partners being affectionate

Online STD diagnosis.

Are you experiencing pain or unusual symptoms in your genital area? Have you recently had unprotected sex with a new partner?

It could be time to connect with an online doctor about STI testing.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now
partners being affectionate

Online STD diagnosis.

Are you experiencing pain or unusual symptoms in your genital area? Have you recently had unprotected sex with a new partner?

It could be time to connect with an online doctor about STI testing.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now

What is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), or sexually transmitted infection (STI), is a condition that is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Without treatment an STD can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms are not always obvious, so it is important to attend regular STI testing if you think you might be at risk.

What is an STD?

A sexually transmitted disease (STD), or sexually transmitted infection (STI), is a condition that is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Without treatment an STD can lead to serious health issues. Symptoms are not always obvious, so it is important to attend regular STI testing if you think you might be at risk.

partners holding hands

There are a wide range of different STDs with their own unique indicators. However, an STD diagnosis may be likely if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, and you should visit your doctor for STD testing:

  • Cloudy or unusual discharge

  • Genital itching or irritation

  • Pain when urinating

  • Pain when having sex

  • Bumps or sores on the genitals

What STDs are there?

There are numerous different STIs, but some of the most common ones to be aware of are:

  • Chlamydia: a very common bacterial infection which can be treated using antibiotics. Most people do not show symptoms when they have chlamydia.
  • Gonorrhea: a common bacterial infection that does not show symptoms but can lead to serious health complications. Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics.
  • Herpes: a viral infection of the mouth and/or genitals, causing sores. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but the symptoms are treatable.
  • HIV: a chronic virus that damages the immune system, making you more vulnerable to other illnesses. If untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. With medical treatment an individual with HIV can still live a long, healthy life.
  • HPV: the most common STD and can often lead to genital warts. It does not show symptoms and is dangerous as it can cause cancer if not treated.

Why is STI testing so important?

Getting regular STD testing is critical because:

  • A lot of STDs do not show symptoms, so you may be infected and not know it
  • Getting checked and consequently treated for any STIs you may have helps to stop them being transmitted to others
  • The earlier an STD is caught the less potential for harm it has. So, the sooner you can get tested and treated the better.

Are certain people more at risk of getting an STD diagnosis?

Yes, risk of an STD is higher for the following situations:

  • People who are having sex with multiple different partners
  • If the person you are having sex with is also having sex with other partners
  • Having sex without using a condom
  • People who share needles
  • Research shows that almost 50% of STIs occurs in people under 25

How do STIs impact men and women differently?

STDs in women can cause a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which causes an infection in areas of the reproductive system. PID can result in scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes and creates issues, such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or infertility. In pregnant women, STIs can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, or infections in the baby.

STDs in men can cause inflammatory issues in the epididymis (tube that collects sperm), urethra, anus, and prostate.

How can I prevent an STD diagnosis?

The best method of preventing an STD diagnosis is to practice safe sex and always use condoms.

When should I see a doctor to help with an online STD diagnosis?

If you are experiencing any symptoms, then it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Even if you are asymptomatic, experts recommend that individuals who are having casual sex with different partners on a regular basis to get checked every three to six months. It is less important for people in a serious relationship to get STD testing but once a year is still a good precautionary measure and definitely in between one relationship ending and another starting.

Is an STI serious?

Yes, if left untreated an STD can cause arthritis, infertility, organ damage, heart disease, certain types of cancer or even death.

How common are STDs?

Very! In the United States alone there are approximately 20 million new infections every year.

What treatments are available for an STI?

If the STD is bacterial then the doctor will prescribe antibiotics in order to treat it. If it is viral, then the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs.

How do I prepare for my online STD testing?

You can help the online doctor by noting down any concerns and answers in advance, along with any allergies they should be aware of.

What will my online appointment be like?

Appointments usually take between five to thirty minutes depending on the individual need. The online doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms. This will allow them to determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, they may recommend a follow-up appointment or a visit to a physical clinic.

How booking works.

“How do I connect with an online doctor about an STD?”

Our virtual clinic is designed to provide you with secure, trusted and easy access to the advice and care you need when you need it.

Here is how to book an appointment:

Here is how to book an appointment:

Skip the waiting room and book a virtual clinic appointment instead

Step 1

Select which doctor you would like to see and whether you prefer a phone or video call. We have a variety of male and female doctors available to help you in several languages.

Step 2

Attend your virtual appointment from the comfort of your own home using your chosen method of communication. We do not require you to download any apps or programs.

Step 3

Receive guidance and STD treatment recommendations from the medical specialist. The doctor can share any necessary prescriptions with your chosen pharmacy, and you can opt to have medication delivered to your home for free or can collect in-person if preferred.

Book now

Have a question?

Services

Tia Health doctors' prescriptions are legitimate and are accepted by pharmacies. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.
Yes. Our telehealth platform connects you to a fully licensed Canadian physician. Just like an in-person visit, with telehealth, the doctor is responsible for understanding your case, medical history, and determining the appropriate treatment. If the doctor is not able to help you through telehealth, they may advise that you visit a clinic or hospital in-person.
Your privacy is our top priority, we use bank-level encryption and store data securely in Canada.
Click on the Book Now button to get started. You will then be prompted to select the type of consultation (video or phone), who the appointment is for (you or someone else), and which provider you would like to speak with. Lastly, you will be prompted to sign-up or login to confirm your appointment.
Yes! All Tia Health doctors are Canadian licensed physicians. You can verify the status of their license and view their credentials on the College of Physicians website for the province they are licensed. The city and province in which the physician practices is listed on their Tia Health profile which you will see while navigating the booking process.
Yes, we have a variety of doctors, male and female, doctors who speak different languages, and with different specialties.
If you have a family doctor working on the Tia Health platform, they may have telehealth availability. If not, check back soon as we are adding physicians weekly.

Pricing

Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance.
Through our partnership with Focus Mental Wellness, you can talk to a licensed and compassionate therapist via phone, video, or text. Focus therapy services don't require a doctor's referral and are covered by most extended health benefits. Sessions are usually available within a few days, and depending on your selected therapist's availability, same-day sessions are offered.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and other online payment enabled cards.
Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance. If no coverage is available to you, then appointment pricing ranges depending on the appointment type you select. There are no time-based fees or additional fees if an appointment lasts longer than expected.
Get the best care from anywhere

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

Book now

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.