STD Testing Specialist

How do I know if I’m at risk for STDs?

If you’re sexually active, you’re at risk for an STD. Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, you could catch an STD if your partner has sex with someone outside the relationship.

The only way to protect against STDs is through abstinence or by using male or female condoms. However, some STDs, such as the herpes virus and human papillomavirus (HPV) are transmittable through any skin-to-skin contact.

Why are STDs often worse in women?

Because your sexual organs are mostly inside your body, it may be difficult to realize that you have an STD. You may be developing ulcers, blisters, or other lesions and not even know it.

Women’s skin and other tissues are also thinner than men’s, making them more vulnerable to infection. The moistness in your vagina also promotes bacterial growth.

If you’re sexually active, you should be tested annually for STDs as part of your well-woman examination. Untreated STDs can cause sterility or be passed to your children during gestation. Early detection increases your chance for a cure and limits the risk of complications, including certain types of cancer.

How can I tell if I have an STD?

Some STDs are asymptomatic. Contact nurse practitioner Amy Dean at The Women’s Centre if you have signs or symptoms of an STD, such as:

• Thick or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Unpleasant odor
• Unexplained itching in your vaginal or anal area
• Blisters or other lesions in your vaginal or anal area
• Abnormal bleeding
• Painful or dark urination
• Painful sex
• Painful bowel movements

Other signs that you may have an STD include fever and fatigue. Swollen lymph glands could be a sign that you’re battling an infection from an STD.

What kinds of STDs should I be tested for?

When you come to The Women’s Centre for STD testing or a well-woman examination, Amy takes blood samples to test for common STDs. She also may conduct a Pap smear to check for HPV. The tests at The Women’s Centre check for:

• HIV/AIDs
• HPV
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis
• Herpes

Amy may also test you for various STD infection-related conditions, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis

When detected early, most STDs can be cured or at least controlled. Some STDs that are caused by viruses, such as HIV and herpes, may require lifelong medication.

Contact Amy for a discreet and understanding STD testing. You can book your appointment online or call the helpful team at The Women’s Centre.