Sexual Health

Birth control and pregnancy

Birth Control Dispensing and Education

During this visit, students have a full 30 minutes to discuss with our staff nurse the various methods of birth control available to them and their partners. Students are invited to come with lots of questions.  Once a preferred method of birth control is selected, students can (in most cases) purchase it from HCS.
Please note many (but not all) of the most common birth control products are available at HCS.

Pregnancy Testing and Counselling

This appointment with the nurse includes pregnancy testing, education, and counselling. If your test is positive, counselling is offered to discuss options, resources, and support. 

Medical tests and screening

UTI (Urinary tract infection) Testing

UTI is a common infection in women. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort and frequent urination.  If you think you may have a UTI, book an appointment with an HCS doctor, who can provide UTI testing, treatment if required, and education.

Pap tests

A Pap test, or Papanicolaou test, is a procedure that removes a small sample of cells from the cervix. Cells are looked at under a microscope to see if they are normal or abnormal.

A Pap test is mainly used to screen and help diagnose precancerous conditions of the cervix and vagina, and cervical and vaginal cancer, as well as to diagnose infection and inflammation in the lower reproductive tract. 

Pap tests are also done to follow up after an abnormal Pap test or to monitor precancerous conditions. They are used to check for abnormal cell changes or to see if cancer comes back (recurs) after treatment.

Please note: British Columbia has updated its Cervical Cancer Screening Policy. Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25. Average-risk women between the ages of 25-69 should be screened every three years. 

Learn more at BC Cancer