Planned Parenthood Urges Men to Take Charge of Their Sexual Health During Men’s Health Week
For Immediate Release: June 14, 2017
NEW YORK, NY — Throughout National Men’s Health Week (June 12-18), Planned Parenthood encourages men to take charge of their sexual health with regular check-ups, screenings, and getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Preventive care is an important part of being safe, healthy, and happy — and not enough men get the check-ups and preventive care they need.
Underlining the potential impact if the Senate passes the health care repeal bill, which would block access to Planned Parenthood health centers for Medicaid recipients, Planned Parenthood today provides health services for men, including STI testing and treatment, free or low-cost condoms, and sex education and information. Between 2005 and 2015, there was a 56 percent increase in Planned Parenthood male patients, including a 42 percent increase in Black (non-Hispanic) male patients and 43 percent increase in Latino male patients.
“Periodic sexual health check-ups and screenings are essential for staying healthy — regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity - but if the Senate passes Trumpcare, it will make access preventive care more difficult for thousands of men who rely on Planned Parenthood,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “It may feel awkward at times, but being honest with your provider about your body and your sexual health means they can provide you with the best care for you and your life.”
Planned Parenthood provides health services for men, including STI testing and treatment, free or low-cost condoms, and sex education and information. Between 2005 and 2015, there was a 56 percent increase in Planned Parenthood male patients, including a 42 percent increase in Black (non-Hispanic) male patients and 43 percent increase in Latino male patients.
“Our doors are open to everyone,” Dr. McDonald-Mosley added. “We believe all people deserve high-quality, affordable health care and accurate sexual health information, no matter who they are or where they live.”
Planned Parenthood is an expert in STI prevention and testing, and one of the nation’s leading providers of HIV testing. In 2015, Planned Parenthood provided 170,418 HIV tests and another 625,301 STI tests to male patients.
“STI education and prevention are core parts of Planned Parenthood’s health services and education efforts,” said McDonald-Mosley. “Denying patients access to Planned Parenthood would be a health care disaster, and would keep millions across the country from basic health care like STI testing and treatment -- including men who rely on Planned Parenthood for care.”
The CDC recommends all Americans between the ages of 13-64 get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime and those at higher risk get tested more frequently. Not all check-ups include routine HIV testing — so unless you ask to be tested, you can’t assume you have been. A provider can help you determine how often you should get tested for HIV.
In addition to STI testing and treatment and sexual health education, many Planned Parenthood health centers offer additional services for men, including cancer screenings, vasectomies, infertility screenings and referrals, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation support, and physical exams. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit plannedparenthood.org.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood affiliates serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.