STIs and HIV - FAQs

Hi, just had a quick question about hiv. I had unprotected sex and caught gonerra, so i was also worried about catching HIV but i dont wana take a test because im scared of the results. what do i do? i highly doubt i have it but you can never b too sure.... im really scared and i started to get paranoid, its affecting my daily life.

It’s understandable that you are anxious and scared about your HIV status after unprotected sex. Thinking about getting an HIV test can cause some people to worry. Whatever your test results, getting tested sooner rather than later will help you stay at your healthiest.

Getting accurate results depends on the time of your last possible exposure to HIV (unprotected sex or needle sharing). There is a window period, where it takes approximately 3 months for HIV antibodies to show up on an HIV test. If you have ever had a risky experience, it’s a good idea to be tested for HIV. It’s important to remember that if you have had unprotected sex (oral, anal or vaginal) or shared needles within the last three months, the health care provider will recommend that you return for repeat testing to ensure that you have waited long enough for the test to be completely accurate.

Knowing the HIV testing process may also ease your anxiety. A trained health care professional will conduct counselling and the HIV test. They are there to discuss any of your concerns and if a positive test is the result, they help you connect with support services and explain treatment options. At Peel Public Health Sexuality clinics, you have the option of (1) a standard HIV test (where blood is taken from your arm and sent to a laboratory – results take approximately 2 weeks) or (2) a rapid HIV screening test (Point of Care) where blood is taken from your finger and results are given within a few minutes. All Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality clinics offer FREE and ANONYMOUS HIV testing, including the Rapid HIV screening test.

Practicing safer sex by using condoms every time you have sex (oral, anal and/or vaginal) is recommended.

Having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) increases the changes of getting HIV. Therefore, by having unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive the chances of getting HIV increase.

For more information about Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality clinics and HIV testing, check out www.intheknowpeel.ca. You can also call Peel Public Health’s Customer Contact Centre at 905-799-7700 and ask to speak with someone from the Sexual Health Information Line to discuss your situation – it’s completely ANONYMOUS. The phone line is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.