Getting regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an integral part of your overall health.
STIs are passed from one person to another during oral, anal or vaginal sex. There are many different types of STIs, and they are transmitted in different ways. Some are transmitted via body fluids like semen, vaginal fluids and blood, while others can be transmitted from skin-to-skin contact.
While some STIs are easily treatable, some cannot be cured. If left unmanaged, some STIs can lead to infertility and other complications.
Anyone who is sexually active can get or spread an STI.
Common STIs
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Genital herpes
- Genital warts and HPV
- Scabies
STI Services
Some of these services are available at our SPC clinics via walk-in or appointment. Contact our clinics directly to inquire.
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Our medical practitioners will proceed with STI testing in complete privacy and ensure the experience is safe and as comfortable as possible for you.
We recommend contacting the clinic directly to discuss whether they offer this service via walk-in or appointment and to answer any questions you may have.
When to Get Tested
STIs are serious and can have long-term effects on your health and ability to have children if left untreated. If you think you might have an STI, get checked as soon as possible and avoid having sex until you receive your results.
It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of STIs and to know when to get tested. STI symptoms for men and women may be different.
Common STI symptoms in men
- A discoloured or foul-smelling discharge from the penis.
- A burning feeling when urinating.
- Pain during sex or masturbation.
- Excessive itching in the penis or scrotum.
- Unusual bumps or a rash on the penis or scrotum.
- Bleeding from the penis.
Common STI symptoms in women
- An unusual discharge (a different colour, smell, or amount) from the vagina.
- A burning feeling when urinating.
- Pain during sex or masturbation.
- Excessive itching in the vagina or labia.
- Unusual bumps or a rash on your genitals.
- Heavier-than-usual bleeding from your vagina (different than your normal period.)
Since some STIs might not cause symptoms right away or at all, which means you may be infected and not even know it. If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested every year, or before starting a sexual relationship with a new partner to help keep yourself and your partner(s) safe.
What to Expect When Getting Tested
The type of STI test you’ll need will depend on your symptoms and concerns. A doctor or nurse can help you determine what to get tested for, walk you through the process and procedure and explain what to expect during the tests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have them.
For men, STI testing may include:
- Checking your genitals visually
- Palpating your penis and testicles to check for discharge, pain or sores
- Swabbing your urethra
- Swabbing lesions or sores, if present
- Collecting a urine sample
- Taking a blood sample
For women, STI testing may include:
- Checking your genitals visually
- Using a speculum to examine the vaginal walls and cervix and taking a swab
- Performing a Pap test, and taking samples from your cervix
- Palpating the abdomen to examine the ovaries and uterus
- Taking a swab from any lesions or sores, if present
- Collecting a urine sample
- Taking a blood test
Remember: HIV testing isn’t automatic and shouldn’t take place without your consent. If you’re concerned you may have contracted HIV, discuss it with your physician. They will help to set you up with the appropriate testing appointment, including pre-test counselling and a blood test.
Ways to Protect Yourself
One of the best ways to protect yourself against STIs is to practice safer sex. Use a barrier such as a condom, a dental dam and/or latex or nitrile gloves every time you have oral, anal or vaginal sex. Barriers protect you and your partner from sexual fluids and some skin-to-skin contact that can spread STIs.
If you do find out you have an STI, many STIs can be easily treated with medication and once your course of treatment is completed, you won’t have to worry about passing the infection on to anyone else – unless you get reinfected.
While some STIs can’t be cured, there are still ways to treat symptoms and enjoy safer sex with your partner. Depending on the type of STI you have, there are precautions you can take to prevent transmission. If you do have an STI, always inform your partner about your condition before having sex so you can work together to create a safer sex plan and both be informed about the precautions you are taking.
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