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Most teen pregnancies and STD's could be prevented with a visit to a family planning clinic. Crimson & Gray reporter Bonnie Edgeman went to the Planned Parenthood clinic in Centralia, under the pretense that she was, "considering sex but had not yet made a decision." After her visit, Edgeman informed Planned Parenthood personnel that she was actually a reporter writing a story. The following is a record of her experience:
When I walked through the front doors of the Centralia Planned Parenthood, the office area looked like any other doctor's office. The lady at the desk took my insurance and then handed me a stack of papers. On the front desk I noticed a big fishbowl overflowing with silver-wrapped condoms. The sign on the bowl read, "free condoms." I didn't take any, but I thought they really put it bluntly.
After I was finished with the paperwork, I was given some infomation about the types of birth control I said I was interested in. After a while, my name was called by a lady down the hall. I was a little nervous and scared about the exam.
I was weighed and my blood pressure was taken; no biggie. Then we went inside the examination room. The first thing I noticed were the posters of the female anatomy and the stirrups. She then proceeded by talking to me about all the information (sexual relationships, health information) I had given in the papers I'd filled out earlier. We discussed the different types of birth control that might be suitable for me.
Most places offer health checkups, breast exams, pap smears, pregnancy, STD, and HIV/AIDS testing, counseling, and education. Often people get the wrong idea about family clinics, thinking that abortions take place, but the Centralia Planned Parenthood does not perform them.
While inside the bathroom, I noticed yet another fish bowl overflowing with condoms. Upon returning, the lady handed me a cute paper gown and told me what was going to happen, and why. As she exited the room so I could put on my gown, she pointed out informational flyers about various related topics, as well as the largest fish bowl I had seen yet. I was told to take as many condoms as I wanted.
A breast exam, internal exam, and a pap-smear were done. Then I was asked if I wanted to be tested for STD's. Afterwards, I got dressed and walked out to the front desk. I was told the results would be back in two weeks and they would let me know if there were any problems. At this time, if I had wanted to, I could have ordered birth control devices. I walked out the doors I'd come in two hours earlier, thinking it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Remember, your doctor has seen and heard everything before. Don't be afraid to ask questions and discuss problems.
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