Planned Parenthood Cares About Teen Clients

• Anyone, of any age, is treated with respect.
• No one will ever judge you. We believe you are the only one who can decide what is right for you.
• We will answer your questions honestly.
• We treat you gently- we remember what it is like to get a pelvic exam for the first time.
• If you want, you may bring someone with you when you come to the clinic.
• All of our services are confidential.

Birth Control
Pelvic Exam
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Pregnancy
Pro-Choice
Before Deciding to Have Sex...
Teen Services
Costs
Confidentiality
Talking to Your Parents

Therefore, it's very important for you to have a pelvic exam at least once a year if you are / have ever been sexually active. Most teens can use the Pill or Depo shot with few, if any, health risks. However, to be sure that the Pill or Depo is safe for you, your medical history will be carefully checked in the clinic.

Steps to Getting Birth Control Without a Pelvic Exam:

• Medical History - A medical provider will talk to you about your health in the past to make sure that you haven't had any illnesses that would make it risky to use the Pill or Depo-Provera (hormonal methods of birth control)
• Blood Pressure and Weight Check - These screen for potential health problems. You may undergo additional tests if you show symptoms of anemia or sexually transmitted infections.
• Prescription - Only a doctor or clinician can select the type of birth control pill that is right for you. They can also answer your questions if you have any.

Find out more about getting birth control pills or Depo-Provera without a gynecological exam.

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If you’re nervous, we encourage you to talk with the clinician about any worries you may have before the exam. She’s there to answer your questions and help you relax. There is no need to be embarrassed- clinicians see lots of teens and do many exams each day.

To get ready for the exam, you first undress and cover yourself with a sheet. When you are ready, the nurse or clinician will return and help you get on the table and put your feet in the footrests (stirrups). She will have you move to the end of the table before lying down.

A speculum is used to gently open the vagina. Relax and breathe deeply. Let the clinician know if you are at all uncomfortable - it's not supposed to hurt!

A swab is used to take some cells from your cervix. These cells will be tested (the Pap test) to make sure that no unhealthy (pre-cancerous) cells are present. The clinician will also insert a finger in the vagina to feel the uterus and ovaries to make sure everything is healthy while checking for any signs of infection. The entire exam lasts about 15 minutes.

More information on your First Pelvic Exam

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Planned Parenthood offers testing and treatment for most STIs. Most of the tests are quick and painless and only require a urine sample or a swab of vaginal fluids. You can be tested for Gonorrhea or Chlamydia with a simple urine test (no swabs!). We can also test for Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis with a simple blood test. Women can be tested for the Human Papilloma Virus during a pelvic exam. STI testing does not automatically happen during a pelvic exam, so you should ask to be tested for one during your next exam. Many STIs have no symptoms in both girls and guys. Of course, if you have noticed any unusual bumps, sores or discharge, come into the health center right away. The good news? Many STIs can be treated or cured.

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Planned Parenthood provides pregnancy testing and options counseling. This means that you can get a pregnancy test to see whether or not you are pregnant, and then talk with someone about what YOU want to do. Whether you decide on parenting, adoption or abortion, Planned Parenthood will give you the resources you need. At Planned Parenthood, you have our promise that no one will ever lecture you.

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Planned Parenthood is pro-choice. Pro-choice means that we believe every woman has the right to decide whether or not to have a child. This means that we will give you the resources and information to help you make your own decisions about whether to continue your pregnancy or have an abortion. We will support you, whatever you decide.

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It is important to consider the pros and cons before having sex. We can help you to think through your decision - or just listen. We can give you information to help you make a responsible choice.

We are happy to talk with you about questions to consider before deciding whether or not to have sex.

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Planned Parenthood offers a wide range of services to teens, including:

• Birth Control (the Pill, male and female condoms, Depo-Provera, diaphragm, cervical cap, spermicide)
• Pregnancy Testing and counseling
• Annual Pelvic Exams for women
• Sexually Transmitted Infection (sexually transmitted disease) testing and treatment for men and women
• Abortion services (medical and surgical)
• HIV Testing and Counseling
• Personal Counseling services
• Prenatal Carefor teens ages 15 and older at time of delivery
• General Health Check-Ups for men and women

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Fees for services at Planned Parenthood are based on your own income, not your parents'. If you do not have much money, you will not be charged more than you can afford—you might not be charged at all. You also may be eligible for State money that can cover the full cost of your visit.

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