Did you ever wonder if the person you had sex with has a STI, also called STBBI (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections)?

80 to 90% of infected people DO NOT have symptoms of the infection! Yes, you read right: a person who has a STI may not have ANY visible signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages of the infection. An untreated STI can lead to complications such as abdominal pain, genital pain during sexual intercourse, and in exceptional cases, infertility.

STI include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV (condylomas), genital herpes, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.

Some of those can be treated easily with one dose of antibiotics, preventing further complications from occurring. Some can also be prevented through adequate vaccination (ask the nurse).

How can I know if I have an STI?

STIs are transmitted by having unprotected sex. If you had vaginal, anal, and/or oral sexual intercourse without using a condom, even once, you are at risk of having contracted a STI. Sex toys may also carry certain viruses and bacteria.

If you are having sexual intercourse regularly with the same person, and are considering stopping condom use, you should both take a STI screening test before.

Some STIs can also be transmitted when coming in contact with the blood of someone who is infected. GET TESTED!

Types of testing

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing (urine, self-swab of the vagina, throat swab, self-swab of anus)

• offered in Student Health Services

Syphilis, Hepatitis & HIV testing (blood test)

• offered in CLSCs, community clinics and some hospitals
• These centres also offer chlamydia and gonorrhea testing

Interesting information on STI and STI testing:

• When You Think About It
• https://www.sexandu.ca/stis/

Where can I get tested?

AT DAWSON

Dawson College Student Health Services
Room 2D.2.
(514) 931-8731 ext. 1206

For current Dawson students ONLY with a valid Quebec Medicare card.

Fill out the online form in Omnivox (found under Student Services on the bottom left of the page and select “Health Services Form”.  Once you reach the end of the form,  you will be able to book your own appointment.

IN THE COMMUNITY

To locate a STI testing facility near you:

• You may call Info-Santé 8-1-1.
• You may also locate and arrange an appointment through the Clic-sante Portal . Choose the “STBBI and sexual health” category on the website, then choose the sub-category “STTBI and sexual health” to find a place offering this service a a time and place convenient for you.

A Youth Clinic or an Aire Ouverte in your area could also be offering this service. A simple way to locate and arrange an appointment at your local Youth Clinic or Aire Ouverte is once again is through the Clic-sante Portal, and then choosing the “Youth Clinic and Aire ouverte” category on the website

• You can also find an interactive map here .

A few facilities offering STI testing:

• REZO
• CLSC Métro (514) 934-0505 ext.7399, option 1. Ask for an appointment with a NURSE.
  1801 De Maisonneuve Blvd West  near Guy Concordia metro.
• Youth Clinic at CLSC Benny Farm
  6484, Monkland avenue
  Variable hours, consult the Clic Santé appointment web site or call 514-484-7878 ext. 63363
• Youth Clinic at CLSC Côte-des-Neige
  5700 Côtes-des-Neiges Road
  Variable hours, consult the Clic Santé appointment web site or call 514-731-8531 ext. 2870 – Ask for an appointment with the Youth Clinic nurse
• Montreal General Hospital  (514) 934-8074
  1650 Cedar Ave.  Infectious Disease Clinic
  * On appointments only *
• Jewish General Hospital – Infectious disease clinic
  (514) 340-8230
  3755 Cote Ste-Catherine, 1st floor, Pavilion G, room 148