The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care has implemented new guidelines for testing for STIs Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The new guidelines recommend that individuals under the age of 30 who are sexually active with one partner (average risk) should get tested yearly.  If you have more than one partner (high risk) the recommendation is to get tested every three months.  

Why get tested? 

• Both of these infections often don't show symptoms and so you may not realize you have been infected.
• If left untreated they can lead to more serious problems including pelvic inflammatory disease/pain/infertility
• Both conditions are curable with antibiotics and can be treated right here on campus

How do I get tested?

• You can perform self-tests in various higher traffic public washrooms on campus and drop the specimen off at the UPEI Health & Wellness Centre Mondays-Thursday and until noon on Fridays
• You can request a test at the UPEI Health & Wellness Centre
• Health Centre staff/physicians will be offering you screening during regular appointments

What happens if my test comes back positive?

• You will be contacted by a health care provider to come in for counseling and treatment
• As both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are considered Communicable Diseases under the Public Health Act the Public Health Nurses will conduct contact tracing to ensure we can treat contacts as well.  

Other considerations:

• If you are considered high risk, you could request testing for Sexually Transmitted Blood-Borne Infections (ask at the Health Centre)
• Always wear a condom, use a dental dam - available free at the Health Centre; 
• Lower your risk by practicing safe sex
• Get tested