Chat Lines and Support
All-Options
Pregnancy, Parenting, Abortion, Adoption
All-Options imagines a future where all people are supported in making the reproductive decisions that are best for their lives, without coercion or limitation, and where the dignity of lived experiences is affirmed and honoured.
Exhale
Listen, Support, Validate
Since our founding in 2000, Exhale has offered nonjudgemental, supportive counseling to individuals with abortion experiences and their partners, friends and allies. We created a confidential space for speaking openly about our abortion experiences free from shame and stigma, outside the political and religious fight on our bodies.
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights
We are a Voice for Sexual Health and Rights in Canada and Globally.
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights is a progressive, pro-choice charitable organization committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.
Sexual Health
Island Sexual Health
250 592 3479
www.islandsexualhealth.org
Sex & U
SexandU.ca takes a real-life approach to the questions and issues around sex and sexuality that matter most to Canadians. From talking about sex, to lifestyle choices, to contraception awareness and sexually transmitted infections, SexandU.ca provides accurate, credible, and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health.
SexandU.ca is an initiative of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Canada’s leading authority on sexual and reproductive health.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The HPV vaccines protect against infection from certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cancers of the anus, cervix, mouth, and throat, penis, vagina, and vulva as well as genital warts. There are 2 HPV vaccines available in Canada: Cevarix (HPV2) and Gardasil (HPV9).
Both vaccines protect against 2 types of HPV that cause about 70% of cases of cervical cancer and 8% of cases of anal cancer. The HPV9 vaccine protects against 5 additional types of HPV that cause 15 - 20% of cervical cancer and 11% of anal cancers in women and 4% in men. The HPV9 vaccine also protects against 2 types of HPV that cause about 90% of cases of genital warts.
For more information on how to get immunized visit ImmunizeBC
Menopause
Every woman experiences menopause differently. The best way to manage your menopause experience is to learn the facts, including the benefits and risks of available therapies, as well as important health concerns to consider during this transition period.
Visit menopauseandu.com for additional information and resources.
BC Centre for Vulvar Health
The BC Centre for Vulvar Health (BCCVH) offers comprehensive care for individuals with complex and chronic vulvar issues. Conditions that affect vulvar health can also affect other aspects of health – including physical, emotional, sexual, and social. We believe that treatment from a multidisciplinary perspective is critical to improving the lives of affected individuals.
Visit bcvulvarhealth.ca for additional information.
Cancer Screening
Cervical Cancer Screening
Information from BC Cancer:
Breast Cancer Screening
Information from BC Cancer:
Permanent Sterilization
Tubal Ligation / Salpingectomy
This is a permanent surgery so that you can never get pregnant again. On Vancouver Island, a gynecologist in the hospital performs the procedure.
The procedure requires that you have a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon. You will need a referral from a family physician. Referral wait times can average 3 to 9 months, and the wait for surgery after the consultation can be another 3 to 9 months.
Vasectomy
This is a short and low risk procedure done so that an individual who was assigned male at birth will no longer ejaculate sperm, and is permanently sterile. It does not impact sexual performance.
On Vancouver Island, patients can be referred by their family physician to a urologist to have this done, or self-refer to one of the Vasectomy Clinics on the mainland; the Pollock Clinic, or the Rich/Follows Clinic.