Welcome to The Health Center for Women at Northland Family Planning Centers
ABOUT THIS SECTION
We want you to see that taking care of yourself with basic and important reproductive health care is a vital link to your life dreams. In this section, read about special healthcare for women, annual (yearly) exams, the risks of sexually transmitted infections and the many personal choices available for birth control.
Let your inner beauty shine through.
WE BELIEVE
The world is a better place when women have the freedom to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, reproductive options and sexuality.
WE PROMISE
An affordable, comfortable environment without the long waits and high costs of private doctors' offices. We promise to schedule your appointments quickly, when you need them, and promise to be ready to see you at your scheduled time.
You can count on us to provide the highest quality care and non-judgmental emotional support, beginning now. Not only do we provide the best medical care possible, we also create an environment where you are treated with compassion, dignity and respect. We are always available for questions, concerns and support.
Here, we keep our promises.
Here, we make the world a better place for women.
PAGE CONTENTS
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The Northland Difference
Talking to another woman is sometimes just more comfortable. Meet our woman-to-woman healthcare team. See why we customize your care to fit your lifestyle choices.
When You're Ready Program
The time to begin reproductive health care is even before sexual activity. Good personal health care is not just about sex. Moms and Young Women: Check out why this program is especially good for you!
Read about the new HPV Cancer Vaccine - best BEFORE you have sex!
Annual Exam
Our female healthcare providers want you to feel comfortable and safe. Read about what this means for your personal care at your yearly visit's physical exam and cancer screenings.
Protect Your Fertility
Infection screenings are a vital part of reproductive health care. Protect your fertility: your ability to get pregnant and carry a pregnancy to full term birth. Protect your body, and yes, even your life. Because several infections may have no symptoms, early detection is key!
New at Northland:
HealthyMe! STI Testing Program Birth Control
Read about choices for you to help prevent pregnancy. This section is dedicated to information about types of birth control, and internet links to other informative websites to help you pick the birth control that is right for you.
New at Northland:
QUICK! START Birth Control Program
PLAN FIRST! FREE Family Planning Services
IMPLANON 1-Time Birth Control good for at least 3 years .
ESSURE Sterilization without incision.
Appointment Information
The Northland Difference
We hear many patients say it is more comfortable to talk with another woman about some of their lifestyle issues and health concerns. One of the great differences in Northland care is our woman-to-woman focus. Our Female Nurse Practitioners, specialists in women's health, head our family planning health care team. In addition to being top quality medical providers, like all of our staff, they are also kind and non-judgmental. They know that the best care can be given when you feel safe enough to be honest and to share your concerns.
Here, you are safe.
Our female health educators spend time with you talking, answering questions and even helping you figure out what you might want to ask our Nurse Practitioner. We are all committed to providing you with quality care in a relaxed, clean and supportive atmosphere.
Our team is available to answer any questions you have about sexuality, your body and your health. We acknowledge and respect all sexuality choices. Lesbians and bi-sexual women share most of the same health concerns as ‘straight' women, but some of your health needs are special. Being honest about your sexual orientation helps us work with you to design the best reproductive healthcare program for you.
And, here at Northland, we keep our promises. When we say affordable, we mean it: We keep our fees reasonable, offer discounts for students, and accept most insurance. We provide immediate appointments for all services.
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When You're Ready Program
Northland offers this exclusive program of services for women of all ages. We recognize and respect that birth control is just a part of total reproductive health care.
Protecting your fertility and cancer screenings are vital components of every woman's health, from the time of your first menstrual period through menopause.
Moms - This is an excellent introduction to the specialized health care needs for young women and a wonderful opportunity to share with your daughter the changes and health responsibilities that come with physical maturity.
Is talking with your daughter a challenge? Come in and we'll help talk with her about protecting her future fertility - prevention and protection through responsible reproductive health care.
Read about the NEW HPV Cancer Vaccine that is most effective when given BEFORE your daughter is sexually active.
Maybe it's time for you to begin preventive healthcare with special reproductive healthcare providers who have the time you need, the information that is accurate and at a cost you can afford.
Read about PLAN FIRST! Northland is proud to be an approved provider for the new Michigan state coverage of FREE family planning services for women who qualify.
Whether this is your first visit for reproductive healthcare, or you have not had a regular check-up in years, or you are planning ahead for a close relationship, we want you to be healthy and ready to pursue your dreams.
When You're Ready - your body will be too.
Call today for an appointment to drop by for a conversation. Appointments
We'd be glad to discuss a personalized care plan for your reproductive health.
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Annual Exam
For women in their reproductive years, a comprehensive annual exam is an important part of maintaining good general health. The exam includes:
- A general physical exam including a health history with an emphasis on the reproductive system;
- A breast exam to check for breast changes and instructions on how to do a self-breast exam;
- A pap smear to screen for cervical cancer;
Did you know? Over 3500 women will die of cervical cancer
this year here in the U.S.!
- A pelvic exam to check for any signs of infection or disease;
- Optional sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing to protect your reproductive health.
Read about our NEW HealthyMe! Program just for STI testing.
Read about the NEW HPV Cancer Vaccine.
Northland's Woman-to-Woman Care
Women are often more comfortable seeing another woman for personal health matters. Discussions about sexuality, menstruation, hygiene and other female issues can be easier between two women.
Female nurse practitioners offer women a highly specialized perspective on healthcare. Our patients tell us they love having another woman to talk to. Consultations and examinations are much more comfortable. Our female nurse practitioners have advanced degrees in women's health, and like the rest of our staff, are compassionate and non-judgmental health care providers.
Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear
A great deal of important information about your health can be detected from this brief, simple exam and test. From the time a woman becomes sexually active, or when she is 18 years old, annual pelvic exams and pap tests are extremely important.
A Pap smear (also known as a Pap test) is a vital part of your Annual Exam with us at Northland. Pap smears can detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become pre-cancerous or cervical cancer. Many cases of cervical pre-cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.
Did you know? Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers!
First Pelvic Exam?
Good for you! You are taking responsibility for your health and fertility!
If this is your first exam or if you've had a painful experience in the past, please talk to one of our health educators or your nurse practitioner. We will be sure to make this examination as comfortable and relaxing as possible for you.
Many women feel nervous about having a pelvic exam. It can be uncomfortable, but it takes just a few moments to complete. During the exam, our practitioner looks for signs of irritation, inflammation, discharge and infections in and around the cervix and uterus. She also examines for cysts, lesions and other indicators of health concerns. The pap smear is then done to collect microscopic cells from the cervix to be examined for signs of cervical cancer and other health threatening conditions.
Appointments
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Protect Your Fertility!
Did you know?
- Every year 3 million teens, about 1 in 4 sexually active teens, get a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
- The rising number of STI cases in all age groups of HPV and Chlamydia, in particular, is a growing concern.
- HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, killing thousands of women each year.
- Most women do not know they are infected because there may be no warning signs or symptoms!
Read about the NEW HPV Cancer Vaccine.
Read about PLAN FIRST! Northland is proud to be an approved provider for the new Michigan state coverage of FREE family planning services for women who qualify.
Go to
The Birds & Bees Project - What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)? or American Social Health Association - Learn about STDs/STIs for detailed information on all types of STIs.
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New at Northland:
HealthyMe! Program
Same-Day Appointments usually available.
STI testing is now available for many infections you may be concerned about, several for both women and men.
Sometimes, you may just be short on time. Sometimes, you are not ready yet for your full Annual Exam and just want to check out the possibility of an infection. Sometimes, you may be responsibly checking yourself before beginning sexual activity with a new partner.
Like our Quick! Start Birth Control Program , you will make an appointment to meet with one of our Health Educators, complete medical information and submit a urine sample for testing. HIV testing is done with saliva or blood samples. We will set up a contact system with you to maintain privacy to deliver your results.
Of course, if your tests show need for care, we will contact you to begin that care immediately.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Genital HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid. (This means you can get HPV without actually having sex!)
- Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans between the ages of 15 and 49 have been infected with genital HPV in their lifetime.
- Some studies show that up to 15% of sexually active teenage women are infected with HPV, many with the type of HPV that is linked to cervical cancer.
- There is a new HPV vaccine available. Read about the HPV VACCINE.
Read more about HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV).
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the U.S.
- Chlamydia is more common among teens than among older women and men.
- If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and infertility.
Read more about CHLAMYDIA.
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Birth Control
Here at Northland, it's all about your choices, offering you some control over your reproduction that fits your lifestyle and your needs.
Read about choices for you to help prevent pregnancy. This section is dedicated to information about types of birth control, and internet links to other informative websites to help you pick the birth control that is right for you.
New at Northland:
QUICK! START Birth Control Program
PLAN FIRST! FREE Family Planning Services
Northland is proud to be an approved provider for the new Michigan state coverage of FREE family planning services for women who qualify.
To meet your individual lifestyle needs, we offer many choices of birth control methods:
Birth control pills
- Low cost pills here at our On Site Pharmacy
- Taken daily for pregnancy prevention, whether you are having sex or not
- Prescription needed from our practitioner
Depo-Provera (birth control shot)
- One shot every three months provides on-going pregnancy prevention
- Requires a short office visit for the injection (shot)
New at Northland:
Implanon
- Pregnancy prevention for at least 3 years implanted under your skin by our health practitioner
Diaphragms
- Inserted vaginally only when you are going to have sex
- Fitted to your size by our female health practitioner
Condoms and foam
- Used by you and your partner every time you have sex
- You can buy them right here – for MUCH less than at the pharmacy
The Patch and the NuvaRing
- Pregnancy prevention for a month at a time
- Our female health practitioners offer the needed prescription after examination
IUD
- Choices for 5 and 12 year pregnancy prevention inserted by our physician
Sterilization
- Permanent birth control
- Tubal Ligation
New at Northland: Essure
Unlike tubal ligation and vasectomy, there are no incisions
Emergency Contraceptive Treatment
Also called Plan B or the Morning After Pill
- Emergency measure only – must be taken within 72 hours after sex
Click on the link above to read more about ECT.
Call us. We'd love to have a conversation with you
as you plan choices for your reproductive health.
READ MORE about methods of birth control at:
The Birds & Bees Project - Your Options
LOOK AT a chart comparing birth control methods at: Association of Reproductive Health Professionals - Which Contraception is Right for You?
New at Northland:
QUICK! START Birth Control Program
Birth Control Pills & Depo Shot
Don't let finances hold you back from responsible birth control.
We listened... Some of you told us that affording the cost of the annual exam was stopping you from assuming responsibility and controlling your fertility. So, here at Northland, we now offer a Quick! Start: Start birth control today and come in for your pap smear during the year.
How does it work? You make an Appointment, come in, complete medical information and meet with one of our health educators. You and she will discuss your health and lifestyle and, provided all is well, and you agree to follow health guidelines, you will be given a year's prescription.
Your prescription will be easily filled at our On-Site Pharmacy for less than half the cost than at many retail pharmacies!
Yes, there are certain conditions we will review with you because birth control pills and the Depo Shot are medication and your health is our top concern. Remember, over 90% of women who want the pill or the Depo Shot are medically eligible. You probably are, too.
Yes, we are listening and working to meet your needs - now.
New at Northland:
PLAN FIRST!
Northland is proud to be an approved provider for the new Michigan state coverage of FREE family planning services for women who qualify.
Read about PLAN FIRST! See if you qualify.
Here at Northland,
we make the world a better place for women!
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Last page update: 9/07 |
