Birth Control

STD Testing & Treatment

Ultrasound

Annual Exams

Annual exams include a pelvic exam, Pap smear, breast exam and self-breast exam instruction if needed. Additional tests for anemia, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), cholesterol screening, etc. are done as required. CFHC practitioners are sensitive to the needs of young and first-time gyn clients, midlife women, lesbians, and others with special concerns.

Birth Control Methods

• diaphragms and cervical caps
• vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
• birth control pills
• DepoProvera ("the 3-month shot")
• contraceptive patch (OrthoEvra)
• the IUD (ParaGard or Mirena)
• ECPs (emergency contraceptive pills)
• tubal ligation
• over-the counter methods such as condoms and spermicides

Don't forget the cervical cap!

CFHC has been providing the cervical cap since 1978. This under-appreciated birth control method offers a choice for women who can't or prefer not to take hormones and like the idea of a method that's used only when needed. Like diaphragms, cervical caps need to be fitted by a trained practitioner, who will instruct you how to insert it yourself before intercourse. Unlike the diaphragm, though, the cap can be left in for 48 hours without the "mess" of adding extra jelly. Although barrier methods in general are eclipsed by hormonal methods, which are heavily promoted by the drug companies, many women swear by their caps and feel good about using a method they consider "more natural." Ask us for more information!

STD Testing and Treatment

CFHC offers testing and treatment for women and men for sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV (genital warts) and HIV. HIV testing is anonymous and includes counseling before and after testing.

Ultrasound Services

CFHC offers ultrasound for gestational dating. If a woman is pregnant and unsure of the date of her last period, there are two ways she can find out how many weeks pregnant she is. One is to have a pelvic (internal) exam. A skilled clinician can usually assess the length of a pregnancy within about 2 weeks by feeling the uterus; but various factors, such as a very retroverted ("tipped" or "tilted") uterus can make this difficult. Ultrasound can generally provide an accurate assessment if done at 5 weeks or later. We are very pleased to be able to offer this service on site for our clients. In keeping with our commitment to affordable services, we have kept the cost for ultrasound as low as possible.