At HPEPH, we work to help community members access sexual health services such as low cost birth control, and testing for infection and pregnancy.
NEW – COVID-19 and Sexual Health
There is a lot to learn about COVID-19 and sexual health. Public Health recommendations may change as the situation evolves. Please reference the fact sheet developed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, which outlines key information about healthy sexuality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Birth Control
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards to provide access to lower cost birth control methods. We provide these services within our communities through our Sexual Health Clinics.
If women of any age require access to low cost birth control for financial reasons, they can bring their prescription for contraceptive prescription (pill, patch, ring) from their health care provider to our Sexual Health Clinic, and we can dispense the prescribed contraception at a reduced cost. Health care providers may also fax us a prescription to 613-968-1482. This service can assist women without access to a drug coverage plan.
Please note: Depo Provera prescriptions are an exception, and are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. If a woman needs access to reduced-cost Depo Provera, this may be possible, but it is expected that the woman will return to her primary care provider’s office for her injections.
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is mandated by the Ontario Public Health Standards to provide Sexually transmitted (STI) testing, case management, and treatment of reportable STIs.
Case Management for STIs
Public Health receives positive lab reports for reportable STIs for anyone with an address linked to our region. This triggers an investigation that includes sending a surveillance form to the health care provider who ordered the test. Public Health will work together with health care providers to provide treatment and case management to clients who test positive for a reportable STI (chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis). To submit information directly to Public Health, please complete the online surveillance form.
Medication for STIs
Medications for most Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are available at no cost through all Sexual Health Clinic locations. Please contact Public Health directly for more information about how clients can access free STI treatment. Antibiotics can also be ordered by health care providers so they can be provided free of charge to their own clients.
Resources for Health Care Providers
- Physician STI Surveillance Form (printable pdf)
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Treatment Reference Guide
- Syphilis Infection & Laboratory Interpretation Guide
- Vaccine / STI Order Form (online)
- Vaccine / STI Order Form (printable)
- HPEPH “Condom Sense” Promotional Poster
- Health Canada Syphilis Fact Sheet
- Sex and COVID-19
Other Related Links
- Public Health Ontario -Ontario Gonorrhea Testing and Treatment Guide, Second Edition, November 2018
- Public Health Ontario – Bacterial STI Testing: Quick Reference
- Public Health Ontario – Gonorrhea Treatment Quick Reference for Adolescents and Adults
- Canadian STI Guidelines
- Canadian STI Guidelines – Syphilis Management
