STBBI Testing
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STBBIs are Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections. Like other infections, they attack your immune system and can be passed on to others. Someone with an STBBI can be symptomatic (feels like they have a cold or flu, painful urination, and/or sores around the genitals) or be asymptomatic (doesn’t feel any different but can still pass on the infection).
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STBBIs are passed onto others via bodily fluid transfer. STBBIs can be transmitted through:
Vaginal Fluid
Anal Fluid
Semen (including pre-cum)
Blood
Breast Milk
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Knowing your STBBI status is part of engaging in consensual sexual interactions. Your partner(s) have a right to know your status so they can make informed decisions about their own health and the health of any other partner(s) they might have.
Knowing your status also allows you to treat or manage any symptoms you have. Even if you are asymptomatic now, STBBIs can cause health problems that are harder to treat or manage later in life.
How do I get tested?
Knowing your STI status is part of engaging in consensual sexual interactions. Your partner(s) have a right to know your status so they can make informed decisions about their own health and the health of any other partner(s) they might have.
Knowing your status also allows you to treat or manage any symptoms you have. Even if you are asymptomatic now, STIs can cause health problems that are harder to treat or manage later in life.
I tested positive. Now what?
Tests can take up to 2 weeks. The clinic you test at will notify you to discuss your test results and treatment.
Many STBBIs can be cured with antibiotics. Some infections, such as HIV, have no cure, but there are treatments available. The clinic can advise you on these and put you in touch with a counsellor.
If possible, tell your sexual partner(s) and any ex-partners so they can get tested and treated as well.
If you don't want to do this, the clinic can usually do it for you – it's called partner notification, and the clinic won't reveal who you are.