Women with Disabilities

Our Access clinic provides gynecological care including breast and pap test screening for adolescents and women with disabilities

Services

Our clinic includes two female Nurse Practitioners and occasionally a Gynecologist. We provide sexual and reproductive health care (such as Pap tests, STI screening, contraceptive advice/management, menstrual suppression, or dilator therapy in addition to regular reproductive health screening) for adolescents (16 +), adult women, and gender-diverse people living with intellectual or physical disabilities.

We encourage you to make an appointment if:

You have difficulties having routine Pap tests in your regular health care provider's office or clinic. You may also be eligible for the new at-home HPV self-screening kits, which can be done instead of traditional Pap testing. To order a testing kit or to learn more, please visit: Cervix (bccancer.bc.ca) or call 1-877-702-6566
You have a disability or if you have had difficult pelvic exams in the past.
You are a woman or gender-diverse person experiencing barriers to sexual and reproductive health care.

Services:

Pap tests
Pelvic exams
Sexual health education
Endometrial biopsy (for a medical reason only, such as post-menopausal bleeding)
IUD removals or insertions
Implant (Nexplanon) removals or insertions
Contraceptive advice/management
Menstrual suppression
Dilator therapy
Menstrual management
STI screening
Menopausal advice/management

Appointments

A primary care provider's (Nurse Practitioner or Family Physician) referral is not necessary, however, if you do have a primary care provider, please ensure that their name and contact information is provided.

How to make an appointment?

Our clinic is held on Tuesday afternoons (1-4pm) and on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-4pm.

Call (604) 875-3290. Our clerk will take your name, number and ask a few questions about the nature of your disability.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Pap tests, pelvic and breast exams so important?

These exams can detect abnormalities that may lead to cancer or early cancers. Cancer found early is easier to treat and cure.

What is a pap test?

The pap test is a way to look at cells collected from your cervix and vagina. This test can show the presence of abnormal cells, or cancer.

Who should have these tests?

All women who are or have ever been sexually active should have regular pap tests.

What will happen at my appointment?

A woman doctor or nurse will ask you a few questions about your medical and sexual history in private. We will assist with your transfer to our large examination table. If required, a ceiling lift is available. We will do all we can to make the examination as comfortable as possible for you.
The doctor or nurse will check both your breasts for any abnormalities. She will then do a pap test. She will also check your tubes, ovaries, and uterus (womb) by putting two gloved fingers inside your vagina. With her other hand, she will feel from the outside for any lumps or tenderness. This takes only a few minutes.

How is a Pap test done?

A pap test is simple, quick and painless. While you lie on the exam table, your doctor or nurse inserts a special instrument called a speculum into your vagina to open it. She will use a small brush or wooden stick to take a few cells from your cervix (the opening to the uterus). A lab will check these cells for cancer or other problems.

When should I have these tests?

It is important that you do not have your period when you have your pap test.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. We will help you dress and undress if you need us to.

Do I need to bring someone?

You may bring whomever you want to the appointment. This may be an advocate or an attendant.

What about mammograms?

For women over 40, information on mammograms is available. The Access clinic can also assist with this exam.

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Access Clinic Brochure

Provincial Health Services Authority