The purpose of Women's Preventive Health Services is to help women and their partners protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies, and indentify conditions that may affect reproductive health, such as sexually transmitted diseases and breast/cervical cancer. Planning for a pregnancy ensures that the parent(s) is best prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally to care for a child. Who can receive Family Planning Services? ANY resident of Wilson County is eligible, you are not required to be on Medicaid or have insurance to be eligible for services. What is included in Family Planning & Women's Preventive Health Program Serives? You will receive a yearly physical exam which includes lab work (hemoglobin or anemia check, urinalysis, pregnancy testing, cholesterol screening, etc.), pap smear, sexually transmitted disease testing, breast exam, and blood pressure check. We can also do a 6 weeks check up after having your baby, even if you still have your 'pink' medicaid card. We offer counseling/education to help you decide what method of birth control will be best for You! What methods are available? ABSTINENCE (Not having sex, choosing alternatives to intercourse) BIRTH CONTROL PILLS DEPO-PROVERA ( birth control shot) CONDOMS & SPERMICIDE DIAPHRAGM NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (learning to recognize & chart fertility signs) What are the costs for Services? The fee for services will vary for each person, Our eligibility clerk will need to know your income (Bring a paycheck stub or receipt to your first visit). Your income is then compared to a 'sliding scale' to determine your actual charges. It is possible to receive these services at no charge in some circumstances. Medicaid covers family planning services. For more information on the fees for service call the Eligibility Office at 237-3141. Do You offer counseling in other areas of Women's Health? Yes, we do! We have nutritional counseling, if needed how to lower cholesterol, to lose weight, etc. We offer fertility awareness counseling when you are trying to get pregnant or prefer natural family planning. Do you have a substance abuse problem?, A domestic violence problem? We can help connect you to the resources you need! What if I'm trying to get pregnant? You can still receive a yearly physical exam to be sure your body is in good shape before you become pregnant. We offer fertility awareness counseling which would help you recognize the signs your body gives when you are most likely to become pregnant. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WOMEN'S PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES & FAMILY PLANNING CALL 237-3141. Q&A Q: I really can't miss any classes at school. Is there some way I can have a physical exam without missing classes at school? A: YES ! We have two night clinics every month which allow you to make appointments after school hours. We also can occasionally schedule appointments when students in the public schools are out for teacher workdays. Call the Family Planning secretary to see which appointments are available. Q: I want to learn how I can know my body's "signs of fertility". Is there anyone who can teach this to me? A: YES ! Two of our staff have recently completed training to teach Natural Family Planning. This information can be used in two ways, either to prevent a pregnancy or to achieve a pregnancy. We do require that you have a physical exam with us within the last year. If interested, call us at 237-3141 and ask for the Family Planning coordinator. DID YOU KNOW? Taking large amounts of Vitamin C could possibly affect your birth control pills! Be sure to take no more than 100 mg per day of Vitamin C if you are taking birth control pills.