HIV and STI Testing
About HIV and STI Testing
HIV is a blood borne virus that is transmitted through specific types of sex, including anal sex and frontal/vaginal sex, that are popular within our communities. Because of this, HIV is categorized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). HIV and STI testing are an important part of our health care, whether we are HIV-positive/negative.
STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted and acquired during different types of sexual contact and activities. For most STIs, starting treatment earlier is the best practice for our personal health. Since in most cases, we cannot get treated without first knowing we have an STI, testing is the first step to treatment.
Accessing HIV/STI Testing at HIM
We offer a range of rapid and confidential HIV and STI testing services, ensuring confidentiality and sensitivity at every step. Our nurses are here to help you at all stages of this process—from getting tested and diagnosis, to STI treatment and any follow-ups necessary.
If you have been informed of a potential contact with an STI, or are experiencing symptoms of an STI infection, you should seek treatment to avoid worsening conditions or risk of further exposure. HIM is here to help you access the tests and treatments you may need.
GBQ men and gender diverse people regardless of HIV status who are experiencing STI symptoms, have been informed of potential exposure to an STI, or would like to routinely screen for HIV and STIs.
In addition to providing STI treatment for various treatable STIs, HIM provides the following testing services:
- Routine asymptomatic STI testing (Syphilis, Hepatitis C, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia)
- HIV testing
- Specific symptomatic testing based on symptoms
- Some testing is done based on assessment and presentation including herpes and mpox testing
- HIM on Davie Health Centre
- HIM on the Drive Health Centre
- HIM in Surrey Health Centres
- PLUS! Testing Clinics (various locations)
- No MSP/Health number is needed.
- No identification needed.
You can either book an appointment or walk-in at our HIM Health Centres or one of our PLUS! Clinics (view all locations). Availability of appointments and walk-ins may vary depending on location.
FAQs
Yes, HIV/STI testing and STI treatment services at HIM are confidential. You do not need an ID to access those services.
Yes, routine testing is essential to maintaining good sexual health and avoid HIV/STI transmission.
There are two avenues to access HIV/STI testing at HIM:
- HIM Health Centres which are developed with GBQ men and gender diverse people‘s sexual health needs in mind.
- PLUS! Testing Clinics which are gender-inclusive and are available for cis women clients who need HIV and STI testing and treatment services.
This will depend on various factors in your life. Ask a nurse about your recommended testing frequency.
Yes, it is very important that you see a nurse about receiving treatment and be tested to confirm your status and if further follow-up will be required.
