So you went and got tested… now what? This page covers what happens after you get tested, and what you can do:
Waiting for Results
Recommendations for what to do while waiting for results depends on the type of testing you have, and how quickly you can learn about your STI status.
- Rapid Point-of-Care Testing is a method of testing that provides a preliminary result in minutes. These are done through finger-prick tests, checking small amounts of blood for HIV or syphilis. Negative test results can typically be trusted, while positive test results can be sent off to labs for confirmation.
- Lab Testing is when samples of blood, urine, or swabs are sent off to a lab to get checked for STIs. This is standard procedure when testing for things like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, Hep B and Hep C. For some clinics this is still the main process when testing for HIV and syphilis, or is used when confirming positive results from Rapid Point-of-Care testing. It can take up to 2 weeks to get results from lab testing.
If you are waiting for results from lab testing, it is generally recommended that you do not engage in any sexual activities, due to the potential risk of transmitting an STI to a partner. If you cannot avoid engaging in sexual activities, it is suggested that people use as many safer sex strategies as possible, including letting partners know about your STI status, using barrier methods, or engaging in lower risk sexual activities.
Getting Results
Results are typically available within 2 weeks.
Some clinics operate on a “no news is good news” practice, where they do not contact you if tests come back negative.
If you do not hear from your health care provider by the end of 2 weeks, you can call them directly and ask them to confirm your results.
Remember: Your health record is confidential between you and your health care provider. The results of your tests (positive or negative) aren’t accessible to partners, parents, family, or friends without your explicit consent.
Receiving a Negative Result
This means that testing did not detect the presence of an STI in your body. If you are still experiencing symptoms, then you can check back in with a clinician to identify what the issue is. Otherwise, there is nothing else you need to do.
Receiving a Positive Result
This means that you have an STI. The process for treatment and follow-up will depend on what type of STI you have.
STI Treatment
Treating Curable STIs
Curable STIs go away by using antibiotics, skin creams, or oral medications. This includes Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis C, Scabies, Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice, Syphilis, and others.
Your clinician will talk with you about how long treatment should last.
During treatment, it is recommended that you do not engage in any sexual activities, due to the potential risk of transmitting an STI to a partner. If you cannot avoid engaging in sexual activities, it is suggested that people use as many safer sex strategies as possible, including letting partners know about your STI status, using barrier methods, or engaging in lower risk sexual activities.
Treating Manageable STIs
Manageable STIs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be treated in ways that do not negatively impact your overall health or sex life. Symptoms for Hepatitis B, Herpes, HIV, and HPV can all be managed with medications. If you are having outbreaks of Herpes or Genital Warts (caused by HPV) those can be treated with medications, ointments, or liquid nitrogen.
There is always a potential risk of transmitting Manageable STIs to a partner, but that does not mean you always have to avoid sexual activities. It is suggested that people use as many safer sex strategies as possible, including using barrier methods, engaging in lower risk sexual activities, and most importantly letting partners know about your STI status. The only times you might want to avoid sexual activities is during an outbreak (Herpes, HPV) or if you are not on treatment for HIV.
Reportable STIs and Partner Notification
Public Health tracks rates of certain infections. For STIs, this means that positive test results are reported for:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Hepatitis B or C
- Syphilis
- LGV
- HIV
- Chancroid
This data is used to understand how infections are increasing or decreasing in different communities, including gender, ethnicity, age, geography, and more.
Some clinics may offer anonymous testing for HIV. You can learn more by checking their website or calling to ask.
Partner Notification
If you test positive, your health care provider may advise you to contact your current and previous sexual partner(s) to encourage them to get tested.
If you do not feel safe or comfortable contacting current or previous partners, then Public Health may do it for you. This process could involve:
- Being contacted by a public health worker who will ask for the names and contact info of your current and past sex partners.
- Your current and past sex partners will be contacted and told that they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for an STI.
- Your name will not be provided.
Support
Feelings About Getting a Positive Result
Getting a positive STI test is normal and a common part of being sexually active.
A positive STI test isn’t a value-judgement about you, your character, your self-worth, or your personality, even though it can sometimes feel that way because of the (stigma) shame or embarrassment surrounding STIs. For some people, being worried about what others may think or what partners may feel about you feels like the worst part of having an STI.
STIs are more common than you might think and having one does not mean you are risky, irresponsible, or a failure.
Most people will get an STI in their lifetime.
Asking for Help
Sexual health centres can be a great resource if you’re experiencing negative feelings around a positive STI test. Contact a clinic if you’d like to talk with someone who can help you work through your feelings around a positive test result.
You can call or text our Access Line to find a sexual health clinic or other relevant services in your area.