Answered Questions

If you are sexually active, it’s a really great idea to go and get tested regularly for STIs as most people who have an STI have no symptoms.

If you are writing from within Canada, testing for STIs is free of charge. Depending on where you go and get tested, you can use your real name, or a pseudonym (not real name). 

This webpage (SmartSexResource) has a list of clinics that offer testing. It can be found here: https://smartsexresource.com/get-tested/clinic-finder

There is also this online testing service that may also work for you: Get Checked Online https://getcheckedonline.com/Pages/default.aspx  It can sometimes offer that extra layer of anonymity for people.

HealthNurse

It’s difficult to give you an exact answer without seeing your symptoms in person, but I can give you some general information.

Skin changes on the genitals can be caused by many things. Common fungal infections can cause skin breakdown (aka skin tear) and white build-up around the head of penis. Fungal infections are treated with anti-fungal creams like Canestan.

Sexually transmitted ifnections can also cause skin changes. Syphilis can cause swelling and sores on the penis, and mollusucm contagiosum can cause itchy, white bumps.

I would recommend going to see a healthcare professional in person.  You can go to your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or an STI clinic. Check out our Clinic Fidner tool for an STI clinic near you. Whether it’s a fungal infection or an STI they can help you get the right treatment.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question, or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

I’m not sure which clinic you are referring to, but I can give you information about two clinics operated by the BCCDC:

Provincial STI Clinic (655 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC):

• Clinic open Monday-Saturday, hours vary
• Doctors on staff everyday
• Appointments recommended – Some days there is drop-in, but generally this clinic is by    appointment only. If you need drop-in you can call the clinic that day and ask if    they have drop-in.

Bute St. Clinic at Qmunity (1170 Bute St, Vancouver, BC):

• Clinic open Monday-Friday, 11am-6:30pm
• Doctors are on staff all day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; Doctors are only available after 3pm on Wednesday. There is no doctor at the clinic on Friday.
• Drop-in only – Clinic operates on a drop-in basis with two daily sign-up sheets: 1st sign-up sheet goes up at 11am, and 2nd at 3pm. Clients can come and sign-up    any time after the sheets have been posted, and will be seen on a “first come, first serve”    basis. Note: Appointments are used for client’s on PrEP.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to leave a comment below or submit another question.

Health Nurse

You should be able to get treatment for free (no cost). 

The Victoria Health Unit STI Clinic offers free STI treatment. Located on Cook St. (Quadra Village). See link for phone number and hours.

For youth ages 14-24 there is also the Victoria Youth Clinic offers free STI treatment. Located in downtown. See link for phone number and hours.

In terms of materials to bring… you don’t need any ID or test results. You can just tell the clinic staff that you tested positive for chlamydia and need treatment. If you have ID it never hurts to bring it along, but it is not required.

Also, these STI clinics offer free STI testing (in case you had to pay for your testing before).

Please let us know if you need any more information.

Health Nurse

There are lots of places where you can get STD/HIV testing for free. See below for a list of online tools you can search for a free clinic, and a few free clinics in Vancouver listed.

Check out these tools for finding STD clinics near you:

Smart Sex Resource Clinic Finder

OPT Clinic Finder

Vancouver Clinics:

Provincial STI Clinic

Bute St Clinic (LGBTQ focused)

HIM Clinic (Men only)

Please let us know if you need any more information.

Health Nurse

We would be able to see if it would be best for you to visit a clinic or if you prefer to email a photo. Also how you can send it to us and ensure your privacy while doing so.

Let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Health Nurse

It really depends where you got tested. Each doctor or clinic has a different way they handle results… usually people can call in, but sometimes they need to return to the clinic.

I would contact the clinic where you had your tests done and ask how you can recieve your results.

Most STI test results come back from the lab within seven to ten days. 

Please let usknow if you can provide any additional information.

Health Nurse

There are many ways to get tested for STIs. You can test for STIs with your regular doctor, at a walk-in clinic, or at an STI clinic. To find an STI clinic near you check out our Clinic Finder.

STIs are caused by both bacteria and viruses, and it’s important to get tested for everything.

Routine testing for men includes:

• HIV – blood test
• Syphilis – blood test
• Gonorrhea – Urine test
• Chlamydia – Urine test

For men who have sex with men we also recommend:

• Gonorrhea – Throat Swab
• Chlamydia – Throat swab
• Gonorrhea – Rectal swab
• Chlamydia – Rectal swab

Hope this helps. Please feel free to comment below or submit another question as needed.

Health Nurse

Hep C tests are usually not offered to clients unless they are at-risk for getting Hep C. Hep C is spread through blood-to-blood contact (not through sexual fluids). The primary means of Hep C transmission is through drug use, and if you answer “no” to questions about drug use you may not be screened for Hep C. You can always ask your doctor to add atest for Hep C. 

Please feel free to comment below with any additional questions.

Hope this helps,

Health Nurse