Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS)

Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS) provides reproductive and sexual health care to Islanders of all genders, orientations and ages at various sites across PEI. To access safe, confidential, and supportive services, call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free).

What services are offered?

Sexual health services include:

• Sexual health education and counselling;
• Sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment;
• Birth control counselling and prescriptions (including Nexplanon insertions and removals);
• PrEP and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for exposure to HIV);
• Pregnancy counselling, testing and support; and
• Abortion services (medical abortion and surgical abortion).
  • Post Abortion Care

Sexual Health After-Hours Clinics offer sexually transmitted infection (STI) and blood-borne infection (BBI) testing for all individuals. Testing is also available during regular business hours. To book an appointment call 1-844-365-8258. 

Reproductive health services include:

• An initial fertility assessment for couples without a primary care provider; 
• Prenatal care for individuals without a primary care provider;
• Menopause counselling and care for individuals without a primary care provider;
• Maternal (perinatal and postpartum) mental health services; 
• Pregnancy loss counseling; and
• HPV screening.

Where are services offered?

Sexual and reproductive health services are offered in:

• Charlottetown (The Mount);
• Summerside (Prince County Hospital);

Some services may only be available at a specific location.

For an appointment, call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free).

Will I need a referral?

If you have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and are seeking menopause, infertility services, or have gynecological concerns, a referral is required from your primary care provider to receive services.

If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and are seeking prenatal care, please contact the Patient Registry Program online or call 1-855-563-2101 (toll-free).

If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and are seeking menopause or infertility services, a referral is not required. Please call 1-844-365-8258.

All other sexual health and reproductive services do not require a referral. You can call and book services yourself, including abortion services and IUD insertion. To make an appointment or to speak with a staff member, please call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free). 

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

• Identification: All patients and support persons need to provide a photo ID. Patients will also be required to have a valid PEI Health Card. 
• Information: You may also be asked about your personal health history and medications you are currently taking. If you are taking medications, bring them with you or bring an up-to-date list of your medications [PDF | 609 KB], including over-the-counter vitamins or supplements.
• Support Person: You can bring a support person who may accompany you to your appointment, but they may be asked to sit in the waiting area in certain circumstances. Please talk to a staff member to learn about your options. 

What related services are offered by Health PEI?

HPV Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention

HPV (human papillomavirus) testing has replaced Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer on PEI. Regular screening can reduce your risk of cervical cancer. An HPV test can detect changes in the cells of your cervix early. 

If you have a cervix and are between the ages of 25 and 65, you should have an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer every five years. If you are not sexually active by age 25, you should delay cervical cancer screening until you are sexually active. 

If you are over 65 years of age and have had three negative tests in the 10 last years, you can discontinue screening. For more information, visit HPV Screening and Cervical Cancer Prevention.

How can I get screened?

• Request an appointment with your family physician or nurse practitioner; or
• Request an appointment for an HPV test at  a Cervical Screening Clinic in your community by either: 
  • filling out the online appointment form, or
  • calling 1-888-561-2233 (toll-free)

Breast Cancer Screening

Regular breast screening can detect breast cancer at an early stage. A mammogram is recommended for individuals aged 40-75 who:

• have never had breast cancer;
• do not have symptoms such as a breast lump, puckered skin, rash or nipple discharge;
• have not had a mammogram in the last 12 months;
• do not have breast implants; or
• have a parent or sibling with breast cancer.

For more information, visit Breast Cancer Screening.

How can I get screened?

• Call 1-888-592-9888 to schedule a mammogram.
• If you have questions, call the mammography department at:
  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital:  (902) 894-2915 or (902) 894-2924; or
  • Prince County Hospital:      (902) 438-4570

Who can I contact for more information?

Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS)
Prince County Hospital
65 Roy Boates Avenue
Summerside, PE   C1N 2A9

Telephone: 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free)
Email: SHORSPEI@ihis.org
Fax (PCH):  (902) 438-4931
Fax (The Mount):  (902) 368-4620