STI Testing Day @ the UC – October 8, 2025

Sep 9th, 2025

Did you know that the most common STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, show no symptoms and are easily treated? Don't stress about STIs, get tested and find out your status!

You can get tested at our free STI Testing Day on Wednesday, October 8th from 11:30am until 4:00pm in the UC Courtyard. Come out to pick up swag, snacks, and resources and enter our draw for a chance to WIN BEATS SOLO 4 WIRELESS HEADPHONES, $100 GROCERY GIFT CARD OR OTHER AWESOME PRIZES! This event is hosted by Student Wellness and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

How does it work?

Show up to the event in the UC and register
Have a private conversation with a nurse who will explain the process and answer any questions you may have
Take your sample kit to the bathroom, and take a swab or urine sample in privacy
Drop it off to a nurse, enter our draw to WIN BEATS SOLO 4 WIRELESS HEADPHONES, $100 GROCERY GIFT CARD OR OTHER AWESOME PRIZES, and grab some swag on the way out!

We take confidentiality seriously. You will not receive results during the event, and none of our staff or volunteers will know your results. Your sample will be handled by medical professionals off-site. You will only be contacted by a nurse if your results are positive (approx. 2 weeks). If you receive a negative test, which is most common, you will not hear from us.

Getting tested for STIs is part of a normal healthy sex life, even if you have no symptoms. Drop by between classes, or bring a friend, roommate, or partner!

What do we test for?

Both urine and swabs test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, the two most common STIs
People with vaginas will be able to complete a self-administered swab if they are not currently menstruating; urine tests are also available
People with penises will be able to provide a urine sample

Who should get tested?

If you are someone who is sexually active, getting tested regularly is important. You should come get tested if:

You are sexually active
You have a new partner
You haven't had an STI test in the past 6 months

The only way to know whether or not you have an STI is to get tested.

Can't make it to the testing day?

STI testing is available year-round at Health Services, with two ways to access:

Drop-in STI Testing Clinics every Monday and Tuesday from 1:30-4:00pm
Book an appointment with a nurse Monday to Friday (8:30am-4:30pm) by calling 519-824-4120 x52131

What happens if my STI test results are positive?

Don’t panic, this is treatable, and we are here to help!
If your test results are positive for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, you will be contacted by a Public Health nurse or nurse from Health Services within two weeks of testing.
Note: the phone number may appear as “private” or will not display.
If you have voicemail, you may receive a generic message including a phone number and extension indicating for you to call Health Services or Public Health back at your earliest convenience.

What happens if my STI test results are negative?

If your test results are negative for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, you will NOT be contacted.
If you have not received a call within two weeks from the date of the clinic you can assume that your test result was negative and you did not have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea on the day of testing.
Please do not call WDG Public Health or U of G Health Services to ask about your results.

Will I require treatment for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea?

If your test results are positive for Chlamydia and/or Gonorrhea you will need to be treated with an antibiotic.
There is no cost for treatment.
Treatment may be accessed from your regular health care provider (i.e. doctor or nurse practitioner), University of Guelph Health Services or Public Health.
Details will be explained when the nurse calls you and any questions you have will be answered.

How often should I get tested and when should I get tested again?

Seek STI testing if you have any symptoms, if you have had contact with someone who has an STI, after unintended sexual activity without the use of a condom, and every 6 months if you engage in sexual activity with different partners.

What if I want to have testing for other STIs?

Testing for STIs is free.
Make an appointment with your health care provider, U of G Student Health Services, Public Health or a walk-in clinic.
GetaKit.ca - Offers free at-home self-testing kits and laboratory-based testing for STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and hepatitis C (18+ with an OHIP card), and HIV at-home self-testing kits (16+ with an OHIP card).

What is the best way to prevent getting an STI?

Use a condom every time you have any sexual contact (i.e. vaginal, anal or oral).

Where can I find reliable information about STIs and other sexual health questions online?

Sex & U: www.sexandu.ca and www.sexandu.ca/stis/
SHORE Centre: www.shorecentre.ca

Who can I contact if I still have questions or concerns?

WDG Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 Ext. 7006, Mon. - Fri. 8:30am – 4:30pm
U of G Health Services 519-824-4120 Ext. 52131, Mon. - Fri. 8:30am – 4:30pm
U of G Health Services STI Drop-in Testing clinics Mon. & Tues. 1:30pm-4:00pm. Also available by appointment.

Questions about STIs?

Stop by and speak to one of our nurses for more information and resources.