Pro Tips
Screening
STBBI
What to Do When a Partner Does Not Want to Get Tested for STIs
Your partner doesn’t want to get tested? Here are some tips on how to tackle the subject gently and promote the importance of sexual health.
Your partner doesn’t want to get tested? Here are some tips on how to tackle the subject gently and promote the importance of sexual health.
Your partner doesn’t want to get tested? Here are some tips on how to tackle the subject gently and promote the importance of sexual health.
You’ve recently been tested for STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections) and you just received positive test results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or any other infection? You’re likely feeling overwhelmed and have several concerns.
For DépistaFest, Prelib teamed up with Club Sexu to provide up-to-date information on STBBI prevention methods.
For DépistaFest, Prelib teamed up with Club Sexu to provide up-to-date information on different STBBI screening tests.
HIV is a viral STBBI transmitted mainly through unprotected sex and injectable drug use. It mainly affects men who have sex with men, and can pass undetected, which it why an estimated 1 in 7 are infected. It is now considered a chronic illness when adequately detected and treated largely due to the fact that once undetectable and with adequate treatment, no transmission is possible (undetectable = untransmissible).
Hepatitis C is a viral STBBI transmitted mainly through injectable drug use. It tends to cause chronic infection, without obvious symptoms, which is why almost half of those infected don’t know their status. This infection can damage the liver in the absence of treatment, but high cure rates are possible due to the availability of new antiviral medications.
Hepatitis B is a viral STBBI transmitted mainly through unprotected sex and injection drug use. Symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and jaundice are indicative of this liver infection. It can take up to 12 weeks to be detected after exposure. Fortunately, this infection can be prevented by vaccination.
Syphilis is a bacterial STBBI on the rise among men who have sex with men since the 2000s. It is transmitted through contact with lesions (typically during sex). Luckily, the access to antibiotic treatment is free to all in Quebec.
Gonorrhea is the second most widespread bacterial STBBI in Québec. It is transmitted during unprotected sex and presents itself with symptoms if it infects the genieourinary system. Luckily, its antibiotic treatment is offered at no cost in Quebec.
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STBBI in Québec. It is largely due to the fact that it is often asymptomatic and is transmitted during unprotected sex. Luckily, the antibiotic treatment is free for all in Quebec.