STI testing is totally normal! It's easy, straightforward, and free with your NWT Health Care Card.
Over the past few years, the Northwest Territories have had some of the highest rates for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada. Getting tested is a great way to protect yourself and your partner(s) from STIs. If you’re having sex, it’s a good idea to get tested at least once a year as part of a regular health routine.
Here's a quick guide to STI Testing in Yellowknife.
There's nothing shameful about getting tested. It's common, everyday health testing that can be done by family doctors, walk-in clinics, and sexual health clinics. In Yellowknife, for in-person primary care services and information, including STI testing, you can visit:
You can book appointments in advance (including same-day appointments) or try walking in – but it’s always a good idea to call first to know what wait times are like.
You can also call 811 to connect with a registered nurse for confidential guidance on STI testing and sexual health situations.
Self-Testing Programs in Yellowknife
Getting tested in Yellowknife can sometimes mean waiting in lines at the lab to drop off a urine test or get blood drawn. But it doesn’t have to be that way! More and more self-testing options are being approved in Canada. These tests, kits, and programs are becoming available in your community, including things like:
Free HIV Self-Tests
Our Healthbox is a vending machine that gives anyone age 16+ free access to things like HIV self-test kits, pregnancy tests, condoms, and more. HIV self-test kits are rapid point-of-care tests that you can do from wherever, either by yourself or with someone else. A small finger prick collects a few drops of blood, which the test can analyze for HIV antibodies. Mouth swab tests will also soon be available. They are easy to use and over 99% accurate when used 12 weeks after a potential exposure to HIV.
Located in the Yellowknife Public Library and at Stanton Territorial Hospital, Our Healthbox machines also provide health information, along with a local health and social service directory without having to create a profile or sign-in.
Free HPV Self-Sampling Kits
The NTHSSA Cervical Screening Program is currently running a pilot project where, if eligible, they’ll mail out a kit so you can self-collect a sample of cervical cells. Then, you can return your kit to a health centre or lab to be analyzed for HPV. This program is only available for people 25-69 years old who have a cervix.
For more information, you can email the NTHSSA Cervical Screening Program at cervicalscreening@gov.nt.ca or visit cancernwt.ca.
Let Public Health know you want to see more publicly available self-testing options!
Self-testing is an easy way to get reliable results and to know your STI status. It’s also a great opportunity to be in charge of your own health! However, very few tests, kits, or self-testing programs are provided by public health agencies anywhere in Canada.
Click on the link below to send an email to the Health Promotion Unit at the Government of Northwest Territories and let them know you’d like to see more publicly funded options for STI self-testing.
A special thanks to our community partners in putting together this campaign, including FOXY and the Health Promotion Unit at the Department of Health and Social Services.
