Have you had an STI (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection) screening recently and just received a positive result for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or something else? You've probably got a lot on your mind. Many emotions may be running high, making the experience unpleasant. It's only natural. Unfortunately sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (ITSS) are still highly stigmatized.
But rest assured, we won't leave you alone. In this article, we cover the steps to take after receiving a positive test for an STI such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
First of all, know that Prelib will call you, that your results at your screening test be negative or positive. If an STBBI has been detected (known as a positive result), you will be given full information on the treatment to follow and the measures to take to limit the risk of transmission. Here are the main points.
1) Get your treatment after a positive STBBI test
The first thing to do after testing positive for an STI is to get treatment and stick with it until the end, even if your symptoms disappear. Why should you do this? Since the infection could still be in your system, ending treatment prematurely could render it ineffective. Medication helps eliminate the infection and avoid complications that can have serious consequences on your health.
Treatment options may vary according to the type of STBBI detected.
Positive test for chlamydia: treatment and risks
Fortunately, chlamydia is relatively easy to treat with a course of oral antibiotics, the duration of which may vary according to the site of infection.
Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious long-term complications. For people with a uterus, there's a risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, chronic pelvic pain and even infertility. The chlamydia untreated can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a potentially dangerous condition.
For people with a penis, the infection can cause inflammation of the testicles and infertility.
Treatment is also important to avoid transmitting chlamydia to a sexual partner during unprotected intercourse.
Positive gonorrhea test: antibiotics and complications
Sometimes referred to as "clap" (yes, yes!), the gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics, notably by intramuscular injection. If you haven't already, you'll also be screened for chlamydia. If left untreated, gonorrhea can produce many of the same complications as chlamydia: infertility, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, chronic testicular infection, chronic abdominal pain or permanent scarring of the urinary tract.
Unfortunately, some strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to antibiotics. It is therefore essential to carry out a culture before any treatment in order to prescribe the most effective one. Also, in the case of gonorrhea, a control test is recommended two weeks after the end of treatment.
Syphilis diagnosis, treatment and complications
Syphilis can be diagnosed early (less than a year after infection) or late (more than a year later). The recommended treatment for syphilis is an injection of penicillin. The number of injections depends on the stage at which the infection is detected. Other antibiotic treatments are available if you are allergic to penicillin. If the syphilis is untreated, it can evolve in several stages with different symptoms, including a latent period with no symptoms. But just because there are no symptoms doesn't mean the infection is no longer present in the body.
Untreated syphilis can have serious health consequences, particularly when it attacks the nervous system.
Neurosyphilis can manifest itself as coordination or balance problems, dizziness, cognitive disorders, headaches or eye and ear symptoms.
Congenital syphilis, i.e. being infected from birth, can also occur, if transmission occurs during pregnancy or childbirth, and can have an impact on the baby's health.
2) Notify your partners of a positive test
Although it's an uncomfortable situation, it's important to warn your partners when a positive for chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilisThis will enable them to be screened and treated if necessary. Although there's nothing to be ashamed of, you may feel some. Remember that informing your partners of your positive result is a form of benevolence. You're taking their sexual health to your heart. If you're afraid to tell someone, for whatever reason, there are also anonymous reporting services (such as the HIV/AIDS portal).
To ensure that the moment is as stress-free as possible for everyone, it's best to think ahead about the best strategy for notifying your partners (e.g.: meeting, phone call, text message, etc.). Don't forget to explain what an STI is, and to make it clear that a person can be infected even if they have no symptoms. You can also add that this infection can lead to complications and be transmitted to other people; it's therefore important to get tested quickly, as it's the only way to know if you're infected.
If you don't know where to start breaking the news, you can get straight to the point:
"I went to get tested and tested positive for [INSERT ITSS HERE]. Since we just saw each other a little while ago, I wanted to give you a heads-up so you could go too."
Need more inspiration? Club Sexu has full of suggestions for you.
Psssst... if you don't feel like giving an oral presentation on STBBIs, feel free to send them the information on our website! We have fact sheets for every STBBI screened.
3) Behave safely until the end of treatment
Regardless of the bacterial STI you've contracted, it's essential to avoid sexual contact during treatment.
Yes, unfortunately, you have to take it for the safety of the team. We recommend abstinence throughout your treatment to avoid infecting a partner or reinfecting yourself afterwards. But you can have all the solo fun you want!
If abstinence isn't an option and you plan to have sexual contact, it's important touse protection for all your sexual activities You can use a variety of methods to prevent infection: external or internal condoms, sex dams, latex gloves or fingers, etc. If you have a regular partner, recommend that he or she undergo treatment at the same time as you, to avoid reinfection.
Even though the news can be hard to take, you should know that a positive result for an STI does not mean the end of a fulfilling life (sexual or otherwise!). If you need support, don't hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional.
4) Pass control tests when prescribed
Some STIs require follow-up testing after a positive result and after treatment compliance, to ensure that the infection has been eliminated. The timing of control tests will vary according to the STI detected.
However, there are minimum periods to be respected before carrying out the control test, since it may give a result of positive after treatment for up to three weeks afterwards. In all cases, your health care professional will be able to tell you which STIs it is advisable to test for, and when to do so, to avoid having an infection. false positive.
Plan what's next with Prelib
No matter how positive the result, at Prelib, STBBI self-testing center and sexual health specialistOur teams will be there to support you and help you plan your next steps. Despite the negative feelings that may accompany your result, remember that this diagnosis does not define you, and that with the right treatments, it will soon be behind you!