Where to find STD walk-in clinics in Mississauga

You wouldn’t leave an ongoing fever for months on end, yet when it comes to sexual health, the majority put off seeking treatment out of fear, embarrassment, or concern. While it might seem embarrassing, medical professionals have seen virtually every condition under the sun (including what you’re concerned about). Having STD testing can help rule out infections and concerns or provide a simple fix (for example, antibiotics).

Different types of STD services

When looking for a clinic, there are a few different options to choose from. Almost all walk-in clinics will provide OHIP coverage (provincial health care) for STD panels. Testing involves blood, urine, or pap smears (for women or transmen). Results depend on the type of testing.

For HIV testing, a health card is not required (depending on the clinic). There are two types of tests available for those wanting to know their status. The standard HIV test takes approximately two weeks to receive the results. Blood is taken from the arm and sent for testing. The rapid result is available for eligible clients. This method involves a prick of the finger, and screening results formulate within minutes.

If you’re at high risk of contracting HIV, talk to your health care provider about preventative medications. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a medication prescribed for anyone at-risk of HIV. This medication works as a barrier against the virus, preventing it from replicating within the body. Most drug plans cover the drug, but it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about PrEP costs in Canada.

Other STI tests have results within two business days (depending on the lab). These results may take up to two weeks to receive but are often much faster due to the contagious nature of the infection. Many STIs are easily treated with antibiotic medications, cryotherapy (for genital warts), or time. Although it can be embarrassing to receive an STI diagnosis, it’s essential to stay on top of your sexual health.

A few STIs will not show up on the STI panel. These conditions require a physical examination to diagnose the condition. For example, HPV requires a visual inspection of the lesions to interpret and arrange treatment. Molluscum contagiousm is another sexually transmitted infection that requires a physical examination to diagnose. Finally, the herpes virus requires swabs of the lesions to confirm a diagnosis (although visual inspection is often enough).

Here are a few clinics offering free STI testing in Mississauga:

Fairview Healthy Sexuality Clinic

 Located at 325 Central Parkway West, this clinic is available by appointment only due to COVID-19. Appointments are open Monday through Thursday for those needing help with sexual health. The facility offers STI testing, rapid HIV testing, pregnancy tests, birth control options, and ongoing sexual health counseling.

Rapid Access to Medical Specialists

Located at 21 Queensway West, in Mississauga, this centre is available 365 days a year. Their hours are 8 am to 11 pm daily, with same-day services for many STI tests. Services include on-site urine, swab, blood testing, risk assessment, emergency contraception, pregnancy tests, and counseling services.

Square One Health Group

Located at 411 Burnhamthorpe Road West in Mississauga, this facility is available seven days a week. This facility is not a sexual health clinic but can handle any STD testing or sexual health concern. Patients can receive pregnancy testing, STI diagnosis and treatment, pelvic exams, birth control prescriptions. This clinic also offers emergency contraception.

Meadowvale Clinic

Located at 6975 Meadowvale Town Centre, Unit 3 in Mississauga, this facility is a comprehensive sexual health clinic. Run by Peel Public Health, individuals are not required to bring their health cards for services. Services are available Monday-Friday, with drop-in clinics available Monday through Wednesday. Patients can receive HIV testing, pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, and hep A, B, and HPV immunization. They also offer a needle exchange service (including a 24-hour needle dropbox). Family planning services, birth control prescriptions, and counseling are available at the centre as well.

Referrals aren’t needed for care

Unlike other specialist services, you don’t need a valid health card to receive care at many sexual health clinics. The majority of the services offered through regional or provincial funding are free of charge. Most clinics do require appointments for longer appointments. It’s always wise to call the centre ahead of time to ensure you can receive service when you go to the facility. Most clinics will require an intake form for assistance. These forms are confidential in nature and will never be shared without consent.