Getting Tested: Things to know

Not all doctors test for the same STD/Is. During one of my first pap tests I had to practically beg my doctor to test me for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Her initial response when I asked her to test me for "any and all STD/Is possible" was "Why, are you worried you might have something?". No. I wasn't. That wasn't exactly the point. Either way, our compromise ended with a gonorrhea and chlamydia test in addition to the pap smear. No hepatitis test. No syphilis test. No HIV test.

I still don't know whether or not she did a HPV DNA test (which, for women, is done with a swab of the cervix). There is still no HPV test available for men aside from visual inspection/biopsy of warts if present.

Herpes are usually only tested for if sores are present - there is no fully accurate test for the herpes virus. Blood tests can be done but are often not clear and depend on the stage of the infection and the sensitivity of the test.

If your annual doctor's appointment includes a pap test this does not mean that you are being tested for any or all STD/Is or HIV. Some doctors do a routine gonorrhea and chlamydia test along with the pap. This is usually either done through a urine test or with a couple of extra swabs of the cervix (or, alternately, swabs inside the penis).

Your doctor will only screen you for HIV (and other STD/Is such as hepatitis) if
a) you specifically request the test
or
b) you have tested positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia and are thus at a greater risk of syphilis, HIV and hepatitis

If you are concerned that you have been exposed to the HIV virus you should definitely request the test. Anyone who has had a new sexual partner since their last screening, has used IV drugs, or is concerned that they have been exposed to HIV is recommended to take the test. Regardless of anything, knowing your HIV status is always beneficial.

There is a 4 month window that you must take into account if your HIV test is related to a specific incident. This means that if you are tested before the 4 month window period, it is very likely that HIV antibodies will not have started forming in your system and thus, if you are HIV+, it will likely not show in your results. So, if you are being tested regarding a specific incident in which you feel you might have been exposed to the HIV virus, you must wait at least 4 months before your HIV test for the most accurate results.

When choosing where to be tested for HIV (your doctor's office vs. an anonymous testing site) please consider this:

"Doctors and laboratories are required to report the names of people who test HIV positive to the Medical Officer of Health. The test result also appears on your medical record, which can be obtained by a variety of groups and individuals. There have been cases of discrimination in employment, housing, insurance and immigration because of these requirements - even with a negative test result.

Anonymous testing uses a number or a code on your lab slip - not your name. Only you will know your test result, or even that you were tested."

AIDS Committee of Toronto

In 1992 anonymous HIV testing was legalized by the provincial NDP government. Following this, the Ministry of Health began providing support for anonymous testing - a huge step forward in funding, training and accessibility. Today there are various anonymous HIV testing sites. Here are a few located in Toronto:

(please refer to websites for hours of operation and supplementary info.)

Hassle Free Clinic
Women's Clinic: 416-922-0566
Men's Clinic: 416-922-0603
http://www.hasslefreeclinic.org

Bay Centre for Birth Control
416-351-3700
http://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/programs/program63.html

Centre Francophone
416-203-1220, Ext. 222
http://www.centrefranco.org

Women's Health in Women's Hands
416-593-7655
http://www.whiwh.com

These are only a few of several sites which provide anonymous HIV tests. If you live outside Toronto and would like assistance locating a place where you can access STD/I & HIV testing (anonymous or otherwise) please contact us at w_a_s_h_@hotmail.com

- Vivian