Specialist Advice — 7 minutes
Five lesser-known situations when STI screening is needed
With sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections also known as STIs on the rise, it is more important than ever to be vigilant. Without a doubt, unprotected sexual relations, more so with a new sexual partner, increase the risk of acquiring an STI and should remind people to get tested. However, this is not the only reason. The following five situations, where the risks are not always easily recognized, can also contribute to the spread of STIs. Find out why screening is necessary and how it protects yourself against STIs complications and from transmitting to your partners.
According to the Collège des médecins du Québec and the Ministry of Health and Social Services, if you wish to have a child, an STI screening test should be part of any prenatal check-up. This will ensure that no infection is present that could affect your pregnancy, your health or that of your unborn child.
If you are pregnant, your pregnancy follow-up should include screening for STIs such as HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia is based on protecting the mother, pregnancy and the baby to be born and not necessarily on an assessment of your sexual health. Currently, screening must be done in the first trimester of pregnancy and can be repeated during the pregnancy depending on the risk factors of the pregnant woman and her regular or new partner(s). If you have not yet undergone screening during pregnancy, you should do so as soon as possible. If an STI is detected, treatment can limit or eliminate the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, transmission of the infection to the child, or complications to the mother such as infection of the amniotic sac or uterus after delivery.
Any skin lesion, even a tiny hole from a needle, can enable bacteria and viruses to enter the body. This is why unsterilized shared instruments, needles and even dyes used for tattooing, body piercing, scarification, implants and any other body modification present a risk of transmission of certain STIs, especially if the procedure is carried out in an unprofessional environment. If the equipment is not new or sterilized, it could contain contaminated blood and thereby infect you with an STI such as HIV, hepatitis B or C.
To limit the risk, make sure you choose a studio that performs this type of procedure in a safe environment. Also, if you later have the slightest doubt as to whether hygiene and sanitation standards have been followed (especially regarding the use of sterile equipment), do not hesitate to take an STI screening test.
Certain STIs, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, can be spread between people who share or reuse drug paraphernalia, whether they inject or inhale the substance. If you share equipment when using drugs, you should get screened regularly.
Although reusing syringes and needles is the main mode of transmission, sharing equipment for preparation (such as dilution containers, filters and sterile water) is also a risky practice. The same applies to straws, rolled banknotes or crack pipes used to inhale or snort drugs. These accessories can be vectors of transmission.
The best way to limit the risk is to use new equipment and not share it, even if you are well acquainted with the people you share it with. Remember that people who have an STI can spread the infection even if they have no signs or symptoms.
Sex toys are growing in popularity, not only to spice up people’s sex lives, but also the relationships between partners who share these toys. However, bacteria or viruses found in bodily fluids are certain to be present on these objects and can be spread from one partner to another. If you have shared sex toys without protection of a condom, you should get tested.
If you use sex toys, it is essential that you do not share them without a condom. You still need to clean and disinfect them thoroughly even if you use them solo, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Note that toys made of hard plastic, elastomer, thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or gel are difficult to clean because of their porous surface. For this reason, it is recommended that you always cover these toys with a condom or dental dam for optimal protection and change it for each partner.
Several infections, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, are transmitted through vaginal secretions and semen during sexual intercourse as well as through blood. As a result, they can be spread through contact with contaminated blood on a soiled surface or object, or by sharing personal items (e.g., toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc.). These viruses can survive for hours or days outside the body.
It is important for a person living with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV to protect the people around them (i.e., family, spouse, roommates, sexual partners, and injection partners) and ask them to get tested. In the case of hepatitis B, if they test negative, they can also be vaccinated. In the case of HIV, partner can take pre exposure prophylaxis or post exposure prophylaxis. These are a safe and effective ways to prevent infection.
