Women/trans clinic FAQ

What languages are spoken at the women/trans clinic?

English is the main language spoken in the women/trans clinic. However, several staff and volunteers understand other languages also. Depending on who is working when you call there may be someone available who can talk to you in one of the following languages: Cantonese, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, Taiwanese and Urdu.

Do I need an Ontario health card?

No. If you have one, you can write it on your intake sheet, that way we can use it if we need to do any additional tests or refer you to a specialist.

We will never ask you for a health card number if you are here for an HIV test because we do anonymous HIV testing. And we don’t charge for seeing you either.

Does the clinic provide any services other than sexual and reproductive health services?

The clinic has a variety of programs and services that deal with sexual health. We do not provide the same services as a standard walk-in medical clinic or a hospital emergency room.

I’ve noticed that some people seem to get seen right away while others have to wait. What’s going on?

People are not always seen in the order they arrive for two reasons:

The clinic’s policy is to make sure everyone is seen as quickly as possible by finding the best match between the client and the clinic’s team members, even if, as sometimes happens, clients are seen in a different order than they arrive.

Is the clinic accessible to wheelchairs?

Yes. The clinic is on the second floor but we now have an elevator.

When should I call the clinic if I need to speak to a real live human being?

To speak to a person, call when the is open. If you call at other times you will hear a recorded message. If you get a recorded message during open hours it means we are too busy to get to the phone. We try our best to answer every call right away, but our walk-in clients are always our first priority. Please call again in a few minutes. And often, our phone is busy—we are a very busy place!!

I want to make an appointment but your phone has been busy for ages—can I make an appointment over the internet instead?

Sorry, but we can’t take appointments via the internet—its just too complicated and we don’t check our email frequently enough for it to work. Keep trying to get through—later in the shift the phone calls seem to slow down somewhat.

Are my test results sent to my regular doctor?

No. Your doctor is not notified. Any records made as a result of your visit to the clinic are confidential. Your test results stay in your file and your file stays in the clinic. Of course, if you want copies of any of your test results we can easily supply them.

Does the clinic do abortions?

No, we do not provide abortions. However, we do pregnancy testing, abortion referrals, pre-abortion check-ups, post-abortion follow-up and provide supportive counselling when and if requested.  If you need information on where to go for an abortion, you can call us or click on our abortion link!

I think I may have been exposed to HIV. How long should I wait before being tested?

The HIV test the clinic uses doesn’t actually test for the presence of HIV. Instead, it tests for the presence of HIV antibodies. Antibodies are produced by your body as part of its natural defense against infection.

In most people, the production of antibodies does not start immediately after infection. So, if you feel that you might have been exposed to HIV yesterday there isn’t much point of getting tested today. For the test to be meaningful, you must wait for a few weeks. The longer you wait, the more reliable the test will be. If you were infected, HIV antibodies will appear in a blood test within three months.

Can I just drop by the clinic for an HIV test?

No, HIV testing at the clinic is done by appointment only.

How soon can I get an appointment for an HIV test?

The wait for an appointment in the is approximately one week.

I’ve been to the clinic before for STI tests. Why do I have to fill out another form for an HIV test?

Because all HIV testing done at the clinic is anonymous, we don’t keep the results of your HIV test with the rest of your records. The form you fill out for an HIV test is filed by serial number and is not linked in any way to your other STI test results.

How long does the actual HIV test take?

Usually about 20 to 35 minutes.

How long before I get the results of my HIV test?

The clinic provides two kinds of HIV test; the length of time you must wait for your results depends on which test you choose:

• Rapid on-site testing
  We take a drop of blood by pricking your finger. We test it at the clinic while you wait. You get your result in five to ten minutes
• Standard testing
  We take a sample of blood from your vein and send it to an Ontario Ministry of Health lab. HIV test results are usually available after seven to 10 days. You can call the clinic to find out if your test result is available, but you must return to the clinic yourself to get the actual result. You do not need to schedule an appointment to get your results.
  

To learn more about HIV testing, please read our explanation of how the HIV antibody test works, and about rapid HIV testing.

How soon can I get tested for STIs other than HIV?

All STI testing (other than for HIV) is done by appointment except on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 10 a.m. until full, and Tuesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. until full when we have a STI drop-in.  The drop-in is first come, first served. You most likely will have to wait a while before you get seen and sometimes, if we are really busy, we may not be able to see you even though you came to the clinic between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday and Thursday). 

How long before I get the results of my STI tests?

Results for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis tests are usually available within seven days. Results of herpes tests usually take about 10 days or longer. Hepatitis results take two weeks. Although you can call the clinic, or drop by, to find out your test results, we will attempt to contact you if you test positive for any STI.

Can I get a blood test for herpes at the clinic?

No. Blood tests for herpes are not reliable and the clinic does not perform them. Herpes can be diagnosed by using a swab to take a sample of fluid from sores.

If you are interested in receiving the Hepatitis B vaccine please call the clinic.

When can I get vaccinated?

No appointment is necessary. Just drop by Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Please note, if we don’t have a doctor on site, we will not be able to give you a shot that day.

Is it just one injection?

No, to be properly vaccinated you must get three injections. You should return for your second shot one month after your initial vaccination. You should return for your third shot five months after your second shot.

What is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) means treating people who may have been exposed to HIV with antiviral medication, in order to prevent infection from happening. PEP has been officially approved by many countries for use following occupational exposures, but has not yet been approved for use following unsafe sex or needle sharing. Nonetheless, many doctors in hospitals and private practice are prepared to offer treatment to patients following non-occupational risks.

Does the clinic offer PEP?

At present, the clinic does not administer PEP to patients, and refers them to hospital emergency departments or their doctor for treatment. However, not all physicians in private practice or hospitals have been trained in counselling patients about PEP. Therefore, patients should first be counselled about the pros and cons of treatment to help them decide what course of action to take when they see a doctor. No appointment is required since patients should be counselled ASAP.

Ideally someone would start PEP within 24 hours of an exposure.