Even though I volunteer at Options, I’ll admit that I still sometimes feel a bit intimidated when it’s time for STI testing. As someone with a fear of needles, I often procrastinate, but I’ve learned that the experience is always much easier and less scary than I expect. And honestly, it always feels great to know that I’m taking care of my sexual health. I want to share my experience here to help demystify the process and maybe ease any nerves you might have, too.
I’m not sure about you, but I really dislike making appointments. So my favorite way to get tested is through the BCCDC’s getcheckedonline service. It’s simple: I just went to the website, created a profile, and answered a few questions about my recent sexual activity. Then, I received a QR code by email with information about which tests I’d be getting. All I had to do was scan that QR code at a lab. There are other great options for getting tested, too, like visiting an Options clinic, a youth clinic, or even a doctor’s office—where you can speak to a medical professional about any questions you might have.
I’ll be honest, I still procrastinated for a couple of weeks—mostly because I was anxious about getting blood drawn. But eventually, I headed to a lab near my house. The process was pretty smooth: they scanned my QR code at the front desk, and then I waited for my turn. After about 45 minutes, I was called up by a nurse who quickly and skillfully took my blood—honestly, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d feared. Then, she handed me a throat swab and a urine test, explaining how to use them. Once I was done, I dropped everything at the lab and headed home. The tests you’ll need depend on your sexual activity, so they can vary. Some common tests are blood tests, urine tests, and swabs. It’s really important to be honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual activity so they can recommend the right tests for you.
About a week later, I got all my results back online. The peace of mind that came with those results was well worth the little bit of discomfort I experienced, and I’m so glad I made the effort to take care of my health.
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about STI testing or any aspect of your sexual health, I totally recommend reaching out to Option’s Sex Sense service. Sex Sense is there to support you. Their team can guide you through the process, helping you understand your options and ensuring you feel informed and empowered about your sexual health. Find out how to reach them by following this link.
Written by Annika Mendler
References and more reading
https://getcheckedonline.com/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/facts/sti/symptoms-testing-and-treatment/