Sex experts recommend testing for sexually transmitted diseases after Calgary Stampede

Calgary’s Stampede 2024 is already behind us, and sexual health experts recommend getting checked.

The Center for Sexuality advises anyone who has had sexual activity with a new partner during the world’s largest open-air show to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

While regular testing is always a good idea, Roseline Carter, program director at the Centre for Sexuality, says the weeks following the Stampede may be the best time ever to do it.

“When large groups of people gather and alcohol and/or drug use increases, sometimes there are inhibitions… then more happens,” Carter tells CityNews.

She says that every year, right after the Stampede, demand for testing information increases significantly, like clockwork.

Carter says going through this process is an important step, especially for those who had unprotected sex during the 10-day event.

She also notes that many people tend to change their sexual habits during the Stampede, so many feel the need to seek out more information about testing.

“People are thinking about the fact that they may have participated in certain activities that simply mean they may need to get tested more frequently than in the past,” she said.

“I think our message would be: If you had unprotected sex or had new partners during the Stampede pandemic, it’s a good idea to get tested.”

Syphilis outbreak in Alberta continues

While Alberta continues to grapple with a nationwide syphilis outbreak that was first reported in 2018, most other data on STI trends is quite outdated, according to Carter.

According to Health Canada, the rate of infectious syphilis cases per 100,000 in 2022 will be 73.9, an increase of 105 percent from 2018.

According to Alberta Health Services, over 17,000 cases of syphilis and gonorrhea were reported in adolescents and adults and over 280 cases in babies between 2015 and 2023. Cases will continue to be reported in 2024.

While the stigma may prevent many from going to a testing center, she says there is no reason to be ashamed and that people should treat it like a visit to the dentist or doctor.

“We would say if you’re a little nervous or shy or if it’s your first time going to an STI clinic, where these things happen hundreds of times a week,” Carter explained.

She points out that early detection is very important because most sexually transmitted diseases are treatable and curable and many are asymptomatic.

Carter recommends getting tested even if you don’t have symptoms.

In Calgary, you can get tested at the Hepatology Clinic at Foothills Medical Centre, Safelink Alberta, the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) Clinic, and the STI Clinic at the Sheldon Chumir Health Centre.