Asymptomatic STIs: An underestimated silent threat

(a) Sex assigned at birth

STIs are not limited to the risk of transmission to our partners. Some STIs can have serious long-term consequences, including the possibility of contracting or transmitting HIV. The following are some of the possible medium- and long-term complications associated with certain STIs:

• Infertility
• Chronic pain in the lower abdomen
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (in the Fallopian tubes), miscarriage and premature delivery
• Testicular pain or infections
• Chronic infection of the prostate (prostatitis)
• In infected newborns, gonorrhea can lead to a severe eye infection that can cause blindness

In the long term, syphilis can cause significant damage to the heart, brain, bones and liver. In pregnant women, it can increase the risk of premature delivery or stillbirth. Infected newborns can have serious complications such as anemia, liver and spleen abnormalities, and sometimes, developmental delays.

If HIV is not medically treated and monitored over the years, it weakens the immune system and can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This can cause serious problems such as cancers and lung, eye and brain infections, and can even result in death.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) can lead to condylomas (low-risk subtypes for cancer) that can have psychosexual impacts, and various cancers such as cervical cancer and cancer of the anus, vagina, penis, vulva and throat (high-risk subtypes).

In chronic carriers, hepatitis B and C infections can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The frequency of screening depends on several personal factors. Here are a few recommendations:

• Every time you change your sexual partner
• Once a year for couples in a stable relationship, without risk factors such as sharing injection equipment or getting a tattoo

It’s generally not necessary to rush to get tested for STIs in the first few days following unprotected sex or other high-risk behaviour. It takes a while for microorganisms to multiply sufficiently, or for our body to produce antibodies, for the infection to be detectable. This period, called the window period, varies from person to person. Once this period has passed, the tests can detect the infection in most infected people [14].

Early screening gives you the means to take care of yourself and others. Early diagnosis means:

• Rapid access to effective treatment, limiting complications and long-term health effects
• Protecting the health of sexual partners by preventing unintentional transmission of the infection

Despite access to tests, numerous prevention campaigns and the quality of information available online, the message about STIs and how to protect ourselves hasn’t reached everyone. The numbers speak for themselves: between 2017 and 2022, the HIV positivity rate in Canada jumped by 37% [15], while that of syphilis more than doubled [16].

These figures show that silent STIs are a major public health issue. Together we can make a difference: by getting tested regularly, and by using protection methods such as a condom or sheet of latex. Beyond concrete action, education and communication play a key role. An open discussion between partners is often the first step towards safer sex.

We provide a wide range of services related to HPV and other STBBIs. Test results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV are available within 24 hours.  No external test requisition required.  

• STI screening 
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) screening  

Do you have a medical prescription for any of these tests? Book an appointment online or contact Biron Health Group’s customer service at ++1 888 914-6418.