STI testing: ‘Think of it like a regular check-up’
Concordia’s Health Services offers weekly testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every Tuesday from 1 to 3:40 p.m. Call 514-848-2424 ext. 3565 to book an appointment.
Health Services also runs mobile sexual health clinics throughout the semester, when nurses leave GM-200 and provide STI testing in high-traffic locations around campus.
These initiatives make it easier for students and others in the Concordia community to get these important tests.
According to Gabriella Szabo, a health promotion specialist at Health Services, STI testing is recommended every six to 12 months for anyone who is sexually active, and should be incorporated into your regular health routine.
“Think of it like a regular check-up at the dentist,” Szabo says. “Even if you are in a monogamous relationship or practicing safe sex, it’s important to stay up to date.”
For those who are in higher-risk categories — such as those engaging in anonymous or unprotected sex — Szabo suggests using testing services even more frequently.
STI testing is mostly painless and does not take much time, she says. STIs are treatable, and the sooner you know if you have one, the better you can take care of yourself and your sexual partners.
“The most common sign of an STI is nothing — no symptoms. But having an STI even without symptoms can lead to serious health problems; it can also increase your chance of getting other STIs, or spreading the infections to others.”
If you are experiencing symptoms that you think might be related to an STI, you can see a doctor at Health Services’ urgent care clinic. Registration opens at 9 a.m.
STI testing is available Tuesdays from 1 to 3:40 p.m. at Health Services, in Room 200 of the Guy-Metro (GM) Building (1550 De Maisonneuve W.), on the Sir George Williams Campus. Call 514-848-2424 ext. 3565 to book an appointment. If this time doesn't work, you can always drop in during opening hours to meet with a nurse.
Health Services has three mobile sexual health clinics coming up in March: Pee to see on March 12, Rapid-HIV testing — SGW on March 19 and Rapid-HIV testing — Loyola on March 20. Drop by!
Learn more about testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Health Services, find other places to get tested and discover where to get condoms on campus for free!
