FAQ
General access questions:
1. What do I say when I call a WONTGETWEIRD clinic or agency?
Keep it simple. Say, “I need to talk to someone about birth control, or “emergency contraception” or “STI testing”. The person who answered the phone will either help you or pass you on to someone who can.
2. Do I have to give my name when I call?
No. If someone does ask your name and you don’t want to give it, just continue on with your questions to get the information you need. You will be helped.
3. If I go to a clinic do I have to provide my Alberta Health Card to get service?
It is helpful to have your Alberta Health Card or Number with you when you visit a clinic that provides medical services. Sometimes it will not be required, such as at STD clinics that provide anonymous testing. If you do not have your card, you will still be helped. Also, claims made to your Alberta Health Number will be automatically suppressed, meaning no one will be able to find out what sexual health services you have received.
4. Do I have to make an appointment at a clinic or can I just drop-in?
Some clinics have drop-in hours for youth and others may require that you make an appointment. If you are not sure, call first and ask. Many times an answering machine message will give you this information. “Drop-in” is youth-friendly because it means you can visit the clinic when your schedule and transportation availability allows. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, the staff at WONTGETWEIRD clinics and agencies will do everything they can to help you.
5. Will I be made to feel guilty or stupid if I’ve already had sex before going to the clinic for birth control?
No. The clinic will welcome you. It is never too late to seek out sexual health care and information. The people you’ll meet at WONTGETWEIRD clinics and counselling centres are committed to providing confidential, youth-friendly, non-judgmental service. They will help you determine the best ways to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and answer any questions you may have about sexuality.
6. Will I be made to feel guilty or foolish if I’m not already having sex before going to the clinic for birth control?
No. The clinic will welcome you. It is never too early to seek out sexual health care and information. The people you’ll meet at WONTGETWEIRD clinics and counselling centres are committed to providing confidential, youth-friendly, non-judgmental service. They will help you determine the best ways to protect yourself from unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and answer any questions you may have about sexuality.
8. Can I or should I bring my partner with me?
Yes. It can often be very helpful for both partners to visit the clinic or counselling centre together, no matter what the reason for the visit. WONTGETWEIRD clinics and agencies welcome the opportunity to work with couples.
9. How old do you have to be to buy condoms?
There is no set age restriction on the purchase of condoms in Alberta. Anyone of any age is free to buy condoms. To be clear on your rights and what you can expect when you go to a store to buy condoms or other sexual health products, check out Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Youth in Alberta.
Questions about confidentiality:
10. I’m afraid that if I go to a clinic for birth control or STI testing, my parents will find out. Will the clinic call my parents?
In the province of Alberta youth have the right to confidentiality should they seek out medical care for sexual and reproductive health issues without their parents’ knowledge. To be clear on your rights and what you can expect when you visit a nurse or doctor check out Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Youth in Alberta.
11. What if I’m pregnant or try to get an abortion? Will my parents be contacted?
In the province of Alberta youth have the right to confidentiality should they seek out medical care for sexual and reproductive health issues without their parents’ knowledge. To be clear on your rights and what you can expect when you visit a nurse or doctor check out Sexual and Reproductive Rights of Youth in Alberta.
Questions about STI Testing:
12. Do I have to ask for specific STI testing or is it included in other examinations like the PAP screening test?
You have to ask for the testing you want. If you have a PAP screening test you don’t necessarily get all the STI testing and if you have STI testing, a PAP is not always done.
13. Will I have to give the gender of my sexual partner?
Some clinics or agencies will ask you for the gender of your sex partner so that they can help assess your needs. It is important for them to have this information for proper treatment. Identifying the gender of your sexual partner to WONTGETWEIRD clinics or agencies will not change the type of service you receive. They are committed to providing you with non-judgmental, youth-friendly, and confidential care .
Other questions:
14. I think this website is great! How can I help out?
You can tell your friends about WONTGETWEIRD.COM. You can also print out WONTGETWEIRD posters and ask youth-serving or youth-friendly organizations in your community to post them.
Posters (vertical)
Posters (horizontal):
