Welcome to our new website

We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:

  • Search is still learning. Some results may be incomplete or out of date. Try browsing by topic from the main menu.
  • Some links may not work. Old bookmarks and links may lead to pages that have moved.
  • Pages are still being updated. We’re reviewing content across the site and improving it as we go.

Sexually transmitted infections

Anyone at any age can get a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you're sexually active, getting tested for sexually transmitted infections is a normal part of your health care.

Most sexually transmitted infections have no signs or symptoms. They are easy to get and if some go untreated, they can cause serious health issues in the future.

Symptoms

Speak to a health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Bumps or sores in and around the mouth, genitals or rectum
  • Abnormal discharge
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Pain during sex or urination

Where to get tested

To get tested, you can:

The type of test you need, depends on the type of sex you have.

Most tests need a urine, swab or blood sample. A nurse will make recommendations on what tests you should get. Results of these tests may take one to two weeks.

Preventing sexually transmitted infections

Condoms and dental dams are for oral, vaginal and anal sex. Make sure the condom or dental dam is being used correctly before there is any contact between bodies.

Free condoms are available at all sexual health centre locations. No appointment is needed for picking up condoms.

Some sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by vaccines. These include hepatitis A or B, HPV (Gardasil) and mpox. Some of these vaccines you may have received in school.

For more information, contact the sexual health centre to see if you're eligible.

DoxyPEP is a prevention approach where a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex to help lower the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, syphilis, and in some cases gonorrhea.  

HIV PrEP is daily medication that helps lower the risk of contracting HIV. This medication is covered by many drug plans and dedicated PrEP clinics can often help you find coverage.

If you think HIV PrEP or DoxyPEP may be right for you and you would like to speak with a health care provider, you can:

HIV PEP prevents infection of HIV in an HIV-negative person who may have recently been exposed to the virus. This medication should be started within 72 hours of exposure.

If you need HIV PEP, visit:

Have a question?

Contact Sexual Health