Sexual Health Clinic

Victoria Day schedule changes for Monday, May 23 - The Sexual Health Clinic and satellite clinics will be closed.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to prioritize the clinical services we offer. Currently, we are not offering Test & Go or walk-in clinics. To ensure physical distancing, please call ahead to book an appointment at 613-234-4641. We are offering appointments for the following: 
  • HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (HIV PEP)
  • Emergency Contraception (Ella/Plan B/IUD)
  • Contraception, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and low-cost options
  • Persons diagnosed with an STBBI, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and/or HIV
  • Sexual partners of persons diagnosed with an STBBI including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and/or HIV
  • STBBI testing and screening for members of the following groups:
    • Indigenous communities
    • African, Caribbean, and Black communities
    • LGBTQ+, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
    • Persons engaging in sex work
    • People who use drugs

To book an appointment for any of the above listed services, please call the Sexual Health Clinic at (613) 234-4641. For any other services, please contact your primary care provider (family physician or nurse practitioner) or visit a walk-in clinic. For general sexual health information please contact the Ontario Sexual Health Infoline by phone: 1-800-668-2437 or by e-chat.

The Sexual Health Clinics are funded to provide services which include free and confidential STBBI (sexually transmitted blood borne infection) testing and treatment; and low cost birth control to Ontario residents including:

  • People with symptoms of STBBIs
  • People who have had sex with someone with an STBBI
  • People most affected by STBBIs

To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

We offer
  • Information on STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood borne infections) and contraception
  • Free testing and treatment for STBBIs
  • Confidential or anonymous HIV testing
  • Emergency contraception (ECP)
  • Affordable contraception (for those who qualify)
  • IUD/IUS insertion (by appointment only at main clinic)
  • Pregnancy testing & information about options
  • Hepatitis A & B immunization (for those who qualify)
  • Vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) (for those who qualify)
  • Free condoms

 If you are seeking HIV testing, you can visit www.GetaKit.ca/Ottawa to obtain an at home HIV self-test.  It is free to access HIV self-testing from GetaKit and no health card is required.
We DO NOT assess or treat the following:
  • Blood work for herpes or pregnancy
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Pain, sores or bumps in the mouth or throat including cold sores.
  • Scabies, crabs or lice
  • Sexual dysfunction (erection and arousal difficulties, timing of ejaculation, low libido)
  • Fertility, miscarriage or menopause

In the above cases you should NOT come to the Sexual Health Clinic; instead, please see your Family Physician or a Walk-In Clinic.  In the case of an Emergency, please go directly to the nearest Hospital.

**PLEASE NOTE: Your family physician (GP) or nurse practitioner (NP) and University or College Health Services can provide STBBI (sexually transmitted blood borne infection) testing, Pap tests and birth control. The Sexual Health Clinic DOES NOT provide faster results for STBBI testing than your GP, NP or other clinics.

What to expect at the Sexual Health Clinic

The main Sexual Health Clinic opens one hour prior to each walk-in clinic to allow clients to obtain a clinic number and registration form.

How to prepare for your visit
When you arrive (Triage process):

You will be asked to fill out a registration form by the front reception staff, which includes your contact information and health related questions. This information will be used to start a medical record for you or retrieve your existing file.  To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

Each client receives a number, which will be used to identify you during your visit.

Please note that clients are not seen in numerical order. Each person is here for a different reason. The clinic's policy is to make sure the most appropriate health care practitioner sees each person as quickly as possible.

Expect your visit to last more than an hour. The visit may include an assessment, on site testing, blood work and treatment.
The interview
When your number is called you will be seen by a nurse who will ask you a series of questions, including:
  • the reason for your visit
  • contact information
  • medical and sexual history

Your answers are used to determine the type of services that may be beneficial to you. The information you share with any health care practitioner at the clinic is completely confidential.

At this time, the nurse may provide you with information about STBBI (sexually transmitted and blood borne infections), safer sex and birth control options. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you have about sex or sexual health and to voice your concerns.
The assessment:
After your interview, if an exam is required you will be directed to an examination area where a doctor or nurse practitioner will see you. Depending on the number of clients on the day of your visit, there may be a wait before you are brought to an examination room.

During the exam, the doctor or nurse practitioner may do a number of tests depending on your assessment, whether you have symptoms and your risk for sexually transmitted infections.
Testing:

The clinic can test for several types of STBBI sexually transmitted and blood borne infections. Most infections have a "window period" before they can be detected. The table below summarizes how we conduct our most common tests, and the window periods associated with each infection. Based on your sexual history, the health care practitioner will determine what type of testing is appropriate at the time of your visit.

Tests conducted at the Sexual Health Clinic

Infection

Testing

Window period

Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Urine sample, swab of the cervix

Swab of the  throat or rectum

Testing can be done at the time of presentation

48 hours after a sexual contact

Syphilis

Blood test

4-6 weeks after a sexual contact

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

Blood test

6-12 weeks after potential risk

 

Results:

It can take up to 2-3 weeks for results to come back from the lab. If you do not hear from us, test results are NEGATIVE. Pap test results usually take up to six weeks. Please do not call for results as we are unable to provide results by telephone. You may return to the clinic after 2-3 weeks for a copy of your results by providing photo identification to the front reception staff.

If a test is positive (which means your test showed you have an infection) you will be contacted by a Public Health Nurse about treatment and may be asked for information about your sexual partners. This information will be used to contact these partners to ensure that they are tested and treated. All information will be kept confidential. Your name will not be given to these partners.

For more information, or to speak with a Public Health nurse, please contact 613-234-4641 or the Sexual Health InfoLine Ontario 1-800-668-2437.

 
What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card?

I don't have any ID:

  • Please call us at 613-234-4641 before coming to the clinic

 

My Ontario Health Card has expired:

  • Bring the expired card and the temporary document as proof of your renewal with you 

 

My Ontario Health Card has expired and I haven't renewed it:

  • We will accept other valid photo ID showing an Ontario address like an Ontario Driver's License or Ontario Photo Card
  • Renew your Ontario Health Card

 

My ID has been stolen:

  • Please call us at 613-234-4641 before coming to the clinic
  • To replace stolen ID call ServiceOntario toll-free at 1-800-267-8097

 

I live in Quebec:

  • Visit CLSC de Gatineau
    • 85, rue Saint-Rédempteur, Gatineau, QC
    • Tel: 819-966-6532

 

I'm an international student with health coverage through my university/college: 

  • We encourage you to attend the clinic on campus
  • UOttawa, Carleton & Saint Paul: Find a clinic that accepts UHIP here
  • Algonquin: find a clinic that accepts your insurance here

 

I'm in the armed forces:

  • We will accept Blue Cross with a piece of photo ID

 

If you live somewhere other than Ontario or Quebec or you still have questions about which ID is required, call us at 613-234-4641 before coming to the clinic.
Why OPH does this

The Sexual Health Clinic is funded to provide such services to the following:

  • People with symptoms of STBBIs
  • People who have had sex with someone with an STBBI
  • People most affected by STBBI1,2
  • People aged 29 and under
  • Gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and queer persons
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People who are Aboriginal or of black ethnicity
  • New immigrants from countries where HIV is endemic
  • People involved in the sex trade industry
  • People who use injection drugs and/ or who smoke crack

To ensure that we are the best service to meet your needs, we encourage you to review what services we offer and do not offer. At the time of your visit, a triage nurse will also review your sexual health concerns. Depending on your needs, you may be referred to a more appropriate health service.

References:

  1. Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian guidelines on sexually transmitted infections (2013)
  2. Ottawa Public Health, Health Report (2014) 
IUD Insertion Clinic

To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.   (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

179 Clarence St, Ottawa

Call 613-234-4641 for information
Main clinic walk-in - Walk-in Clinic not available, call 613-234-4641 to book an appointment

Due to the current situation around COVID-19, we must reduce our services to high risk clients only. Currently, we are unable to offer routine screening, most STBBI testing or Test & Go services. Please contact your family practitioner or visit a walk-in clinic if you want testing or have symptoms. Please only call 613-234-4641 if:

  • You are a case or contact of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis
  • You are a man having sex with men
  • You need contraception including an IUD/IUS or emergency contraception (Plan B/Ella)
  • You need HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

179 Clarence St, Ottawa

PLEASE NOTE: Due to high demand at our walk-in clinics, we may not be able to see everyone.  The door will open one hour before clinic to register.  To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

Hours of Operation

  • Walk-in Clinic not available, call 613-234-4641 to book an appointment

Main clinic - Appointment Hours

Due to the current situation around COVID-19, we must reduce our services to high risk clients only. Currently, we are unable to offer routine screening, most STBBI testing or Test & Go services. Please contact your family practitioner or visit a walk-in clinic if you want testing or have symptoms. Please only call 613-234-4641 if:

  • You are a case or contact of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis
  • You are a man having sex with men
  • You need contraception including an IUD/IUS or emergency contraception (Plan B/Ella)
  • You need HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

All appointments are available at 179 Clarence St only

  • Monday 8:45 am to 11:30 am and 12:45 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:45 am to 11:30 am and 12:45 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:45 am to 11:30 am
  • Thursday 12:45 pm to 3:30 pm
  • Friday 8:45 am to 11:30 am

To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

Telephone Hours:

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4 pm

To book an appointment please call our reception telephone line at 613-234-4641
Gay Men's Sexual Health Clinic  

Due to the current situation around COVID-19, the Gay ZONE clinic has temporarily moved to 179 Clarence St.  Please call 613-234-4641 to book an appointment.

Gay ZONE provides a wide range of programs and services for gay, bi, transmen and other men who have sex with men in the Ottawa area, including:

  • Screening and treatments for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's)
  • HIV testing--rapid and/or anonymous
  • Hepatitis A & B vaccination
  • HPV vaccine (for those who qualify)
  • A variety of health promotion programming

To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

Location: 179 Clarence St, Ottawa

Hours: Thursday 4 pm to 6 pm
 Youth Health Drop-In Clinics

Due to the current situation around COVID-19, we must reduce our services to high risk clients only. Currently, we are unable to offer routine screening, most STBBI testing or Test & Go services. Please contact your family practitioner or visit a walk-in clinic if you want testing or have symptoms. Please only call 613-234-4641 if:

  • You are a case or contact of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis
  • You are a man having sex with men
  • You need contraception including an IUD/IUS or emergency contraception (Plan B/Ella)
  • You need HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Please note that these clinics are located within another medical clinic; please tell the receptionist that you are there for the Ottawa Public Health Youth Sexual Health Clinic. All services offered at the main Sexual Health Centre are available at the Youth Sexual Health Clinics, with the exception of IUD/IUS insertions, anonymous HIV testing and Point of Care (rapid) HIV testing. (Confidential HIV testing is available at the Youth Sexual Health Clinics).

To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

Please note: Due to high demand at our walk-in clinics, we may not be able to see everyone or provide you with a precise waiting time. 

Youth Sexual Health Clinic
(29 years of age and under)

Address

Hours of operation

Closure dates

West End Family Care Clinic -Youth Clinic

80 Michael Cowpland Dr, Kanata

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

 Closed

South Nepean Community Health Centre - Youth Clinic

201-4100 Strandherd Dr, Barrhaven

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Closed 

Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre - Youth Clinic

105-240 Centrum (main floor)

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

Closed 
 Youth Sexual Health Outreach Clinics

Due to the current situation around COVID-19, we must reduce our services to high risk clients only. Currently, we are unable to offer routine screening, most STBBI testing or Test & Go services. Please contact your family practitioner or visit a walk-in clinic if you want testing or have symptoms. Please only call 613-234-4641 if:

  • You are a case or contact of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis
  • You are a man having sex with men
  • You need contraception including an IUD/IUS or emergency contraception (Plan B/Ella)
  • You need HIV PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Drop-in services available to youth who are clients at the following locations.  To help with registration bring your valid Ontario Health Card or photo ID showing an Ontario address.  (What if I don't have an Ontario Health Card or photo ID?)

 

Clinic

Address

Hours

Closure Dates

Operation Come Home

150 Gloucester St, Ottawa

Temporarily closed due to COVID-19

 Closed

 

 

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