Dylan YoungMaintaining good sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatised. As someone who is actively dating, I know how important it is to stay ahead of any potential sexually transmitted diseases before they can affect me and my partner.
Thankfully, our fine city has plenty of STD testing clinics where I can monitor my health and receive proper assistance should the worst happen to me.
Here are some clinics in Toronto that I trust and highly recommend you check out!
| How much does an STD test cost in Toronto? In Toronto, STD testing is generally free for all residents through public health clinics. If you prefer private clinics or at-home testing kits, the cost is typically $67. |
How We Chose
1. IWHC
Address: 489 College St #200
Phone number: +1 416-323-9986
Business hours:
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (MON and TUES)
1:00 PM – 7:00 PM (WED)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (THURS)
The Immigrant Women’s Health Centre, now known as IWHC Toronto, has a long history of serving the community, initially focusing on immigrant women but now offering services to all genders. They offer a wide range of services, including STI testing and treatment, HPV services, UTI care, birth control, and IUD/IUS services.
Beyond those services, they also offer nominal counselling for people afflicted with STDs. They can provide support to almost anyone as their staff is multilingual and can speak multiple languages, like English, Italian, Korean, and Tagalog.
However, what I really like about them is that all of their sexual health clinical services are free, regardless of whether you hold an Ontario health card.
Sadly, being free means that they tend to get fully booked quickly.
Pros
- Free STD tests for all
- Multilingual staff
- Offers nominal counselling
- Serves all people regardless of gender and cultural background
Cons
- Tends to get fully booked quickly
- Unavailable on Fridays and weekends
Everyone made me feel welcome
“I highly recommend this place. Dr Jasleen was super caring and knowledgeable. Everyone made me feel welcome. There are personnel who speak Spanish and Portuguese. Keep up the excellent work!”
-R Mila Haro, Google Reviews
Made me feel very comfortable and secure during the exams
“I had an excellent experience with the clinic, from the reception to the doctor that made my exam. I was there for a Papanicolaou test at the end of 2022. Thais helped me a lot with the screening interview for my exams. The doctor was very kind and she made me feel very comfortable and secure during the exams. I recommended the place for all my friends.”
-Thais Silveira, Google Reviews
2. Planned Parenthood
Address: 36B Prince Arthur Ave
Phone number: +1 416-961-0113
Business hours:
9:30 AM – 8:00 PM (MON and TUES)
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (WED)
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (THURS and FRI)
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (SAT)
Planned Parenthood Toronto (PPT) has been a vital part of the city’s healthcare landscape for decades, offering a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.
As someone who regularly undergoes STD testing, I have nothing but respect for these guys, as they offer a comprehensive range of tests that detect syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and more. More importantly, they also offer anonymous HIV testing, which never records a patient’s full name.
Furthermore, they also offer sexual health education to teens aged 13 to 29 that’s carried out by their trained youth peer educators. Thankfully, their STD tests are free, and they also offer low-cost treatments should you need them.
However, it should be noted that they sometimes miss calls or emails. I suggest you send them a follow-up enquiry if you haven’t received a response within 48 hours.
Pros
- Free STD tests
- Offers anonymous HIV tests
- Provides sexual health education for teens
- Serves all people regardless of gender and cultural background
Cons
- Sometimes forgets to respond to enquiries
- Sometimes takes weeks to release results
They care deeply about their patients
“I had an excellent experience with both the nurses and staff here. They care deeply about their patients comfort and health and are highly professional. They made it a pleasure to visit!”
-Marie, Google Reviews
You can talk about sexual health without feeling judged
“A clinic without judgement where you can talk about sexual health without feeling judged. At the same time, I don’t quite understand some of these reviews. I’ve never had any issues with appointments, although the front desk clerks can be a little condescending, the nurse practitioners, physicians and volunteers are actually really kind. They spent a lot of time with me even when I was a little late (got lost). And, it’s all free. You normally go to a regular doctor and you’d feel judged when talking about sexual health but definitely not here. I will say though that it’s very popular so book appointments in advance 100% and call back to double confirm.”
-Barry Tan, Google Reviews
3. Care& Family Health
Address: 162 Cumberland St #200
Phone number: +1 647-951-4770
Business hours:
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON-THURS)
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (FRI)
If you dislike waiting in long lines for your STD tests, come check out Care& Family Health. A private family clinic run by nurse practitioners, they offer a wide range of health screenings and treatments for STDs, chronic diseases, and more.
For a flat annual fee of $450, you can already enjoy unlimited visits to any of their clinics in Yorkville and Lawrence Park. They also offer unlimited phone and video appointments to assist patients who are recovering from STDs.
However, what really stood out to me was their easy booking system and minimal waiting times. They have a mobile app (available on both the App Store and the Play Store) that lets you book your appointments and access your test results quickly.
Sadly, not everything is great with them, as they don’t accept OHIP, meaning you’ll always have to pay for their services.
Pros
- Minimal wait times
- Two locations in Toronto
- Unlimited clinical and virtual appointments
- Has an app for easy booking
Cons
- Doesn’t accept OHIP
- Pricey fees for unsubscribed patients
I have been able to get appointments quickly
“I have been very pleased with the service I have received, both in person and on Zoom. I have been able to get appointments quickly and do not feel rushed when at my appointment. They also seem to be able to set up referrals very quickly. I see Tara M, and I can highly recommend her.”
-Andrew M, Google Reviews
I have had nothing but efficient, effective and compassionate care
“I have had nothing but efficient, effective and compassionate care from my NP Bri. She is always helpful and always offering solutions to my current issue.
Using the app it is easy to book/change appointments and usually you can get in within a couple of days.
The app also shows all records they have for you and you are free to go through them.
All in all I would highly recommend.”
-Glenn, Google Reviews
4. HQ
Address: 790 Bay St. #820
Phone number: +1 416-521-4445
Business hours:
12:00 PM – 7:30 PM (MON-THURS)
12:00 PM – 5:30 PM (FRI)
HQ Toronto is a sexual health clinic dedicated to the well-being of gays, transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit individuals. Here, you can get STD testing for common STDs like chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.
There’s a lot I can praise them for, one of them being the high-tech equipment they use for their STD tests. Called the Abbott Alinity and Hologic Panther, these machines can produce accurate results in only a matter of hours.
Since their services are covered by OHIP, all STD tests they perform are free. They also operate on a walk-in basis, so there’s no need to schedule an appointment.
Aside from their STD tests, HQ also offers additional services like vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis to make you more resilient against STDs.
Sadly, as a research clinic, they’re not able to provide totally discreet STD tests.
Pros
- Accepts walk-ins
- Free STD tests
- Immediate test results
- Offers vaccines and PrEPs
Cons
- Can’t do totally discreet STD tests
- Rude staff
Had my results back in just a little over 24 hours
“Went there for the first time, everyone was so nice and kind. I was in and out in less than an hour and had my results back in just a little over 24 hours. Amazing service, will definitely be back.”
-Joseph Lee, Google Reviews
Every experience has been wonderful
“I’ve been to hq several times, and every experience has been wonderful. I love the self-service model and find the clinic set up in a great way. Having results returned usually the next day is a huge benefit.”
-Harry Stone, Google Reviews
5. medsEXPERT
Address: 461 Church St
Phone number: +1 416-922-6337
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SAT)
medsEXPERT is a queer-owned sexual health clinic and pharmacy known for its inclusive and stigma-free approach to healthcare, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. They welcome everyone and can provide STD testing in any of their two locations in Toronto.
Currently, they can provide in-clinic tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. If you’re on a tight budget, they also offer free HIV self-test kits.
For me, a key thing that makes this clinic awesome is the level of care they provide beyond their STD tests. Should you unfortunately test positive for STDs, they will supply you with free medications to assist you in your recovery.
They also offer free condoms at both of their branches to promote good sexual health.
Sadly, it has come to my attention that some patients encountered rude behaviour from medsEXPERT’s staff.
Pros
- Free HIV self-test kits
- Free STD medications
- Offers free condoms
- Two locations in Toronto
Cons
- Rude staff
- May take a week to release results
Amazing place for LGBTQ+ needs and medical care
“Amazing place for LGBTQ+ needs and medical care. Get your prescriptions here super clean and safe space with a great staff right in the heart of the village community! Stop by!”
-Tyler Rodrigues, Google Reviews
This is the best pharmacy in Toronto, hands down
“This is the best pharmacy in Toronto, hands down. You get treated like a person and not just a ‘number’. It’s owned by a LGBTQ+ community member and they got a lot of resources available! Look no further. Forget Shoppers and come to this pharmacy!”
-Alex Azaryev, Google Reviews
