This Image Is Proof That Planned Parenthood Provides So Much More Than Abortions
“Thanks to Planned Parenthood I’ve never needed an abortion.” (Photo: thepartyfowler/Imgur)
The woman in this photo that’s gone viral on Imgur? She’s not the only one.
While abortion services may be what Planned Parenthood is often known for, they’re actually just a small portion (3 percent, in fact) of what it does. In fact, 2.7 million women and men receive health care services annually from the non-profit organization — and 80 percent of those people receive services to prevent unintended pregnancy.
Keep in mind that services vary by location, but here’s a look at the health care you can get from Planned Parenthood:
Contraceptives (and contraception counseling): A Planned Parenthood physician can advise, and prescribe when applicable, everything from abstinence, birth control implants, birth control patches, birth control pills, birth control shots, birth control vaginal rings, breastfeeding as birth control, cervical cap, condoms, diaphragms, female condoms, fertility awareness-based methods, IUDs (intra-uterine devices), emergency contraception (morning-after pill), outercourse, spermicide, tubal ligation, vasectomy, and the stats and efficacy of withdrawal (or the pull-out method). Planned Parenthood also provides information on each form of birth control, including benefits and risks, so the patient can make the best decision for his or her lifestyle.
Cancer and sexual health care for women: Planned Parenthood provides general women’s health care services such as cervical cancer screenings, breast cancer screenings, Pap smears, HPV tests, and pelvic exams. The clinical team at a Planned Parenthood health center can also advise, provide treatment when applicable and make referrals when necessary regarding endometriosis treatment and management, procedures to prevent cervical cancer, female infertility, menopause, and menstruation.
Related: Catching Up on the Planned Parenthood Controversy: Everything You Need to Know
Basic counseling services: While Planned Parenthood health centers are not staffed with therapists, the clinical team there is trained to provide basic counseling services and spot signs of abuse, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and low self-esteem, as well as make appropriate referrals to mental health professionals or specialists.
Diabetes and cholesterol screening, physicals, and blood pressure screening: While general health services provided vary by location, Planned Parenthood health centers are typically able to provide: anemia testing, cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, routine physical exams, help with quitting smoking, blood pressure screening, tetanus vaccines, and thyroid screening.
Flu shots: And yes, some health centers even give flu shots!
Cancer screening for men: Planned Parenthood is for men, too! Services available to men at health centers include general, routine annual exams, as well as colon, prostate, and testicular cancer screenings.
Sexual health care for men: Men can also get help for premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, including education, exams, treatments, and referrals. Health centers also provide jock itch exams and treatment, male infertility screening and referral, and urinary tract infection testing and treatment.
Pregnancy care: From education on how pregnancy occurs, to advice and guidance for those considering family building, Planned Parenthood can help guide women seeking prenatal care. In addition to administering pregnancy tests, Planned Parenthood health centers can also answer questions and make referrals for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, prenatal care, and infertility. Patients are provided with full information about all their options — including whether to raise a child, end a pregnancy, or choose adoption.
Intimate partner violence screening: Planned Parenthood clinical staff is trained to help screen for intimate partner violence and help patients seek the appropriate treatment and support services they may need to end an unhealthy relationship.
STD screening and treatments: While services may vary by location, Planned Parenthood clinics are available to provide testing, treatment when appropriate, and referrals as needed for chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and AIDS, HPV (human papillomavirus), pelvic inflammatory disease, pubic lice (crabs), scabies, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Read This Next: The Horrifying Reality of Abortion Before It Was Legal in America
Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Health on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
