When Should I Get Tested?

It is important to get tested regularly (every 6 months to a year), particularly if any of the following are true:

• You have a new sexual partner (for oral, vaginal, front hole, and/or anal sex).
• You or your sexual partner(s) have sex with another person.
• You have sex with someone who knows they have an STI.
• You have sex with someone who has not been tested for STIs.
• You are considering traveling or have just returned from traveling.
• You notice any of the symptoms associated with STIs:
  • discharge or fluids from the genitals and/or anus that are out of the ordinary
  • pain or irritation when you pee
  • pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or stomach
  • itchiness or a rash in the pelvic area
  • changes to skin, especially in and around the genitals, anus, and mouth
    (sores, rashes, etc. can also be present on other areas of the body)

Since some STIs can be present even though you don’t notice symptoms or changes in your body, it is important to get tested regularly. Untreated STIs can cause long-term complications and life-threatening infections and illnesses.

If you suspect you have an STI even though you just tested negatively, don’t hesitate to get another test done, or to get a second opinion somewhere else. Some STIs have a delay period between the time that you get infected and when your symptoms will be significant enough to show up on a test.

Some people have never been tested for STIs and will assume that they are clear of STIs. If you have a new sexual partner(s), you can get tested together and share your results together. It’s often easier to approach the topic of STI status if you admit your status first, opening up the conversation and encouraging your partner to be honest with you as well. If someone gives you a vague reference about their status that you don’t understand, it’s okay to ask for clarification. Many people have exposed themselves to STIs because they assumed their partner’s status, or misunderstood what their partner was trying to communicate to them.

Women and transmen should get tested regularly for STIs, even if they only have sex with other women and/or transmen. Health care practitioners may not seem concerned about testing this population since their STI rates tend to be low. Keep in mind that this is a highly underrepresented population in statistical research, and women and transmen who have sex with women and/or transmen are still capable of contracting and passing along nearly all STIs.

HPV and Cancer

Currently, HPV vaccines are not provided to men, although some clinics that service gay men might be able to inform you about options for getting an HPV vaccine. Head, neck, throat, and anal cancers have been linked to HPV. Getting tested regularly and practicing safer sex can not only prevent getting an STI, but can prevent life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. 

Got A Uterus?

If you haven’t had a hysterectomy and you are sexually active, you should be screened for cervical cancer every two years, or annually if you are HIV positive. If you’re putting it off because of discomfort with your body, it’s time to find yourself a health care provider that understands and respects your health needs. In Manitoba, transmen and lesbian women are underrepresented in cervical screening, and most people who are diagnosed with cervical cancer haven’t had a Pap test within the past five years.

Only have sex with women?

While you might be at lower risk for some STIs than other GLBTT* people, there are still many infections that can be passed from and to women and transmen. Sometimes even GLBTT*-friendly health care providers will assume that we don’t need to be tested if we’re women who have sex with women. Inform yourself so that you know what kind of testing you need—don’t assume your health care practitioner will know. And practice safer sex; lots of sexually transmitted infections can be present without visible or noticeable symptoms.