HIV & STI Testing

…For All Bodies

Getting Started

It can be hard to keep track of everything there is to know about HIV and STIs. Between the different symptoms, different types of treatment, and different prevention methods, it’s easy to get confused. Not to mention that so much sexual health information is presented in a binary, gendered way (i.e. testing recommendations for “men” vs. “women”) which, quite frankly, doesn’t reflect many of our experiences.

One way to make things simpler and to feel more empowered is to focus on things that are within your control. For example, making sure you’re getting the HIV and STI testing you need for your body can help you feel more in control of your sexual health.

Below, we provide a brief overview of HIV and STI testing, different types of tests available, and which types of tests might be right for you. If there’s a test you think you need that you haven’t been offered before, speak with your healthcare provider about receiving it the next time you go in for testing.

Where should I get checked?

In general, any area that you’ve had sex (throat, genitals, anus) is somewhere that you should have tested. A brief explanation of types of tests and who should get them is provided below.

How often should I get checked?

If you’re sexually active, the best practice is to get checked after every new sex partner (or at least annually if you only have one sex partner).

You should get checked every 3-6 months if you’re engaged in any of the following activities:

• sex with multiple partners;

• inconsistent use of condoms or other barriers;

• group sex;

• injection drug use;

• drug use during sex;

• sex work;

• or are taking HIV treatment or PrEP.

You should also be tested anytime you experience symptoms. These can include:

• burning when you pee;

• discharge from the penis or vagina/front hole or anus;

• abnormal bleeding, cramping, or pelvic pain;

• sores, bumps, or warts on the genitals;

• and/or a sore throat.

An important note on window periods

Window periods refer to the amount of time it takes for an STI to show up in a test. During this period — even if you do have HIV or an STI — if you’re tested, your result might inaccurately come back negative. Window periods differ from infection to infection, typically running from several days to several weeks. When speaking with your healthcare provider, make sure you share with them the last time you were sexually active. If your last sexual activity was too recent for an accurate test result, your healthcare provider might ask you to return at a later date for follow-up testing.

Bloodwork

What is it?

Blood is taken from a person’s arm using a needle.

Who should get it?

Anyone who has had any sexual contact since their last HIV or STI test.

What can it test for?

Standard:

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis B (if you haven’t been vaccinated)

• Hepatitis C

By Request/With Symptoms:

• Herpes (HSV)

• Hepatitis A

Urine

What is it?

A person pees into a cup.

Who should get it?

Anyone who has had any sexual contact since their last STI test.

What can it test for?

Standard:

• HIV

• Syphilis

• Hepatitis B (if you haven’t been vaccinated)

• Hepatitis C

By Request/With Symptoms:

• Herpes (HSV)

• Hepatitis A

Note: While urine is most common, if you’re experiencing symptoms or have had sex with someone you know had chlamydia or gonorrhea, a healthcare provider may also choose to swab your urethra (the tip of your penis), your vagina/front hole, or cervix.

2SLGBTQ+ Sexual Wellness and STBBI Testing Supports

• STI Testing Locations in the Edmonton area

  • Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1001498

  • 24-Hour STI/HIV Information Line: 8-1-1

• The STI Clinic

  • Currently the STI Clinic is only accepting appointments. You must call ahead to book an appointment.

  • Phone: 780-342-2300

  • Address: 11111 Jasper Avenue

• HIV Edmonton

  • Currently running drop-in testing hours from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can call or text the nurse to ask questions or book an appointment at 780-984-2241.

  • Website: https://www.hivedmonton.com/

  • Phone: 780-488-5742, or toll-free, at 1-877-388-5742. You can call for general info, support for people living with HIV, and help finding a PrEP prescriber by dialing extension 203.

• East Edmonton Health Centre: Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic

  • Offers testing, counseling and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); testing for HIV and Blood Borne Pathogens (BBPs). Also provides:

    • Immunization against hepatitis A and B, influenza, and other infections for those “at risk”

    • Pregnancy testing and referral

    • Emergency contraceptive pill

    • Public Health follow-up of confirmed cases and contacts of persons infected with a notifiable STI and/or HIV to provide prevention information and free treatment for most STIs.

    • Prenatal HIV program

    • Community outreach team for testing, treatment, partner notification and referral

    • Needle exchange (Service NOT offered at East Edmonton Health Centre site)

    • Free and confidential HIV/STI information line.

  • A chart number for results will be given to you at the time of testing. Results are provided by phone or in person about 10 days after testing. You must provide this chart number before you get your results.

  • Birth Control is not provided at this clinic. For information on birth control, contact the Birth Control Centre at 780-735-0010.

  • Phone: 780 342-4733

  • Address: 7910 112 Avenue NW, Edmonton

  • Hours of Operation: Monday and Friday 1-4 p.m.

This information was developed in consultation with queer, trans, and two spirit community members, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and public health professionals. Information is based on the best guidance available and was informed by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Centre of Disease Control (US), and Planned Parenthood (US). Information has been adapted for succinct, accessible delivery to community and is not intended to be exhaustive or be used for clinical guidance.

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