Having an STI
The results for some STI tests are reported to local health units. For Toronto, if you test positive for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, LGV, or HIV, the results of your test will be sent along to Toronto Public Health. No identifying information is included (not your name, etc.).
If you test positive for a reportable STI, you will be asked to notify current and former partners so that they can get tested as well. If you choose not to notify your partner or partners:
- You will be contacted by a public health worker who will ask for the names and contact info of your current and past sex partners.
- Your current and past sex partners will be contacted and told that they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for an STI.
- Your name will not be provided.
Some clinics do offer anonymous testing. You can always call ahead to a clinic to learn about their specific procedures.
Otherwise, what you do about having an STI will depend on what kind of STI you have. For more information on this topic, check out the article:
STIs generally fall into two categories:
| Curable | Manageable |
| Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis C, LGV, Molluscum Contagiosum, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Pubic Lice and Scabies | Hepatitis B, Herpes, HIV/AIDS, HPV |
Curable STIs are ones that can be treated with medications, the same way you would treat many other infections.
Manageable ones will likely stay in your body for the rest of your life, though on some occasions you might clear Hepatitis B or HPV from your system (depending on things like what strain you have, age, overall health, etc.). Even if you have a manageable STI for the rest of your life, you are still able to have a happy and pleasurable sex life. For an example of what it might be like to have a manageable STI, check out the article:
