Sexual Health

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no visible symptoms. Lots of STIs are treatable. Although the highest rates are in young adults 15 to 24 years of age, STIs are a risk at all ages.

The ONLY way to know if you have HIV or another STI is to get tested. Regular testing is an important part of sexual health. Knowing if you have an STI is the first step to keeping yourself and your partners healthy.

• By appointment: Call the clinic at 613-564-3950 or book an appointment (often available that same day) for STI and HIV testing with your family physician or nurse practitioner. If you don’t yet have a family physician at BWFHT you can register online and then book an appointment.

STI and HIV Testing is also available at these locations in the Ottawa Area:

• Ottawa Public Health Sexual Health Centre, 179 Clarence Street, 613-234-4641

STBBIs – Sexually Transmitted Blood-borne Infections Testing

• Concerned you might have an STI? You can see a physician or nurse practitioner. Book an appointment with your family health care provider.
• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) – Looking for confidential and fast testing for HIV? Go to University of Ottawa Health Promotion (located at University Centre – 203) on Wednesdays from September-April for free, rapid and anonymous HIV testing. You can drop by or call to book an appointment at 613-562-5800 ext 4372.
• Looking for another place to get STI testing? The Ottawa Public Health Sexual Health Clinic offers similar services, If you live in Gatineau, you can go to Clinique Santé Sexualité du Plateau.

Are you at risk? Should you get tested? Take the test!

Looking to get a Pap test? Book an appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner.

What is a Pap test?

HPVinfo: Spread the word, not the disease. The facts on the human papillomavirus from Canada’s experts.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and the HPV vaccine

Human Papillomavirus is among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada and worldwide. Many types of HPV have been identified, with some leading to cancer and others to skin lesions like ano-genital warts.

The Gardasil vaccine is available to help prevent infection with some types of HPV. It offers protection against the HPV types that are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancers.

The Gardasil vaccine is available at the ByWard Family Health Team by appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner.

HPV Vaccination Info for Students:

If you have coverage under your parent or partner’s health plan, your HPV vaccinations are eligible for partial or full reimbursement by your insurer.

HPV vaccinations are NOT covered under the basic UHIP health plan.

Follow your doctor’s advice regarding the optimal time to get all three vaccinations and contact your insurer for more information about your insurance coverage for HPV vaccinations.

For more information on HPV and the HPV vaccines:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Ottawa Public Health
• Gardasil

Concerned you might have a UTI? You can book an appointment with a physician or nurse practitioner.

• Want an IUD/IUC insertion? Talk to your health care provider and have them refer you to this service using the IUC referral form located on our website.
• What to expect at an IUC visit.
• It’sAPlan: Helping you make decisions about contraception.
• Book an appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner to discuss options.
• Looking for emergency birth control? The LINK can help explain the options.

Gynecology

• Have concerns about your reproductive (women’s) health? Check out the services offered at our clinic.
• YourPeriod: The facts on menstruation from Canada’s experts.
• Concerned about incontinence and the muscles of your pelvic floor? Here is a list of pelvic floor physiotherapists in the Ottawa region.
• Want to track your period and ovulation cycle? There’s an App for that. Check out Clue.
• MenopauseandU: The facts on menopause from Canada’s experts.

Obstetrics

• Are you newly pregnant and need a care provider? Our specialists can provide care during your pregnancy.
• PregnancyInfo: The facts on pregnancy and childbirth from Canada’s experts.

Unplanned Pregnancy

• Considering parenting, adoption or abortion? Planned Parenthood Ottawa can provide all-options counselling and direct you to your desired services. You can access similar services at Clinique des femmes in the Outaouais region.

• The Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Program at the Ottawa Hospital have 24/7 services available for you.
• Want to speak to someone now? Call a crisis line.
• Need a safe place to stay? Here is a list of shelters.
• Want to report a sexual assault? The Ottawa Police have a victim crisis unit to help.
• If you are a uOttawa student or staff, uOttawa Human Rights Office can help you too.
• The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre offers counselling.
• Ottawa Victims Services can connect you with resources like access to safe transportation.
• If you are looking for counselling services in French, CALACS can guide you.