Frequently Asked Questions
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that she is even pregnant---it will NOT harm the fetus at all. Unfortunately
Emergency Contraception is often confused with another medication (RU486) that
women can take with a prescription to cause a miscarriage.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for my annual exam?
A: Great question! Make sure you avoid using any vaginal
creams, washing inside your vagina and/or having vaginal sex for
at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. If you have your
period please call & reschedule your exam. Periods can
interfere with obtaining the best sample of cells from your cervix &
increase your chances of having an abnormal PAP test result
which can increase the need for repeat PAP tests unnecessarily.
Q; Is there a way that I can receive birth control at no cost to me?
A: If you are female, between the age of 15-44 and meet income guidelines you will
be eligible to enroll in the Medical Assistance Family Planning Waiver. This
state funded program is intended to decrease unplanned pregnancies in WI and it
covers the cost of STD testing. pregnancy testing, reproductive health (GYN)
exams and almost all methods of birth control. See below about becoming a patient at
the Wellness Center. You need to bring a photo ID, your social security
number and a copy of your past 2 paycheck stubs if you are 18 or older.
Q: I want to stop smoking or using tobacco...got any ideas?
A: Congratulations on taking the first step! There are many options out there and
we encourage you to try some of these strategies:
- Call the WI Tobacco Quit Line @ (800) QUIT-NOW for free assistance
- Develop an ACTION PLAN of at least 4-5 things you can do when you develop
the urge to use tobacco.
- brush your teeth, walk around the block, deep breathe for 2-3 minutes, etc
- read one more chapter, do the dishes, pay bills, etc
- Typically if you can delay for 5-10 minutes the urge will pass
- Avoid hard candy unless it is sugar-free (sugar increases desire for nicotine)
- Drink LOTS of fluids to help flush the nicotine out of your system
- Ask your medical provider (nurse practitioner) about the role for nicotine
replacement therapy or one of the prescribed medications to block the nicotine
receptor sites and increase your chances for success!
- Consider enrolling in a Tobacco Cessation Workshop such as the Freedom
From Smoking Workshops offered by the American Lung Association
- Check out our LINKS page!
Q: I had sex without a condom but I know this person really well. I don't need
to really be worried, do I?
A: YES you do need to be concerned! Even if you are not having symptoms --call
the office for an STD appointment 2 weeks after you have had ANY kind of
unprotected intimate contact.
Two-thirds of people who have chlamydia never experience any symptoms---so it
makes it pretty easy forsexually transmitted bacterial and viral infections to be
spread around.
It really doesn't matter how well you think you may know someone. Unless they
have never had any intimate sexual contact of any kind with another
person---you are at risk of getting exposed to any viruses and/or bacteria that
your partner may be bringing into the encounter or relationship with you. Lastly if
you are female and not on any other form of birth control---you need to use
Emergency Contraception ASAP to prevent a pregnancy !
Q: How do I become a patient at the Wellness Center?
A: The fastest way to get scheduled is to CALL (920) 746-9444 during business
hours and we''ll schedule an appointment for you. Bring a photo ID and your
social security number with you in the event that you are eligible to participate
in a state funded program. Also---if you are over 18 and are employed---please
bring your last 2 paycheck stubs with you. If you have insurance please bring
your insurance card with you!
Q: If I am under the age of 18 do I need my parents permission to be seen
there?
A: Although we always encourage you to talk with your parents---because we are a
dedicated Family Planning Clinic---you do not need the permission of your parents
to be seen for Family Planning reasons. This includes being seen for any of the
following: pregnancy testing, STD testing, birth control or exams.
Q: I missed taking my pill yesterday---now what?
A: The rule of thumb when it comes to taking a birth control pill---if you're late or have
forgotten your pill----ALWAYS take it as soon as you remember and take your
next pill at the regularly scheduled time.
Q: I have trouble remembering to take my birth control pill--can you help me?
A: If you are sexually active and want your pill to be the MOST effective it is VERY
important that you take your pill at the same time daily. Try some of these tips:
- Select a time of the day that you can tie into some behavior such as getting up,
brushing your teeth or going to bed
- If you sleep late on the weekends---continue to take your pill at your usual time
of day---even if that means waking up to the alarm clock and returning to sleep
after you take your pill
- Set your cell phone alarm to remind you
- Remember in order for pills to be effective---you need to take them on a regular
schedule
- If these tips don't work for you and you continue to be late or miss taking pills--
Schedule an appointment ASAP to discuss what might be a better option for
you!
Q: If I want to get tested for STDs and I'm male---what do I need to do?
A: Ideally it is most helpful if you schedule an appointment. The most important thing
you can do is avoid urinating (using the bathroom) for at least one full hour prior to
your arrival at the clinic. Testing will typically be done by both a urine and blood
sample. If it is only HIV testing that you desire it will be a simple fingerstick and
results will be ready in less than 20 minutes.
Copyright © 2008 by Wellness Center of Door County, Inc. All rights reserved. Website created by TSB & MGB
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Q: Does emergency contraception cause an
abortion?
A: Emergency contraception is taken to prevent a
pregnancy. It works by suppressing ovulation (the
release of an egg from a female's ovary) and is one
half of the medication that is in most birth control
methods. In fact if taken and a woman is unaware
STDS ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY INFECTER!