Are you testing for STIs properly?

It can take days or weeks for STIs to be detected

While many of us know testing for sexually transmitted infections  is important for keeping us and our partners safe, we may not be doing it properly. STIs have a latency period between when they were contracted and when they can be detected by a test. It can take days, weeks or even months, in the case of syphilis, for an STI to show up on a test after exposure. Xtra’s senior health editor, Ziya Jones, explains.

Get the facts, play safe … and have fun.

Lito Howse (they/them) is a queer and trans/non-binary identified videographer, editor and producer based in Toronto. They previously worked for the CBC where they wrote TV stories, edited and control room produced for News Network. They also produced videos for CBC Radio and wrote web articles for shows like The Current and As It Happens, among other roles. They speak English.

Ziya Jones

Ziya Jones is the senior editor, health at Xtra.

Read More About:
Sexual Health, Video, Health, Video, stis

Keep Reading

Conservative platform pledges ban on trans women in women’s prisons

ANALYSIS: The Conservative Party of Canada’s 2025 federal election platform also hints at possible future anti-trans policies

Quinn’s inaugural NSL goal is a big deal for trans sports

ANALYSIS: The Vancouver Rise midfielder ensured that trans people will play a starring role in the new era of sports in Canada

Canadian musicians pull U.S. tour dates in wake of visa restrictions

Bells Larsen and T. Thomason are among trans travellers impacted by Trump’s immigration policies

What John Oliver’s trans sports episode got right

ANALYSIS: The “Last Week Tonight” host tackled fairness in sports with a pitch-perfect blend of facts and empathy