Don’t think that you don’t have an sexually transmitted infection (STI) because you’ve never shown signs or symptoms.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common bacterial STIs in Ottawa, according to Ottawa Public Health.
Most people with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms, and about 50 per cent of people with gonorrhea won’t show any symptoms.
The only way to know is to get tested.
Don’t think STIs are common anymore? The number of gonorrhea cases diagnosed in Ottawa has more than doubled since 2000, according to Ottawa Public Health.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can easily be treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, they can cause major long-term health problems, including infertility and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Testing is free through Carleton Health and Counselling services and in various places all over Ottawa, including the Ottawa Sexual Health Centre, which offers anonymous testing.
Usually all that is required is for you to pee in a cup. For HIV, a small blood sample is taken. It’s really that simple.
Feeling uncomfortable about going? Bring a friend. Make a trip of it.
There is stigma surrounding getting tested, but there shouldn’t be. If everyone just got tested, it would be a normal thing to do, and we would all be much safer for it.
Getting tested for STIs and HIV should be as normal as getting your flu shot.
Every student should take the opportunity to take control of their sexual health and get tested.
Carleton and Ottawa’s testing services wont make a difference unless you yourself take the first step to get tested.
Encourage your partners and friends to do the same.
