another regular part of taking care of yourself.

Source: Action Canada SHR

This will depend on the STI and the time in between the sexual contact. The amount of time that needs to pass after sexual contact and before you can get tested for STIs (and have them “show up” on a test) is often referred to as a window period. The duration of this window period depends on the STI.

HIV can take up to three months for a final positive result, although 95% of tests will be accurate after 4-5 weeks. It can take up to three months for enough copies of the virus (known as viral load) to accumulate in your blood and be detected through a blood test.

Chlamydia can be tested for after 24-48 hours but results will be most accurate after 2 weeks.

Gonorrhea can be tested 24-48 hours, but results are most accurate after 7 days

Hepatitis has a window period of two and four weeks.

Syphilis has a window period of 3-4 weeks but some guidelines will suggest a repeat test after 3 months.

Herpes The most accurate test for herpes involves swabbing a sore, so test results are most accurate when sores are present during an outbreak. 

Source: Action Canada SHR

Yes! STI tests, along with physical examinations, can be conducted while menstruating. Some tests can be affected like a pap test (and your health care provider would let you know in advance) but standard STI/HIV tests are no problem. Your health care provider can check for STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia with a pee test or a swab from the vagina. Doing a urine sample test or a swab test for these STIs while you are on your period is no problem. If you feel more comfortable waiting a day or two, that's okay too!

Source: Action Canada SHR

During an STI test, a healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood, urine, or swab from the affected area, depending on the type of test. The sample will then be sent to a lab for testing, and the results will be available within a few days.