Depending on what a person is being tested for, STI testing can involve a urine sample, blood test, genital exam and sometimes a swab. Testing is encouraged for each body site where sexual contact has happened (anus, mouth, penis, vagina). Testing positive for one STI increases the risk of other STIs and HIV.
STI testing is available at:
- Alberta Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health and STI clinics
- family doctor’s office
- medicentres and walk-in clinics
Any information you share with your health care provider is confidential. The personal information you give is used to provide the best care, order tests and contact you about the results. If results are positive for any reportable infections, the information is then shared with the provincial STI services program.