This service may be right for you if you wish to get screened for STBBIs, particularly:

• After condomless sex or a condom breakage;
• With a new partner;
• Before stopping condom use in a relationship;
• After learning that a partner has been diagnosed with an STBBI;
• As part of regular sexual health monitoring;
• If you simply want to check in on your sexual health.

If you are consulting primarily due to vaginal discharge, itching, an unusual odor, irritation, or other vulvovaginal or urinary symptoms, our Vulvovaginal and Urinary Symptoms service will generally be more appropriate.

Not sure which type of appointment to choose? Our team can guide you.

The appointment begins with a confidential discussion with the nurse to review the reason for your visit, your symptoms, your sexual practices, your medical history, and the date of your last potential exposure.

Depending on the assessment, the appointment may include:

• A vaginal or cervical swab;
• A urine sample;
• A throat or rectal swab;
• A blood test.

The type of sample collected depends on the infections being tested for, your symptoms, and the exposed areas.

Before proceeding, the nurse will explain the recommended exams and tests, as well as their costs. You may accept or decline any of the proposed interventions.

Based on the assessment results and current Quebec guidelines, treatment may be offered during the appointment or after receiving your results. A medical consultation will be arranged when recommended for your situation.

There is no single test that automatically screens for all STBBIs or all possible causes of vulvovaginal symptoms.

Depending on your situation, tests may check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, certain types of hepatitis, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The nurse will work with you to determine which tests are truly indicated for your situation.

Results are generally available within a few days following sample collection, depending on the tests performed and laboratory turnaround times.

Our team will contact you confidentially to provide your results and explain the next steps, if necessary.

Seek prompt medical attention in the event of:

• Sexual assault;
• Possible exposure to HIV within the last 72 hours.

If you have severe or concerning symptoms, contact our team so we can direct you to the appropriate service or healthcare professional.

Yes. Many STBBIs can be present without causing symptoms. Only a test can confirm whether an infection is present.

No. Tests and sample collection sites vary depending on the infections being tested for and the types of sexual contact.

A blood test may be required for HIV, syphilis, or certain types of hepatitis, while chlamydia and gonorrhea may require vaginal, urine, throat, or rectal samples.

No. Vaginal discharge can be caused by an STBBI, but also by candidiasis (a yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, irritation, or normal variation.

An evaluation and sample collection may be necessary to determine the cause.

The right time depends on the infection being tested for and the date of exposure.

Some tests can be performed quickly, while others must be repeated after a window period. The nurse will advise you on the best time to perform or repeat the tests.

In some cases, yes.

Depending on your symptoms, your assessment, and, when necessary, test results, the nurse can sometimes offer treatment in accordance with current Quebec guidelines.

In other situations, it will be preferable to wait for results or obtain a medical evaluation before starting treatment.

Yes. STBBI screening can be performed during the same appointment following the nurse's assessment.

Additional samples or a blood test may be required, and additional fees may apply.

To learn more, visit our Cervical Cancer Screening – HPV Test with Reflex Pap page.

Preparation depends on the samples that may be recommended. Before your appointment:

• Avoid creams, vaginal suppositories, vaginal medications, and douching, if possible;
• Avoid urinating for about an hour before the appointment if a urine test might be needed;
• If you have vulvovaginal symptoms, it may be preferable to avoid sexual intercourse before the evaluation;
• Light bleeding does not always prevent evaluation, but heavy menstrual flow can affect certain samples;
• Note the date of your last sexual exposure and bring any recent test results, if you have them.

If you have already started a treatment, such as a cream, suppository, antibiotic, or antifungal, mention it to the nurse. You can still come to your appointment if you are unsure about the required preparation.

This service is offered privately. Fees apply for the consultation, sample collection, and laboratory analyses.

The cost varies depending on the recommended tests. Fees will be explained to you before samples are collected, and a receipt can be provided for your insurance, depending on your coverage.

Our commitments:

• Quick appointments;
• Qualified and caring nurses;
• Respectful, inclusive, and non-judgmental approach;
• Simple and transparent explanations;
• Discrete and comfortable environment;
• Clear communication of results;
• Personalized follow-up when necessary.