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Here is what you should know about screening, often called testing.
The first aim of screening is to decide if the patient has contracted, or is at risk
of contracting, a sexually transmitted or blood-borne infection, STIs for short.
STIs are caused by viruses or bacteria and spread during *** contact with an infected
individual. The screening process begins with a questionnaire
to help the doctor evaluate your risk factors, including your number *** partners, whether
you use protection, whether you have *** relations with sex trade workers, and so on.
Your answers help us identify the STI to test for, along with the samples we need from you.
We then proceed with a full medical examination,
which naturally includes checking the genital area.
At the end of the screening process, the patient provides us with any samples we need, such
as blood, urine, or swab sample, depending on the infection we're testing for.
The screening process is quick, easy and painless. Also, for men, urine tests are now available
to replace the urethral swab test. The majority of STIs can be identified with
proper screening. The most common infections we look for are
***, condylomas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis types B and C, *** and syphilis.
For many years, syphilis had disappeared from Quebec, but we've been seeing a resurgence
of this infection in recent years. If you suspect that you have contracted an
STI, or if you have symptoms that include a discharge from the *** or urethra, or
if you notice new lesions on your genitals, we strongly recommend that you see a doctor
right away to get screened for infection. If you have had *** contact with a partner
who has the symptoms or has been diagnosed with an STI, we also strongly recommend that
you get screened right away. However, a number of STIs are asymptomatic,
meaning that they exhibit no symptoms. For example, 75% of chlamydia cases are asymptomatic.
In other words, you might be infected without knowing it.
For this reason, we recommend that you be tested regularly. In general, any person who
has *** relations should get screened for STIs at least once a year.
However, your doctor will consider your risk factors and decide with you on the frequency
of your screenings. He or she could suggest an annual visit, every six months, or every three months.
Preventing STIs is very important, for your
health as well as that of your partners. Certain STIs can have serious consequences,
including abscesses, heart disease, infertility, as well as some forms of cancer.
Denying or avoiding the issue can put you and your partner at risk of serious problems.
Screening is an essential part of your *** health. If you have a new partner, there is
no shame in getting tested together. It's a way of showing your partner that you care
about them, and that you are a responsible person.
If you have contracted an STI, you should seek treatment right away, and alert all your
partners who could be infected to encourage them to get screened, and treated if necessary.
The aim is to break the chain of infection and avoid being re-infected. Your doctor can
assist you in using our anonymous partner notification service.
The screening process is easy and painless, and can help you avoid many potential problems.
Remember: To stay sexually healthy, you should get screened regularly, but the *** remains
an equally essential way to prevent infection.