PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

STI screening and sexual health testing

Testing is a normal part of healthcare. It can protect your health and help prevent infections from being passed to partners.

Reviewed by the Verra Health clinical team · Last reviewed September 2026

STI testing is confidential and non-judgmental. You can ask for testing even if you have no symptoms, are in a long-term relationship, or are unsure whether a past exposure matters.

What is STI screening?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and through close sexual skin-to-skin contact. Screening checks for infection before symptoms appear. Many STIs have no symptoms, so testing is not a judgment about you or your partner.

Which tests might be offered?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea: usually urine or a swab from the area exposed, such as the vagina, penis, throat, or rectum.
HIV: usually a blood test, sometimes with other testing options depending on the service.
Syphilis: a blood test, with more frequent screening for people at higher risk.
Hepatitis B and C: blood tests when sexual, blood, pregnancy, or other risk factors make testing appropriate.

Tell the clinician about the kinds of sexual contact you have had, including oral or anal sex. This helps them choose the right samples. You do not need to share details you are not comfortable discussing, but accurate information helps provide the right care.

When should I consider testing?

You are sexually active and have never had an HIV test.
You have a new partner, multiple partners, or sex without a condom or other barrier.
A partner has an STI or you are unsure of a partner’s status.
You are under 30 and sexually active; chlamydia and gonorrhea screening may be offered during primary-care visits.
You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
You have had a previous STI, share drug-use equipment, or take HIV PrEP.

How often should I be tested?

There is no single schedule for everyone. People with multiple partners may be offered syphilis screening every 3 to 6 months, and some people at higher risk may need testing more often. Your clinician can recommend a plan based on your activities, partners, pregnancy status, previous results, and local infection rates.

What happens at an STI appointment?

The clinician asks about symptoms, recent partners, types of sexual contact, contraception or barrier use, and possible exposures.
You provide urine, blood, or swab samples. You may be able to collect some swabs yourself.
The clinician explains when and how you will receive results.
If a test is positive, treatment and partner notification support are available. Do not have sex until you have received instructions about treatment and when it is safe to resume.

What if I have symptoms or a recent exposure?

Contact a healthcare provider or sexual health clinic promptly for unusual discharge, burning when urinating, sores, blisters, a rash, pelvic or testicular pain, rectal pain or discharge, or a new sore throat after sexual contact. If you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek urgent medical advice about post-exposure medication.

Pregnancy matters. STI and blood-borne infection testing is part of recommended prenatal care. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy so testing and treatment can protect you and the baby.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have STI testing?

It depends on your partners, sexual activities, barrier use, pregnancy, previous results, and other risks. People with multiple partners may be offered testing every 3 to 6 months for some infections. Ask a clinician what interval fits you.

What infections can I be tested for?

Depending on your situation, testing may include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other infections. There is no single test that checks for every STI.

Do I need different samples for oral or anal sex?

Possibly. Urine or genital samples may not detect infections in the throat or rectum. Tell the clinician which kinds of sexual contact you have had so the right sites can be tested.

Can I get tested without symptoms?

Yes. Screening is testing when you do not have symptoms, and many STIs can be present without noticeable symptoms. If you have symptoms or a known exposure, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for routine screening.

Where can I get tested?

STI testing is available through a family doctor, nurse practitioner, medical clinic, public health service, or sexual health clinic. Alberta Health Services sexual health clinics offer testing, treatment, counselling, and partner-notification support.

Find an Alberta STI clinic Book an appointment

Trusted information

This leaflet is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.