At LiveYoung Medical Centre in Milton, Ontario, we provide confidential and professional care for your sexual health. Our clinic offers comprehensive STD/STI testing, diagnosis, and treatment, along with PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) services for HIV prevention.
What Are STDs and STIs?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), also called Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), are passed through sexual activity (vaginal, anal, and oral), skin-to-skin contact, blood, or during pregnancy and childbirth.
Many STIs have no symptoms at all, which is why routine testing is essential. When symptoms do appear, they vary depending on the infection.
Common STIs We Test For (and Their Symptoms)
Chlamydia
- Very common bacterial infection, often symptom-free.
- Symptoms (if present): burning urination, abnormal vaginal/penile discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex.
Gonorrhea
- Bacterial infection affecting genitals, throat, or rectum.
- Symptoms (if present): burning urination, thick yellow/green discharge, swollen testicles, vaginal bleeding between periods.
Syphilis
- Progressive bacterial infection with stages.
- Symptoms (if present): painless sores (chancres), rashes on palms/soles, fever, swollen lymph nodes. Untreated cases can damage the heart, brain, and nerves.
HIV
- Virus that weakens the immune system.
- Symptoms (if present): flu-like illness (fever, sore throat, fatigue) after infection. Later: weight loss, night sweats, recurring infections.
Hepatitis B & C
- Viral liver infections that can become chronic.
- Symptoms (if present): fatigue, nausea, jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine. Many remain symptom-free until liver damage develops.
Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2)
- Viral infection spread through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.
- Symptoms (if present): painful blisters/sores around mouth, genitals, or anus; itching or burning before sores; recurring outbreaks.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- One of the most common viral infections.
- Symptoms (if present): genital warts (small bumps or clusters). Most cases are silent, but certain strains increase risk of cervical, anal, or throat cancer.
Trichomoniasis
- Parasitic infection.
- Symptoms (if present): foul-smelling vaginal discharge, itching, burning, pain during urination/sex. In men: mild irritation or burning in the penis.
Mycoplasma genitalium
- Emerging bacterial STI.
- Symptoms (if present): painful urination, vaginal/urethral discharge, pelvic pain, bleeding after sex.
When Should You Get Tested?
You should book an STI/STD test if you:
- Had unprotected sex
- Have a new or multiple partners
- Notice symptoms listed above
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Were informed a partner tested positive
💡 Even without symptoms, annual testing—or more often if at higher risk—is recommended.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is a once-daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% when taken consistently. At LiveYoung Medical Centre, we provide:
- Risk assessment and eligibility check
- Baseline and follow-up blood tests
- Prescription and ongoing monitoring
- Supportive, non-judgmental care
PrEP may be right for you if you:
- Have an HIV-positive partner
- Engage in sex with multiple or anonymous partners
- Are a man who has sex with men (MSM)
- Inject drugs or share needles
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP is an emergency HIV prevention treatment. It must be started within 72 hours (3 days) after possible exposure to HIV. The sooner it is started, the more effective it is.
At LiveYoung Medical Centre, we:
- Provide urgent assessment for PEP eligibility
- Prescribe a 28-day course of antiretroviral medication when appropriate
- Offer follow-up HIV testing and medical support
PEP is recommended after:
- Unprotected sex with a partner of unknown or positive HIV status
- Condom break during intercourse
- Sexual assault
- Sharing needles or other high-risk exposures
⚠️ PEP is time-sensitive — if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, seek care immediately.
Take Charge of Your Sexual Health
Your sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being. Whether you need routine STI testing, want to discuss PrEP for ongoing protection, or require PEP after a possible HIV exposure, the team at LiveYoung Medical Centre is here to help.
👉 Book your confidential appointment today and take the next step toward protecting yourself and your partners.
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