Testing regularly for STIs is one of the most important things that we can all do to prevent the spread of these infections. Testing regularly gives us the most up to date information on what infections we might have, it can help us treat these infections faster, and reduce the chances that you will have sex that will pass on an infection to someone else. Like all prevention methods, we recommend testing in combination with other methods.

Testing can be complicated because a negative test doesn’t always mean you don’t have an infection. For example, HIV standard testing in Nova Scotia can take 18 – 45 days after exposure to be detected on a test. HIV self-tests on the other hand can take 18 – 90 days. This is called the window period, and all STIs have window periods where it is too early to tell you got the infection. This is why testing on a regular schedule is important to keep an eye on your health. Some folks who have regular doctors appointments for other reasons like to combine STI testing with these visits to help keep on a schedule.

People engaging in different activities are often recommended to test more or less regularly, how often you test is decided based on how often you are having sex or engaging in other risky behaviours that could potentially expose you to STIs, and how consistently you are using other prevention methods. That being said, it is always a good idea to get tested. We recommend that even folks who have never had sex test for STIs at least once. And if you are having sex test at least once every year.

We have built a tool to help you determine how often it is recommended for you to be getting tested and what tests to consider getting. Check out our testing checklist here.

You can also check out our Testing in NS page to get an idea of where and how to book a testing appointment.

Click through this section or learn more about the STI tests offered in Nova Scotia.

 

Types of Tests

If you are getting tested because of an open sore, wart, or growth a swab or sample of this growth may be directly taken, or it just may be examined by your doctor. Otherwise, general screening tests may include the following (dependent on what body parts you have and use during sex):

• Blood tests (a sample of your blood is drawn and sent to a lab)
• Urine tests (you pee into a ‘cup’, it is recommended that you not pee for at least 2 hours before the sample is taken)
• Genital swabs (swabs of the relevant genitals are taken, i.e. penis, vagina, vulva)
• Rectal swabs (a swab is inserted shallowly into your anus)
• Throat swabs (the back of your mouth and top of your throat is swabbed)
• Pelvic exams (often only performed if symptoms are present)

Some of these tests may include self-swabs or collection meaning you will be given the tools to collect the sample yourself.

For HIV, there is also the option of at home testing kits. These tests involve pricking your finger, and are quick to do, and extremely accurate. If bought, the tests generally cost around 35 -40 dollars, however there are many community run programs that give these tests out for free. We, at HEAL NS, are able to provide tests and you can learn more here.

 

What to Expect Pre- and Post- Test

The unfortunate reality in Nova Scotia is that wait times can be quite long for accessing testing. Folks often have to call clinics / testing centres many times in order to book an appointment and get seen. Additionally, depending on where you go, what to expect before and after might look different. If you are nervous or want more information we encourage folks to ask questions about what to expect when they are on the phone booking their appointments, or when they are at the appointment themselves. If you have a family doctor, you can request STI testing from them. While it can be hard to talk about your sexual activities with them, especially if you are worried about any sort of stigma they may have, this is an option that can help reduce your wait time.

Most of the time when booking an appointment for general STI screening tests (so not because of a specific exposure or symptom) you will be asked questions about your sexual history and activities. We have built our checklist tool for folks to bring to their healthcare providers if they would like to give a clear picture of the tests they are hoping to get done.

For most testing centres, they will give you a period of time by which they will let you know if you tested positive for any of the STIs you tested for. This means that no news is good news, so if you haven’t heard back from them by the end of the time period then the tests didn’t detect any STIs.

If you do test positive, a health official or provider will call you to walk through next steps. Depending on the STI(s) you have, this may include treatment and/or contacting past sexual partners.

 

You can learn more about where HEAL NS got this information from at: NSHealth, CDC, NSHealth,  NShealth, HEALNS, HSHC, CATIE
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references.