Your Guide to the Clinic
Why Visit the Clinic?
You
don't have to be pregnant or have an infection to go
to the clinic …
Going now can help protect
you in the future!
Where
to Go?
Depending
on where you live and what your money situation and
insurance are like, you have lots of different
options:
- Teen Clinic
- Private Doctor
- Free clinic
- Hospital Clinic
- Health Department
- Private Clinic (like Planned Parenthood)
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Clinic" to find out your
local options!
Call
Around
- Look for sliding-scale fee (discounts).
- Ask if appointments are
necessary.
- Ask is about after school and weekend hours.
The
Scene
"My
friend said that the clinic was unpleasant but my experience
was different … I talked with a counselor and I
learned a lot!"
Every
clinic is different… find out what services are
available before
you go! If you have a long wait you can read
or hang out with other patients!
Be
Prepared
It helps to bring a friend!
Don't let them rush you!
If you don't understand something, ask and ask again!
Birth
Control Counseling
"My
boyfriend and I have decided to have sex and we want
to use protection. I came to the clinic to get counseling
on birth control and STIs."
When
you go to the clinic for birth control counseling,
make sure you learn about ALL of your options—not
just the ones you've heard of. Keep your mind
open to the
possibilities!
For some methods you need a pelvic exam and/or a
prescription.
Road to Protection: Abstinence,
Cervical Cap, Condoms, Depo-Provera, Diaphragm,
Female Condom, Norplant, The
Pill …
Pregnancy
Test
"I'm
really scared about this test—I wish we had used
protection."
"I feel much better with him here—what will we do if I'm pregnant?"
What's a pregnancy test like? You pee in a cup or take a blood test. Get your results (at the same visit) and talk with a counselor.
If
you're not pregnant … Be
sure to get information on birth control so that
you can protect
yourself!
If
you are pregnant … Be
sure to take the time to talk about your options—adoption,
abortion, keep the baby. (One out of every six pregnancies
ends in miscarriage)
Ask about emergency
conceptive pills which can be taken within 120
hours (five days) after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
Clinics are
for You Too, Guys!
You
can go for STI testing (sexually transmitted
infections), testicular exam and check-up, birth control
counseling with your girlfriend, and free condoms!
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
"I woke up
this morning and my penis was all itchy and burning
and there was stuff coming out of it—my friend said
I might have an infection
since I didn't use a condom—he told me to get it
checked out at the clinic!"
You
don't have to have an infection to go to the clinic … it's
a good idea to get regular check-ups!
Testicular
Exam: Taking
Care of Yourself
When you go to the clinic for
a regular check-up or if you think you have an sexually transmitted infection
(STI), the doctor
will examine your penis and testicles (balls) for lumps,
sores and discharge. (Yea, we know, this is kinda uncomfortable!)
They might also get blood and urine samples to check for STIs.
You can examine yourself at home every month to look for changes. Ask the
doctor for more information!
The
Pelvic Exam
Don't
let friends' stories scare you… pelvic exams
are a great way to learn more about your body!
What
really happens? First,
the doctor looks at your vulva (labia, urethra, clitoris,
vagina). Next, the doctor inserts the bills of the
speculum into your vagina and opens it to see your
cervix. Finally,
the bimanual exam—the doctor puts one finger in
your vagina and presses down on your abdomen with
the other
hand to locate your uterus and ovaries.
You need to have a pelvic exam once a year after age
18 or once you start having sex. Don't delay!
Positive
tips for your pelvic exam
- Relax!
Take a deep breath. If you're tense it might be uncomfortable.
- Have
the doctor show you the speculum and explain the exam.
- If
you want to, sit up during the exam and ask for a mirror
so that you can watch.
- Listen
to your walkman or daydream to help you relax.
- If
you want, ask for the speculum after the exam so that
you can become more familiar with that part of your
body.
We know it can be
uncomfortable, but if you relax it will be easier! Use this
as a learning opportunity!
Breast Exams
"My
doctor taught me how to examine my own breasts!"
You
can do it in
the shower, in your room, or looking in the mirror.
Positive Tips:
Start now and make it a habit! (every month)
The best time is right after your period.
Put a reminder in your calendar.
If you find anything
unusual, go to the clinic!
One of 8 women will get breast cancer. Exams help you find it before it spreads.
Questions
for the Clinic?
If
possible, it's wise to go with your partner so that you
can learn together and have support! When you go to the
clinic you deserve to get all the available information
on your health and your options. Here are some good questions
to keep in mind (it helps to write them down)!
- How
much will my visit cost?
- What
is the best method of birth control for me?
- Can
my partner come with me?
- Are
you going to call my house with test results? (You
can tell them not to.)
- How
can I best protect myself for STIs?
It's Not
Just a Clinic
We
know that sometimes it is hard for teenagers to find someone
they can trust to talk with about personal situations such
as sexual orientation, family, rape or alcohol or drug
abuse.
Take
advantage of your visit to the clinic to ask for HELP! Clinic
staff can usually help you find a place in your community
that can provide support … just ask!
© 1995
"Your Guide to the Clinic" was designed by teen members of Advocates
for Youth's Teen Council.
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the Publications
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