Planned Parenthood Is Annoying Me

I tried to call recently to schedule an STI test and was told that I wouldn't be able to unless my partner was a Planned Parenthood member. I told the operator that my partner wasn't a member, and she told me that I would have to call back on a Thursday at exactly 8:30 a.m. to just SCHEDULE an appointment for a 2-hour window between 4:30 and 6:30 that night where I could come in.

I tried calling other Planned Parenthood offices in my neighborhood but they said that they won't take men - period - unless their partner was a member.

Now, I can kinda understand this. It's obviously a security concern, not to mention a privacy concern for the women who use the clinics (which is the main function of PP, I understand that).

But the thing that bugs me is that when I went to the PP website it said that only 15% of men get STI tests and that men should be encouraged to get tested.

Well, what's the point of encouraging them if they can't get access to your facility to get tested in the first place?

Oy!

Does anyone know of any other places that do STI tests?

Most of them that I know do SOME STI testing.

I got STD testing at a Planned Parenthood in Minneapolis. Just called and made an appointment. Gave them my insurance card and paid my copay. I've never heard of them refusing treatment to a man, and I wasn't aware they had "members", other than donors. What the hell?

"Is your partner a member?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Then you'll have to call back on Thursday at 8:30 when we open."

"Can't I just make an appointment for Thursday now?"

"No, you have to call that day."

"Really?"

"Yes. And make sure you call early because we're only open for two hours for men."

"Okay."

Your regular doctor can do STD testing, that's where I had mine done last. Many cities have sliding-scale clinics for people with no insurance.

Why did they even mention your partner? Judging by the solicitation letters I get every month, PP is happy to take monetary donations from men.

take my name first before they told me about the requirements. Maybe they were checking to see if I was on their list or not.

Either way its terribly inconvenient and borderline sexist too. But I've heard stories that Planned Parenthood has never been exactly 'male friendly.'

Lots of people have heard lots of stories.

never heard of this. When people call to make appointments we just book them and that's it. It's possible the clinic you were calling is an actual abortion clinic, in which case I could see tighter security standards. However, there isn't an excuse for that type of behavior. I will ask my supervisor about it next time I'm out.

I'm almost certain the clinic I called does perform abortions. Otherwise those weekend protestors are really wasting their time.