FAQs about STIs
- What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
- Is an STD the same as an STI?
- What are the symptoms?
- What do I do if I have an STI?
- How often should I get tested?
- STI testing for males and females - what to expect
- Where can I get tested and treated?
1. What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?
STIs can infect you in many ways. They can be caused by bacteria. They can be viruses. They can even come in the form of parasites like pubic lice. STIs are found on the body, in blood and in body fluids like semen (cum) and vaginal fluids. Sometimes, STIs like genital warts and herpes can be spread through skin-to-skin contact - simply kissing someone with a herpes blister may be enough to infect you.
STIs are spread from person to person during sex - and that means oral sex and anal sex as well. Injection drug use (IDU), tattooing or body piercing can also spread an infection if the needles and equipment aren't clean. An STI can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of delivery and through the process of breastfeeding.
Most STIs can be cured, but some will never go away and require lifelong treatment. And make no mistake: having an STI puts you at a greater risk of getting HIV/AIDS.
2. Is an STD the same as an STI?
Yes. It's just another term used to describe infections that are spread through sexual contact.
3. What are the symptoms?
It's not always easy to recognize the signs of an STI in you or your partner. In fact, some STI's have no symptoms at all, so you may not even know you have one unless you get tested.
You might have an STI if you experience any of these signs:
- Burning feeling in your genitals or when you pee.
- Sores, small bumps or blisters on or near your penis, vagina or anus.
- Itching around your penis, vagina or anus.
- Unusual discharge - like a different colour, smell or amount - from the vagina or penis.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Pain in the testicles.
- Bleeding after intercourse or between periods.
- Pain during sex or masturbation.
- For women, unusual bleeding during your period.
Think you might have an STI? Check out What do I do if I have an STI?
REMEMBER: Using condoms every time you have sex can lower your chances of getting an STI and HIV/AIDS.
4. What do I do if I have an STI?
If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible. You can see your family doctor or visit a Healthy Sexuality Clinic in your area to find out exactly what you have and how you can treat it. And to be on the safe side, it's best to avoid having sex until you've seen a doctor about your concerns.
5. How often should I get tested?
If you're sexually active, it's a good idea to get tested every year for STIs even if you feel fine. It's a good practice to go for testing if you're about to start a new relationship. Ask your partner to do the same! Some STIs have no symptoms so you may not even know you have it unless you get tested.
6. STI testing for males and females - what to expect
Men
The types of tests you'll take will vary depending on your concerns. The doctor or nurse will explain what tests are going to be done and why. Don't be afraid about asking them questions! For most procedures, it's best not to pee for two hours before your check-up.
In the clinic or doctor's office, you'll have to undress partially or completely. Then the doctor or nurse will do some or all of these procedures as part of the physical exam:
- Visual check of your genitals
- Examine the penis and testicles to check for discharge, pain, sores
- Take a swab from the urethra (the opening of the penis)
- Ask for a urine sample
- Take a blood test
A NOTE ABOUT BLOOD TESTS: when you get a routine blood test through your family doctor, they don't automatically check for HIV. HIV testing should not be done without your consent! HIV testing usually involves some pre-test counselling before the blood test.
Women
The types of tests you'll take will vary depending on your concerns. The doctor or nurse will explain what tests are going to be done and why. Don't be afraid about asking them questions! When you see the doctor or nurse, they will ask you to undress partially or completely.
The doctor or nurse will do some or all of these procedures as part of the physical exam:
- Visual check of your genitals
- Speculum exam:
- This involves placing a speculum inside the vagina so that the vagina and cervix can be observed
- Swabs may be taken from the vagina and/or cervix
- If you're getting a pap test, samples will be taken from the cervix using a tiny brush and spatula
- Bi-manual exam:
- This involves the doctor or nurse placing the fingers of one hand into the vagina while the other hand presses on the abdomen. This is so they can feel your ovaries and uterus.
- Take a swab from a lesion or sore if you have one
- Ask for a urine sample
- Take a blood test
A NOTE ABOUT BLOOD TESTS: when you get a routine blood test through your family doctor, they don't automatically check for HIV. HIV testing should not be done without your consent! HIV testing usually involves some pre-test counselling before the blood test.
7. Where can I get tested and treated?
If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, get it checked out as soon as possible.
You can get tested and treated at a Peel Public Health Healthy Sexuality Clinic. This is not a walk-in clinic - you need to make an appointment! All testing is free and confidential.
You can also go to your local walk-in clinic or family doctor about your concerns and they may refer you to a specific treatment clinic.
For more information about testing and treatment, e-mail or call Peel Health at
905-799-7700 and ask for Sexual Health Information.
