RATES OF STIs IN CANADA HIGHEST AMONG THOSE 25 AND UNDER.
Whether you say yes to sex is definitely your choice. But if you are sexually active, you should also say YES to TEST.
STIs are common and are most often transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. It doesn’t matter whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning … STIs don’t discriminate.
STIs can be managed and treated. That’s why talking about them, using protection, and getting tested regularly are so important.
Yes or no, sex is our choice. But the facts are clear. Yes to sex? #YESmeansTEST
Testing for STIs is no big deal
Early detection of STIs is important and treatment can be simple. Some STIs are more challenging to test for, so your regular Pap test isn’t enough. If left untreated, STIs can recur, and may lead to infertility or other diseases and complications, and sometimes even death. So make sexual health part of your regular health routine.
Screening is available for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis (by pelvic exam or urine test) as well as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C by blood tests. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and HPV are more challenging to test for with any one screening test, but should be discussed with your health care provider.
STI testing is:
QUICK & EASY
STI testing involves a quick swab, urine test, or blood test.
COVERED
Testing is free at your family doctor, student health centre, Planned Parenthood location, or community health centres.
TREATABLE
Common STIs like Chlamydia or Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
CONFIDENTIAL
Only your health care provider and public health nurse will know your results. BUT, you must notify your sexual partners so they can also get tested.
Why #YESmeansTEST is smart!
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting an STI – even if you are having sex for the first time. Do you know if your partner or hook-up has been tested for an STI? Did the condom break or did you forget to use one? These are two good reasons to get tested.
Sexual activity does not mean only acts involving penetration. You can catch some STIs just by touching or kissing an infected area.
Chlamydia is the most
common bacterial STI in Canada (8 times more common than Gonorrhea, 50 times more common than Syphilis)
There are more than 100,000 cases
of chlamydia each year in Canada
Gonorrhea cases have doubled
in Canada over the last 15 years
STIs on the rise
Chlamydia (aka the Silent STI)
The number of cases of chlamydia has increased by 70% in Canada over the last 15 years!
Gonorrhea (aka the Clap)
Cases have doubled in Canada over the last 15 years, with approximately 20,000 cases per year.
There are 11 common STIs in Canada. Learn how you can stay protected. https://www.sexandu.ca/stis/
A happy and healthy sex life starts by saying #YESmeansTEST. It’s as easy as having a chat with your health care provider. They can help you figure out which screenings are right for you.
Start with your family doctor or student health clinic. If you are unsure where to go, find free, fast, and confidential testing near you using our clinic locator.
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Last Updated: February 9th 2018
