On-demand testing
Access a lab requisition online to be assessed for common sexually transmitted infections.
“This is the best and easiest service I have ever used! It’s so convenient.”
Kate, a Felix patient
Discreet diagnosis
Know your status with secure digital results from your healthcare practitioner.
Proactive support
Get routine testing reminders and quick access to a treatment plan if needed.
“This is the best and easiest service I have ever used! It’s so convenient.”
Kate, a Felix patient
What we test for
How STI testing works at Felix
Tell us about your health
Answer a few simple questions about your health.
Complete your lab work
Receive a lab requisition and visit your local lab to complete your STI panel.
Consult with a practitioner
Your healthcare practitioner will provide a detailed review of your results, deliver a diagnosis, and prescribe treatment if applicable.
Ongoing care and support
Get regular testing and unlimited access to your healthcare practitioner through chat.
What exactly is an STI?
Reasons to get an STI test
- Before you have a new sexual partner or if you or your partner(s) have new sexual partners frequently
- If you’ve noticed bumps, discharge, rashes, or other changes in your body
- If you or your partner have recently had sex with other people
- If you’ve had sex with someone who has an STI and didn’t use a prevention method or your prevention method failed
- If you’ve had sex with someone without a condom or other prevention method without knowing if they have an STI
How to prepare for lab testing
Understanding your STI test results
Sexual health is health. Period.
Trusted by over 1 million Canadians
Trusted by over 1 million Canadians
Exceptional care delivered by practitioners
Exceptional care delivered by practitioners
Access our network of experienced healthcare practitioners across Canada.
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Dr. Kelly Anderson, MD
Medical Director, Felix
Pricing
Questions about STI testing? We have answers
STI Testing
How accurate are STI tests?
Thankfully, STI tests are generally very accurate. Typically, these STI tests only take 5-10 days to get back to you once completed.
However, there are a couple of things to remember, such as carefully following the test instructions, otherwise it could impact the reliability of your results.
Also, while these tests themselves are very accurate, timing can have an impact on your ability to identify certain STIs. In fact, some STIs don’t show up for days or weeks after you’ve been exposed to them, if you test right away. Some timeframes to remember include:
- HIV symptoms can take between 18-90 days to begin appearing
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea symptoms can take between 7-14 days to begin appearing
- Syphilis symptoms can take between 21-42 days to begin appearing
Depending on the type of STI you're testing for, it’s important to keep these numbers in mind, so that you can test for exposure after the necessary time for the infection to take hold. Otherwise you can trust that when completed correctly, yes, STI tests are reliable.
Are STI tests reliable?
Yes, for those concerned about how accurate STI tests are, you can rest assured that the STI testing provided by Felix is as reliable as they get - as long as they’re completed correctly.
It’s essential that when you’re requesting STI testing that you follow the instructions provided with it as closely as possible. Otherwise, this could impact the accuracy and reliability of the results that will come back from your STI lab test.
Thankfully, these tests are very easy-to-use, and each STI test will have clear, concise instructions on how you must prepare for and complete the test for the most reliable results.
What type of STI tests are available?
Currently, urine and blood STI tests are available in Canada through Felix, which are standard methods for testing for these conditions across the country.
SIDE NOTE: At this time, we don’t provide any types of oral STI testing at Felix. If you are experiencing STI symptoms in areas other than the genitals, please seek in-person care.
Can I test for multiple STIs with one requisition?
Yes, there are a range of different STI tests at Felix that you can request, depending which conditions you believe you could be at risk of exposure to, such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Trichomoniasis
In some cases, you may benefit from requesting multiple STI tests from Felix at the same time, in order to save you additional (small) assessment fees for future requests.
How long does it take to receive STI test results?
If you’re wondering, “how long do STI tests take for results to get back to me?”, the answer is usually around 5-10 business days.
Many STI lab tests don’t take long to process on their own, but many labs have a backlog of tests that will be ahead of yours in the processing queue.
It’s also essential to remember that some STIs take days or weeks to begin appearing, so you may need to wait a little while from the time of potential exposure, before you can get an accurate test result.
Do STI tests check for oral STIs?
Yes, STI tests in Canada do check for STIs that may present in some people as oral symptoms. However, we should note that Felix only tests for STIs, such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomniasis, in your genital areas.
Many people that contract STIs won’t experience any symptoms, or the symptoms that they do experience may be so mild that they go unnoticed.
This is why it’s essential to get periodic STI testing, if you’re at risk of exposure, or you’ve experienced STIs in the past. Most practitioners recommend getting tested every at least once a year to identify any potential exposures.
Will my STI test results be shared with anyone?
Felix is committed to ensuring all the medical information that’s shared with us by our patients remains secure and confidential. However, in some provinces, it’s a legal requirement to report any positive STI testing results to local health authorities.
This allows them to monitor potential STI outbreaks in different regions. They may rarely contact you directly, just to ensure that your sexual partner(s) have been informed about your STI for their protection. In some cases, a public health authority or external healthcare provider may be responsible for notifying past partners who may be exposed. As a result, the partner may be able to infer who the positive individual is based on their recent sexual history. To understand our full information practices, please refer to our privacy policy.
If you have any other questions about how your health information is processed with Felix, you can feel free to contact us at hello@felixforyou.ca.
One of our friendly experts will be glad to answer any other questions you may have, so that you can continue making positive changes to improve both your health and quality of life.
Online Visits
How does the visit work?
After creating an account, you will complete a medical assessment for evaluation by one of the Felix healthcare practitioners.
During your assessment, you will have the opportunity to send your practitioner questions via secure messaging.
In most cases, practitioners will complete your assessment with secure messaging alone but sometimes they may determine you require an audio or video visit and/or further diagnostic testing to help determine the best treatment plan for you.
If your practitioner has determined a prescription treatment is appropriate, they will approve your visit and write you a prescription. Our pharmacy will then ship your prescription to your home.
You’ll be able to message your healthcare practitioner if you have questions or want to make changes to your treatment at any time.
Do I need to complete my online visit at a scheduled time?
No. We use an asynchronous telemedicine model so you can complete your online visit in your own time and we save your progress so you can come back later to finish it.
If you are completing a visit in the mental health or weight loss categories, your healthcare practitioner may require a phone or video call to discuss your medical profile further during the assessment process.
Does the online visit require a phone or video appointment?
Most assessments do not require a phone or video conversation. Once a prescriber has reviewed the info in your assessment they will respond to you via secure instant messages that you can access within your Felix account.
If you are completing a visit in the mental health or weight loss categories, your healthcare practitioner may require a phone or video call to discuss your medical profile further during the assessment process.
How quickly will a healthcare practitioner review my online visit?
You can expect to receive a response from a healthcare practitioner within 24 hours of submission. If you’ve been waiting longer than this, please email hello@felixforyou.ca and we’ll look into it.
Can I just get the treatment and skip the online visit?
No. A visit with a licensed healthcare practitioner is required for all treatments currently provided through Felix’s service.
Shipping
How long will it take to get my treatment?
Not long. After completing your assessment, a practitioner will generally respond within 24 hours, and often much sooner.
Treatment plans will be processed within 2-3 business days of your approval date if there is nothing blocking fulfillment.
All packages are shipped via Express Post, which usually takes 2-3 business days. You will receive an email with your tracking number once your treatment has been shipped.
Will my shipment be affected by the Canada Post strike?
Because we work with multiple delivery partners, your shipments won’t be affected by the Canada Post Strike. We are working to ensure that your medication will be processed and shipped according to schedule. Learn more about how to navigate the service disruption here.
Is your packaging discreet?
Absolutely. All Felix shipments arrive in a nondescript blister package so you can have your treatment shipped wherever makes sense for you as long as there is someone there to sign for it.
Do I have to be home to receive my package?
A signature upon delivery may be required.
How much does it cost to ship my treatment?
There is currently no cost to have your treatment shipped to you from our Felix Pharmacy network.
Insurance
Am I covered by my insurance?
Treatment coverage varies greatly between different insurance plans.
The good news is that if you are covered, Felix can bill your insurer directly, and then process your treatment plan at no additional cost to you. We recommend that you upload your private and/or provincial benefit card during the online visit so that our pharmacy partner can apply any coverage you are eligible for before processing your treatment plan.
Insurance coverage for treatment plans through Felix doesn't include the cost of your visit.
Is the online visit covered by my insurance or provincial health plans?
A Felix online visit is considered asynchronous since it is conveniently completed through a secure chat bases system. Currently, asynchronous visits are not covered by insurance or provincial health plans so you will be charged a visit fee, depending on the category of treatment you are requesting.
Is the medication covered by my insurance or provincial health plans?
Medication coverage varies greatly between different plans, provinces, and has specific criteria that determine eligibility. For private insurance, we recommend contacting your benefits administrator with your details and the Drug Identification Number (DIN) and the drug name to determine your coverage.
For more details on provincial health plan coverage see below:
Alberta: Learn more about AHCIP here. Search for covered drugs here.
British Columbia: Learn more about MSP here. Search for covered drugs here.
Manitoba: Learn more about MHSIP here. Search for covered drugs here.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Learn more about MCP here. Search for covered drugs here.
Nova Scotia: Learn more about MSI here. Search for covered drugs here.
Ontario: Learn more about OHIP+ here. Search for covered drugs here.
Prince Edward Island: Learn more about Health PEI here. Search for covered drugs here.
Saskatchewan: Learn more about Saskatchewan Health Coverage here. Search for covered drugs here.
Is birth control covered by OHIP in Ontario?
OHIP+ covers some birth control for eligible residents of Ontario who are under 25 years old and do not have private insurance. You can check if your birth control medication is covered here. Make sure to upload your Ontario health card during your online visit so our pharmacy partners can apply your coverage directly.
Felix 101
What is Felix?
Felix is Canada’s first truly integrated healthcare platform. We provide on-demand treatment for everyday health needs like weight loss, mental health, sexual health, and more. Founded in 2019, our digital-first approach to healthcare includes everything from diagnosis to prescription — all accessible from the comfort of home.
Does Felix replace my doctor?
No. Felix provides a faster, hassle-free way for you to get a treatment plan for certain conditions, but our service does not replace your primary care provider. For matters that extend beyond obtaining a lifestyle treatment safely and easily, we encourage you to consult your primary health practitioner in person — whether for checkups, personal health concerns, or to inform them about your current treatments or treatment plans.
Can I be accurately assessed remotely?
Absolutely. Our online assessments have been designed to ask all the necessary questions required for diagnosis. We've worked with specialists to create an assessment process that can provide sufficient information for the healthcare practitioner to determine whether or not you are eligible for a prescription and craft an appropriate treatment plan.
It's an emergency. What do I do?
Call 911 or proceed to your nearest emergency room immediately. Felix is not intended for medical emergencies. Once the emergency has been addressed or resolved, contact your prescribing practitioner to inform them of your experience as this may impact your current treatment plan.
Who can use Felix?
Anyone who is 18 years or older older (16 or older for acne and birth control prescriptions), and is located in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan or Ontario. We cannot ship treatments outside of these provinces at this time.
Our Healthcare Practitioners
How do I communicate with my Felix practitioner?
Your Felix practitioner will message you via secure instant message. You’ll receive an email when you have a new message and can respond to these from within your Felix account.
Can I see the same Felix practitioner after my initial assessment?
You will have the ability to chat with your designated Felix practitioner for the entirety of your prescription length. When your prescription is nearing completion, we will email you to submit a checkup visit so one of our prescribers can renew your prescription.
Our matching system is based on availability, so we can’t guarantee you’ll be paired with the same healthcare practitioner at your renewal visit.
Who are the practitioners that will be reviewing my online visit?
They are all licensed, real Canadian healthcare practitioners! All online visits submitted via Felix are reviewed by them and they must be licensed in your province to prescribe you the medication. It is these healthcare practitioners, and not Felix, who determine whether or not to write you a prescription, as well as the appropriate dosage (where applicable).
What does your medical team do?
Our medical team and board members help oversee each of our treatments to ensure our medical assessments are thorough, safe, personalized, and provide best-in-class care. Our pharmacists provide treatment support through medication counselling and education.