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Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions about getting tested for STIs. Some people are nervous about getting tested, but try not to worry – getting tested is an important part of taking care of your health, plus there are easy and convenient options for testing!

Most people don’t! That’s exactly why we suggest people get tested frequently to find out. Over time, someone may start to notice signs or symptoms, but the tests above can help detect an STI early so that someone can get treatment and avoid any signs or symptoms.

Type of Sex

Were You Giving It?

Were You Receiving It?
Oral Sex – Mouth to partner’s genitals (blowjob/eating out/rimming) Throat Swab Visual Exam of the Genitals + Urine Sample
Vaginal Sex – a penis inside a vagina Urine Sample + Blood Sample + Visual Exam Urine Sample + Blood Sample + Visual Exam
Anal Sex – a penis inside an anus Urine Sample + Blood Sample + Visual Exam Anal Swab + Blood Sample + Visual Exam
Digital Sex – using hands, fingers, or toys to touch a partner’s genitals (hand jobs/fingering/fisting) No Tests Necessary (unless sex toys are shared, or one person’s body fluids come in contact with the other person’s genitals) No Tests Necessary (unless sex toys are shared, or one person’s body fluids come in contact with the other person’s genitals)

If someone has signs or symptoms, they may need additional tests such as a vaginal or urethral swab. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about your sexual activities and any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing to make sure you get the right tests for you.

STIs happen! Just because someone tests positive for an STI doesn’t mean they did something wrong, are dirty or can’t have sex again. It just means that it is time to speak with a health care professional to start treatment!

A person who tests positive for an STI will be contacted by the clinic or health care provider who did the tests, who will explain the treatment available and what to do next. Depending on the type of STI, the doctor or nurse may ask for information about previous sexual partners so that they can be contacted. This can seem scary, but it is an important part of ensuring everyone can take care of their health. Your name or details are not shared with anyone who is contacted if you provide their information.

In Alberta, most STI treatment is provided free of charge. It is important to follow the nurse or doctor’s directions about how to take your treatment, including taking all the medicine as prescribed. This will ensure that the treatment does its job. For some STIs, a person will take another test after treatment to ensure that the infection has cleared. Some STIs are not curable, but all have treatments available.

It is important to remember that STIs are just like any other infection. Sexual activity can pass on STIs, so that’s why it’s a great idea to get tested regularly and talk with your partners about options for preventing STIs.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that everyone who is sexually active gets tested for STIs at least once every 12 months or before having sex with a new partner. People who have multiple partners, anonymous partners, or have partners with an opposite or unknown STI status are recommended to get tested every 3-6 months.

Where to Get Tested in Calgary

Most clinics now require both an Alberta Health Card and photo ID to access testing services. Many require appointments.

To see which services are available, select your age below:

Questions? Contact Us!

Our team can confidentially answer any questions you might have about STIs, testing or treatment. Call us at 403-283-5580 or click the “Have a sexual health question?” button on this page to ask your question via email.