STIs and HIV - FAQs
PAP test cost
How much does it cost to get a pap test at one of the Peel Public Health Clinics?
Peel Public Health, Healthy Sexuality Clinics do not charge clients a fee for any of our testing services.
PAP tests are performed free of charge by doctors who work in the clinics. You will be asked for your Health Card when you first arrive at the clinic, but if you don’t have one, or don’t have access to your card, you can still have the test and will not be asked to pay for it.
At the Healthy Sexuality Clinics we provide PAP tests for females that are seeing us for Birth Control (Birth Control Pill, Patch) or STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) services.
While we offer Pap testing services, we do not provide Pap tests on their own, as the only reason for a female visiting our clinic. If a female has a family doctor, we strongly encourage that females see their family doctor for this service as a part of their ongoing, regular health care.
Pap tests are recommended for females once they have started being sexually active (had vaginal intercourse with a male partner) and usually every year thereafter. Some exceptions may apply - your doctor or nurse will explain if you require testing more often.
If a female is interested in Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing only, we can provide those tests at any time, not only once per year. Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing are completed by collecting a swab from the vagina. This testing can also sometimes be provided by providing a urine (pee) sample. Testing for syphilis and HIV are completed by obtaining a blood sample.
STI, including HIV testing should be performed if you:
- are sexually active and notice symptoms of an infection (increased vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, abdominal pain);
- just ended a sexual relationship, or are beginning a new one;
- haven’t been tested for these infections for awhile and have been sexually active;
- have been told by a partner, ex-partner or the Health Department to get tested as a result of being exposed to an STI.
STI testing at Peel Health's Healthy Sexuality Clinics is always free of charge as are the medications we provide for treatment.
For more information about our clinic services or locations, visit www.intheknowpeel.ca or call Peel Public Health at 905 799-7700. We do offer a drop-in clinic at our Brampton Clinic located at 150 Central Park Drive, Lower Level every Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
