By: Princess Bess and Sundance Highway

So, you are finally on your own; away from home for the first time facing the big New World of university life on your own. You are probably doing okay. You've done your own groceries, found a Laundromat, managed to make some new friends, cooked your own meals, and, well, you are still alive. But leaving home is leaving more than just your family - you also left behind your family doctor and the sexual health clinic where you may have got condoms and birth control pills from as well. Now, it is no secret that many of you are going to be sexually active, and guys sure you can go to any corner store to pick up some condoms and some spermicide, but ladies what happens when you need a PAP test and your birth control pills renewed? Well, I've got the answers.

For students from out of town, there is a health clinic right in the Education Centre. It is located near the library, in the same area as Security. It is not all that clearly marked. Walk past the stairs that lead to the cafeteria and turn right - it is the first room on the right. A doctor is in the clinic a few days a week, but a very capable nursing staff is on hand to help you out with any medical questions you may have. This clinic does do PAP tests, breast examinations, prescribe birth control pills, and they also administer contraceptive shots such as Depo Provera, as well as provide a host of other medical services. Now, this clinic is normally swamped, as it does serve both Canadore and Nipissing, so if you need an appointment, book early, especially for time consuming exams like a Pap test. For sexual health issues, however, the school's health clinic often recommends people to North Bay District Health Unit's "The Clinic", Sexual health services for all.

The Clinic specializes in sexual health issues. The Clinic's philosophy is to provide services for everyone, promote healthy sexuality, and to diminish the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the complications that arise from them. The Clinic offers both Clinical and Counseling Services. They do STD testing - including HIV and AIDS testing, pregnancy testing, PAP testing, breast health, screening, treatments and referrals. They offer counseling in the areas of birth control, sexual orientation, abstinence, sexuality, and safer sex. They can be reached at 474-1400 extension 289. Now, if you are a female wanting to renew your birth control pills or needing a PAP test, call in advance, as a counseling session is mandatory prior to offering these services. But, the wait is well worth it. You will receive highly competent service, as well as get a great discount on most types of birth control pills. Also, you may be interested to know that our school insurance plan covers many medications but does not cover prescribed contraceptives unless they have another purpose like combating acne.

As far as over the counter contraceptives and STD protection, they can be found at drug stores and corner stores and the numerous "adult" stores in North Bay. Department stores such as Wal-Mart and Zellers offer a great selection of condoms, foams, lubricants, and other contraceptives at a lower price. Then again, there are the free methods of abstinence and natural planning. Remember, it is not enough to just protect against pregnancy, condoms should always be used even if you are using another form of contraception, and at that you can still get an STD. Get informed, and practice safer sex.

Info from: www.nbdhu.on.ca/Clinics/

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