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Waiting period
The time it takes for an STBBI to become detectable by screening tests (i.e., “window period”) is different from one STBBI to another:
Chlamydia: 14 days
Gonorrhea: 14 days
Syphilis: 12 weeks
Hepatitis B: 12 weeks
Hepatitis C: 12 weeks
HIV: 12 weeks
If you are unsure about how long you need to wait before getting tested, we invite you to make a screening appointment. The staff at the clinic will tell you if you need to come back later for other tests depending on your situation.
Medical consultation
If you are in one of the following situations, make an appointment for a medical consultation right away:
You have STBBI symptoms.
One of your partners was diagnosed with an STBBI.
You have been the victim of sexual assault (if this is the case, you can contact the Sexual Violence Helpline at 1-888-933-9007).
You are pregnant.
Potential exposure to HIV
If you believe that you may have been exposed to HIV, we invite you to make an appointment for an emergency medical consultation as quickly as possible to obtain PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a bit like the morning after pill, but for HIV: it’s taken as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 72 hours, to be as effective as possible.
To obtain PEP, you can go to a hospital emergency room or sexual health clinic. A pharmacist can also prescribe three days’ worth, while you wait for your consultation.