HIV + STI Testing
Getting Started with HIV and STI Testing
It can be hard to keep track of everything there is to know about HIV and STIs. Between different symptoms, different treatments, 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 doesn’t reflect many of our experiences.
One simple way 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 is a brief overview of HIV and STI testing, including types of tests available and which types might be right for you. If there’s a test you think you need that you haven’t been offered before, speak with your health care provider about receiving it the next time you go in for testing.
Where should I get checked?
Generally any area that you’ve had sex (throat, genitals, anus) is somewhere that you should have tested.
How often should I get checked?
If you’re sexually active, the best practice is to get checked after every new sex partner (or annually if you only have one sex partner).
You should get checked every three to six 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
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
Sore throat
What is a window period?
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 health care 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 health care 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 health care provider may also choose to swab your urethra (the tip of your penis), your vagina/front hole, or cervix.
Genital or Urethral Swab
What is it?
A swab is gently rubbed against the inside or surface of the genitals, urethra, or lesions (i.e. sores, bumps). Some genital swabs can be taken by yourself in the bathroom, and some must be taken by a doctor/nurse.
Who should get it?
Anyone who has had any sexual contact since their last STI test.
What can it test for?
Standard:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
By request/with symptoms:
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Yeast Infection
Trich
HSV (if lesions are present)
LGV
Throat Swab
What is it?
A swab is gently swiped over the tonsils and the uvula (the “punching bag” in the back of your throat).
Who should get it?
Anyone who’s had oral sex since their last STI test. This includes:
When something is put inside of your mouth, like a penis or a sex toy (if it’s shared with others)
If you have “gone down” on someone and licked/sucked on their vulva, perineum, and/or anus
What can it test for?
Standard:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
By request/with symptoms:
LGV
Anal Swab
What is it?
A swab is inserted into the anus and twirled around gently along the inside surface.
Who should get it?
Anyone who has had receptive anal sex since their last test. This means something is put inside your anus, like a penis or a sex toy (if it’s shared with others).
What can it test for?
Standard:
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
By request/with symptoms:
LGV
Note: Some individuals, especially those living with HIV, may want to undergo an annual rectal exam with a finger or a pap swab to detect early signs of anal cancer which is often associated with HPV
Cervical Swab
What is it?
A speculum (a medical device that looks like a duckbill) is used to open the vagina/front hole and a swab is used to collect cells from your cervix.
Who should get it?
Anyone with a cervix (every 3 years from the age of 25, unless otherwise directed by a health care provider).
What can it test for?
A cervical Pap can detect abnormal cells which could be related to HPV infections and/or cervical cancer. Abnormal cells do not mean you have HPV or cervical cancer.
Pap tests may also detect bacterial vaginosis, yeast, and Trichomoniasis, but it is not designed to do so. It is best to mention any concerns regarding these infections to your doctor or nurse so they can gather a separate sample for that purpose.
Visual Exam
What is it?
Your health care provider may view your skin, genitals, and/or discharge from a genital area to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing could be a result of an STI.
Who should get it?
Anyone who is experiencing symptoms such as:
Sores
Bumps
Warts
Uncommon discharge from a genital area that might appear to be associated with an STI
What can it test for?
Standard:
Herpes (HSV)
Genital Warts (HPV)
Pubic Lice (crabs)
Scabies
LGV
May also aid as part of diagnosis of many other infections such as BV, yeast infection, or Trich.
Additional Notes
Some STIs can be tested with multiple methods (i.e. urine and swabs). In these cases, if appropriate, your health care provider might choose to only use one type of test.
Some STI tests may include multiple parts of your body (i.e. throat, genitals, and anus). Your health care provider will suggest taking samples from more than one part of your body depending on the sex you’re having.
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: 1-855-945-6700 ext. 2
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.
This information was developed in consultation with queer, trans, and two spirit community members, community-based organizations, health care 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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