Hamilton, ontario

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP:http://www.whatisprep.org/.

Testing Facilities

Hamilton Public Health runs free STI testing clinics. you don't need a health card just a piece of ID with your name and birthday: https://www.hamilton.ca/public-health/clinics-services/sexual-health-clinics The staff of public health nurses are super helpful and non-judgemental.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period.

Pregnancy

What to Get & Where to Get It

Midwives and obstetricians attend pregnant people for their prenatal care in Hamilton. They all provide free prenatal care if you have OHIP coverage.

Midwifery care "Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy, birth and newborn care. Ontario midwives are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care so services are free to clients. Give birth at a hospital or at home and receive safe, skilled care from your midwife." Finding a midwife: see http://www.ontariomidwives.ca/ If you don't have OHIP (Ontario health insurance) you can still be in the care of a midwife for your pregnancy free of cost.

Obstetric care: There are two hospitals in Hamilton where you can give birth: St Joseph's Healthcare(SJH) and McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC)

SJH: "The Maternity Centre of Hamilton is a clinic that provides prenatal and postpartum care up to the 6 week check up and newborn care. The interprofessional team is comprised family physicians, nurse practitioners, a social worker, lactation consultant and administrative staff. Women attend the clinic for their prenatal visits and then attend St Joseph’s Hospital for delivery of their baby. Patients are booked for appointments with either a doctor or a nurse practitioner. All babies are delivered by the Maternity Centre doctor on call that day." website: http://maternitycentre.ca/

MUMC: "We are a state-of-the-art health care facility providing compassionate care for women:

   Pregnancy, child-birth and newborn care with midwives and obstetricians for uncomplicated, home-like births and newborn care.
   We are also the regional centre for high risk births, providing specialists in maternal fetal medicine and facilities to care for complicated issues.
   Gynecological services for a range of reprodutive health issues, providing state-of-the-art procedures, laparoscopic or minimally-invasive surgery where appropriate."

Website: http://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/body.cfm?id=2202

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion

In Hamilton

Abortions are provided at McMaster University Medical Centre: http://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/displayService.aspx?id=82222