Testing is a good idea for everyone, but it\u2019s especially recommended if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- you want a routine STI screening;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- you\u2019re thinking about stopping condom use in a steady relationship;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- you practice chemsex or use substances in a sexual context;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- you have questions or concerns about past or current partners, regardless of their gender;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- you\u2019re on PrEP but don\u2019t always use condoms;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- you may have had blood contact, like sharing drug equipment, or through tattoos or piercings;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- or simply because you want to take care of your sexual health\u2026and that\u2019s already a great reason!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/marcel-strauss-ZdXV79EGHFY-unsplash-683x1024.jpg\")
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Prelib provides screening tests in accordance with scientifically based recommendations for the following STBBIs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The chlamydia<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The gonorrhea<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The syphilis<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hepatitis B<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hepatitis C<\/a>; and,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HIV<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your needs, testing is typically recommended one to four times per year. At Prelib, the process is straightforward: fill out a short, judgment-free medical questionnaire, choose a time that works for you, come in for your tests, and get your results quickly and confidentially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For other STIs like\u00a0herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis, routine screening isn\u2019t generally recommended. Instead, book a medical appointment if you have symptoms. A health provider may do a visual exam or take samples to confirm a diagnosis. You can visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- CLSCs (local community health centers);<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Family medicine groups;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Private clinics;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- For men who have sexual relations with men, there is SIDEP throughout the province and R\u00c9ZO Sant\u00e9 in Montreal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Barrier protection methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Barrier methods like condoms or dental dams create a physical shield during sex that helps reduce the spread of STIs. While they significantly lower the risk, they don\u2019t eliminate it. Real-life use can affect how well they work. Think expired condoms, the wrong type of lube, or STIs that transmit through skin-to-skin contact (like syphilis, HPV, or herpes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Optimal protection comes from combining barrier methods, consistent STI screening, and open communication with your partner or partners. That way, you\u2019re keeping things fun\u00a0and\u00a0safe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCondoms (internal and external)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
External condoms cover the penis; internal ones go inside the anus or vagina. For best protection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Always check the expiry date;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do not tear packaging with teeth or scissors;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Put on the condom before any sexual contact, including oral sex for the external condom;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use only water- or silicone-based lubricants to prevent damage;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change the condom for each partner and each new orifice entered;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never double up, as friction can cause tears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dental dams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Also called latex squares, dental dams are used during oral contact with the vulva or anus. Like condoms, they need proper use to be effective, but they\u2019re just as protective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gloves & finger cots<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gloves or finger cots protect your hands during anal or vaginal play. Make sure to take off rings and watch those nails to avoid tears!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PrEP, PEP, and Doxy-PEP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PrEP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is kind of like birth control, but for HIV prevention. It\u2019s primarily recommended for people at higher risk of contracting HIV, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Men who have sex with men;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Trans women;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- People of the plurality of genders;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HIV-negative people who have sexual relations with one or more HIV-positive people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are two types of PrEP:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Oral<\/strong>\n
- \n
- taken daily, as a continuous regimen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- taken on-demand: two pills 2\u201324 hours before sex, then one pill 24 and 48 hours after<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Injectable<\/strong> (NEW)<\/em> A long-acting intramuscular injection given every two months, offering continuous protection without the need for a daily pill.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It is important to note that PrEP does not protect against other STIs. For complete protection, it must be used in combination with a barrier method such as condoms and regular testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Oral<\/strong>\n
- The gonorrhea<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The chlamydia<\/a>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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