Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is currently running a national social marketing campaign, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, to increase STI testing among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Why? STI testing rates are low, particularly among young people.

Getting tested at least once a year is a great way to take care of our health. However, beyond yearly routine testing, there are other important moments when it is a good idea to visit our office or your local clinic for an STI test. Here’s a quick checklist!

It’s a good idea to get tested if:

  1. You have a new sexual partner, before you start hooking up
  2. If you have noticed any bumps, discharge, rashes or other changes in your body
  3. If you or your partners are hooking up with other people*
  4. If you had sex with someone who has an STI and didn’t use a condom or other prevention methods
  5. If you had sex without a condom with someone who doesn’t know if they have an STI (because they haven’t gotten tested in a long time)
  6. If you had sex with a condom and the condom broke

For more info about STI testing or the “Get Tested At Least Once A Year” campaign, check out:

onceayear.ca | @actioncanadashr | #GetTestedAtLeastOnceAYear