Here is a list of the closest sexual health services you can access from the South Shore and its neighbouring regions.
Please note that although we work to keep links and information up-to-date, things often change in the health care world.
Places to get sexual health services
- Your family doctor or nurse practitioner – they can do any sexual health services including Paps, STI testing, medical abortions, trans care, and more.
- Your local pharmacy – check to see if your pharmacist can help you with birth control, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and other minor things.
- Your local walk-in clinic – there are many including one in Bridgewater and in Chester at Our Health Centre (list here)
- Your local emergency room – they may be able to help out with some concerns depending on how busy they are
- Virtual Care NS or Maple – you can get online appointments either for free (by being on the Family Practice Registry and getting a link) or paying for an appointment.
- Halifax Sexual Health Centre – d0es specialized services including IUD and Nexplanon (902) 455-9656
- The Red Door – a Kentville clinic for sexual health, seeing folks 30 and under
- Bedford Women’s Clinic – numerous services for folks with uteruses, including IUD insertions, Paps, and more. (902) 444-8726. Covered by MSI.
- Clyde’s Medical Clinic – Includes a walk in clinic. Covered by MSI.
- Truro Sexual Health Clinic – Includes IUD and Nexplanon insertions, gender-affirming care, PrEP
STI/STBBI Testing
- Contact the above list.
- Contact the STI clinic at the QEII in Halifax (Dickson Building).
Birth Control and Barriers
- Get free condoms and dams at our centre or through the community partners that have our supplies.
- Get a free Caya diaphragm through us. Limited quantities. Diaphragms are not for everyone, but may provide a hormonal free option for some folks.
- Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for samples or if they’ll request compassionate birth control on your behalf from the drug companies.
- Many kinds of hormonal birth control are available through the provincial pharmacare plan, including Family Pharmacare. If you’re on assistance, you have coverage through that.
- Get free or lower cost options at The Red Door or Halifax Sexual Health Centre.
Abortion Access
Medical and surgical abortions are performed in Bridgewater. To access abortion services anywhere in Nova Scotia, please contact the Choice Clinic in Halifax. You can self refer at 1-833-352-0719. This service is pro-choice and can help you get ultrasounds and blood work in your home community. Surgical abortions are also performed at the QEII in a special clinic.
If you need transportation to and from an abortion, contact Abortion Support Services Atlantic. They are pro-choice, trauma-informed, and have volunteers who may be able to drive you to and from an appointment.
Pap Testing
Please note that cervical cancer screening guidelines have changed drastically, and you may not need a Pap test as frequently as you needed it before, especially if you’ve received any of the HPV vaccines or are not sexually active. However, if you have a history of abnormal cells, please talk to your health care provider about how often you should be screened.
- Well Women’s Clinics at South Shore Regional Hospital happen regularly. Call and request a test; you will receive a call back when a clinic opens up, which may take a few months. (902) 543-4604 ext. 1452.
- If you’re from the New Germany area, try the medical centre at (90) 644-2361.
- If you can drive to Middleton, they do tests for folks without a doctor. (902) 825-1095.
- If you can drive to Bedford, you can connect with a women’s clinic that you can self-refer to. Call (902) 444-8726.
Trans and Non-Binary Health Care
It can be challenging to find trans specific care on the South Shore. Here are some options, although you may have to drive to access them.
- Reach out to Pride Health to learn more about services and trans friendly practitioners. Call (902) 487-0470 or email prideHealth@nshealth.ca.
Sexual Assault Services
If you have experienced an assault (e.g. forced intercourse) you can access sexual assault nurse practitioners (SANEs) through any of the local hospitals or by calling 1-833-577-SANE (7263). If you are younger than 13, you will be supported in getting to the IWK in Halifax for an exam.
You can have a sexual assault kit collected after an assault, and have it stored anonymously if you are not quite ready for the legal process. Also, you can choose just to have medical treatment (e.g. emergency contraception or post-exposure medications that help prevent HIV). SANE kits are optional.
You may also be able to access support through Victim Services. If you have made a police complaint, ask about their victim services.
If you have experienced any kind of sexualized or domestic violence, you can access outreach support through Harbour House. Their line is staffed around the clock. 1-888-543-3999.
Counselling
Right now, there is a shortage of counselling options on the South Shore. You may qualify for a few programs. If you have private coverage, that may be a quicker way to access services.
- Second Story Women’s Centre offers counselling support to women and gender-oppressed individuals. Call (902) 640-3044.
- If you have experienced any kind of sexualized or domestic violence, you can access outreach support through Harbour House. Their line is staffed around the clock. 1-888-543-3999.
- If you need counselling after sexual violence, you may also qualify to receive counselling on the South Shore from Avalon Sexual Assault Centre. Outreach may be available in your community.
- Access the walk in clinic at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg (formerly known as Detox). No referral needed. Hours may vary on holidays.
- For emergencies, call the Mental Health Crisis Line 1-888-429-8167. The line is staffed 24/7
- Reach out to Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. This line is staffed 24/7.
- For more options, call 211 to get connected to relevant helplines.
- For public mental health options, call (902) 543-5400. You can self refer.
- If you’re in school, you may be able to access guidance, mental health, and other student supports.