Where to get tested for STDs in Ottawa?

[that.dude]

Sorry, if it's the wrong section, and I saw a similar question was asked almost 5 years ago, so, not sure if the info there is up-to-date.

So, I asked my family doctor to for this, and he said he won't send me to the lab unless I have any symptoms or suspicion about a cheating partner, etc. But it's well known, that some STDs may not show any symptoms for a long time.

So, are there any clinics in Ottawa where I can get tested without referral, and if possible, anonymously (without showing the Health Card).

I remember in Toronto, there was "Hassle free" clinic which pretty much everyone (including SPs) went to. Is there a similar place in Ottawa?

Thanks.

 

[GlavaMan]

From the city's website regarding sexual clinics:

Ottawa Public Health has 13 sexual health clinics located throughout the City of Ottawa. The main clinic is located at 179 Clarence St. and offers a variety of sexual health services such as free counselling on healthy sexuality and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); free testing and treatment for STIs; contraception; pregnancy testing and options counselling as well as free condoms and resources materials.

Web: Ottawa.ca/sexuality

http://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/sexual-health-clinic.aspx

 

[justfor]

From the city's website regarding sexual clinics:

Ottawa Public Health has 13 sexual health clinics located throughout the City of Ottawa. The main clinic is located at 179 Clarence St. and offers a variety of sexual health services such as free counselling on healthy sexuality and sexually transmitted infections (STIs); free testing and treatment for STIs; contraception; pregnancy testing and options counselling as well as free condoms and resources materials.

Web: Ottawa.ca/sexuality

http://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/sexual-health-clinic.aspx

Please note - it used to be that you could get tested in any Sexual Health Satellite Clinics. But since about 2 years ago, you can get tested only at the main clinic ( 179 Clarence St.) unless you are 29 and under. You don't need a referral from your GP to use these clinics. You do need one if you want tested at a private medical lab.

I strongly recommend regular testing for the peace of mind and for the sake and well-being of all involved in this hobby.

 

[that.dude]

Thanks, justfor, exactly what I wanted to hear. Do you know if they ask for Health Card and if I need to give them my real name? In the thread I mentioned, it was said that you could use a fake name and don't provide the health card, but I wonder if it's still true, since the thread is very old.

 

[gatiboy]

EVM clinic ottawa it s a private clinic

 

[AJ_foyt2]

How long does it take to get the results? Do they email you the results or do you have to go back in when they are ready?
Is it just a blood test?

 

[mrclean]

Thanks, justfor, exactly what I wanted to hear. Do you know if they ask for Health Card and if I need to give them my real name? In the thread I mentioned, it was said that you could use a fake name and don't provide the health card, but I wonder if it's still true, since the thread is very old.

I believe they will ask for a health card at 179 Clarence but you can always go and try for yourself. If they do and you want to remain private then just leave. Also, when I went years ago they said if the tests was positive then all partners would have to be notified and they implied they would do it if the client did not. If I was in that situation I would like to choose when I would tell any partner. So if you go to the free clinic on 179 Clarence you might want to inquire about this (when you meet the nurse, not receptionist) before you get a test done.

So a private clinic like the one mentioned in another post might be best bet. Good to know there are some in Ottawa. There is one in Hull called Marlene Tasse. You can use a fake name. Tests will cost $125-$195 but everything is private. If you do test positive they will give you a perscription for pills (for most common STIs). The pills are free for QC residents (under their health card) if the resident
goes to a QC pharmacy. Not free for Ontario residents, so you might as well go to an Ontario pharmacy. It still will cost you something unless you have some very special drug plan, I guess. Not sure
if you could provide a fake name at the pharmacy.

 

[mrclean]

EVM clinic ottawa it s a private clinic

Would you recommend them? Do you know if one could use a fake name?

 

[Buba_Canuck]

Someone would need a court order to see you medical records ...

However ... if you show positive in a test ... they will ask for a list of sexual partners ... so they can try to contain any further cases ...

 

[thompo69]

Well, it doesn't matter where you get tested, if it comes back positive, it will be reported to Ottawa Public Health. They'll contact you and discuss informing your partners.

 

[that.dude]

if the tests was positive then all partners would have to be notified and they implied they would do it if the client did not

Thanks, mrclean. How would they know who my partners are? What if I don't have any (not officially at least)?

 

[jazzbox]

The one on Clarence was completely anonymous when I was last there about 8 or so years ago. I did not give them a real name.

 

[randomott]

Nono. The only test that anyone other than you are notified about (government and partners) is HIV. Anything else needs a court order.

 

[that.dude]

The one on Clarence was completely anonymous when I was last there about 8 or so years ago. I did not give them a real name.

I'm pretty sure a lot has changed since then. I saw posts about Toronto's hassle-free clinic which used to offer anonymous tests, but when I went there a year and a half ago, the first thing I was told was they would have to notify "my partners" if the results would be positive. They also took my Health Card number.

 

[justfor]

Thanks, justfor, exactly what I wanted to hear. Do you know if they ask for Health Card and if I need to give them my real name? In the thread I mentioned, it was said that you could use a fake name and don't provide the health card, but I wonder if it's still true, since the thread is very old.

If my memory serves me correctly, you don't need to give your Health Card and/or real name. If anything, they do their uttermost to guard your privacy. They even call you only by a number in the waiting room. When you see the nurse, you can discuss and decide to give either your cell no. or an email address. You can settle on a "code name" by which they will contact you in case they need to because of a positive result within the next 3 weeks. After 3 weeks, if you don't hear from them, you are clear.

How long does it take to get the results? Do they email you the results or do you have to go back in when they are ready?
Is it just a blood test?

It takes 3 weeks to receive test results from the lab. But if you don't hear from them (within the 3 weeks), the results are negative and you are clear. I have not bothered to get the results since they have been all negatives. They can either email or call/text you in case of positive results. Even for negative results, you can ask for a copy if you wish. Not sure you have to go back in person though.

They will do urine, blood and throat swap tests. At my last appointment a couple of months ago, they really tried their best to discourage me to do a throat swap sample because they thought it was highly unlikely of problems. But I insisted to have one. ;(

 

[canuckhooker]

Unless it has changed recently the clinic on Clarence is very discreet about names etc. They only notify you if you test positive, and although it has never happened to me, if you do test positive they explained they will call you. If someone else other than you answers or if it goes to voicemail they leave you a message from "Christopher" and ask you to call him back. Very discreet and understanding that not everyone can be open about this.

 

[Gntlmn]

The Clarence St. clinic is great. I go there about every 12-18 months or so (don't do high risk activities but still want peace-of-mind). I believe they only want to see your health card to prove you have one (since it's all free), not to take identifying info. And, for contacting you in case of positive (i.e. bad) test results you can choose yourself the name they use (e.g. "Pedro's Dog Grooming") so you can talk discreetly to them. All in all, it's a pretty good system.

 

[bangminton]

I just want to add the University of Ottawa clinic will also do STD testing and you don't have to be a student at the school. All you need is your health card. The wait time can be a bit longer than the clinic on Clarence but the bonus is you can get a good look at the eye candy, many of whom are probably on SA or those arrangement websites, as we speak

 

[thompo69]

Nono. The only test that anyone other than you are notified about (government and partners) is HIV. Anything else needs a court order.

Nope. Ottawa Public Health is notified about all positive STI results and will contact you.

 

[that.dude]

Nope. Ottawa Public Health is notified about all positive STI results and will contact you.

Contact me and say what? That I got tested positive and then what? Trying to understand if there are any C-36 related risks.

Thanks, justfor