Granted, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) may not be the hottest topic... yet. But the more we talk about it, the more we can combat the spread of STIs. In addition to upstream prevention - i.e. education and the use of protective methods - screening plays a crucial role. But you still need to know which tests to take! Don't worry, we'll explain it all right here.
It's important to remember that screening primarily concerns people who have no symptoms. That's right! Just because it doesn't sting doesn't mean we're not concerned. On the contrary! If, however, you do believe you have symptoms, we'll talk about tests to be carried out as part of a medical consultation.
Screening doesn't have to be done just once: since it doesn't prevent future exposure, and since it's possible to contract the same STI several times in one's life, regular screening remains very important to avoid transmission and reduce the risk of complications. Having fond memories of a date is better than a surprise case of chlamydia.
Why get tested?
There are several situations that may require screening.
- Tu souhaites effectuer un dépistage des ITSS de routine ????
- Tu as une relation stable et tu souhaites cesser l’utilisation de protections physiques (condom, digue sexuelle, gant de latex, etc.) ????
- Tu penses avoir pris un risque et tu n’as pas de symptômes ????
- Tu as eu des contacts possibles avec le sang d’une autre personne ????
What's more, certain behaviors can put us at greater risk of contracting an STI: having a new partner, not using protection methods systematically, having more than one partner, having partners who are anonymous or whose sexual health status is unknown, injecting or inhaling drugs, or having sexual activity with someone who has an STI.
Your practices and the risks associated with them will influence the recommended frequency of your screening. That's why at Prelib, we always start with an online medical questionnaire to assess your sexual history and practices in complete confidentiality, and then recommend the appropriate test and procedure frequency.
Testing at Prelib
Prelib provides screening tests in accordance with scientifically based recommendations for the following STBBIs:
- The chlamydia;
- The gonorrhea;
- The syphilis;
- Hepatitis B;
- Hepatitis C; and,
- HIV.
Of course, there are other SSTIs for which screening is not recommended, such as herpesvaginosis, vaginitis and trichomoniasis. Instead, we suggest you make an appointment with a doctor for a complete evaluation of your symptoms (visual examination + swabs if necessary) and potentially obtain a diagnosis.
The type of samples taken during screening varies according to the STI you wish to test for. To maximize your comfort, you'll take your own samples. You may have to:
- un prélèvement au niveau de la gorge ou de l’anus à l’aide d’un Q-tip que tu insères pour recueillir des cellules à analyser.
- un prélèvement d’urine où tu dois uriner dans un petit pot.
If your screening requires a blood sample, it will be taken by a nurse on site.
The famous window periods
In Quebec, window period correspond au délai entre l’exposition possible à une infection et sa détection en tests de laboratoire. Elle diffère d’une ITSS à l’autre.
Chlamydia: 14 days
Gonorrhea: 7 days
Syphilis: 12 weeks
Hepatitis B: 12 weeks
Hepatitis C: 12 weeks
HIV: 8 weeks
You may find that your screening time does not meet certain window periods, and you may be asked to return for further testing. If in doubt, book your screening appointment as soon as possible, and one of our health professionals will provide you with all the information you need if you need to return for a follow-up test.
Finally, if you find yourself in one of the following situations, make an appointment for a medical consultation with a healthcare professional at a clinic instead of using Prelib's services.
- Tu présentes des symptômes d’ITSS.
- Un·e de tes partenaires a reçu un résultat positif.
- Tu as été victime d’une agression sexuelle (si c’est le cas, tu peux contacter la ligne d’écoute Info-aide violence sexuelle au 1 888 933‑9007).
- Tu es enceinte.
- Tu es âgé·e de moins de 15 ans
If you believe you've been potentially exposed to HIV, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) may be indicated. A bit like the morning-after pill, but for HIV, it's taken as soon as possible after potential exposure to HIV - up to 72 hours to be most effective. If you think you've been exposed, you need to seek medical advice as soon as possible to start treatment. You can go to a hospital emergency room or a clinic specializing in sexual health. A pharmacist can also prescribe it for three days, until you have your consultation.
Ready for your screening? All you need to do is make an appointment by creating your MonPrelib account.
