Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region by Emphasizing Importance of Regular Checkups and STD Testing Marks Men’s Health Week

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2015

Share This

During Men’s Health Week, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR) is encouraging men to take charge of their sexual health by getting regular checkups and screenings ─ including getting tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, if they are sexually active.

 

In the last 10 years, Planned Parenthood has doubled the number of male patients we see nationally. Between 2003 and 2013, there was a 99 percent increase in Planned Parenthood male clients. At PPGMR, in 2014, 344 patients were male.

 

“Everyone deserves a sex life that’s as fun and healthy as possible, and part of that means taking care of your body. Just like going to the gym, regular checkups are important for your health," said Tarsha Elliot, VP of Patient Services for PPGMR. “The truth is that not enough men get the checkups and preventive care they need. It can be easy to take our health for granted, but preventive care is an important part of staying safe, healthy, and happy.”

 

Safety and pleasure can be bedfellows. Being responsible and looking out for your health and the health of your partner doesn’t mean sex won’t still be sexy and fun. Regular checkups can keep you healthy and help find any problems before they become serious.

 

“PPGMR is proud to be a source of care for men in 42 counties, including Shelby County, and to answer any questions they may have about their sexual health," said Ashley Coffield, CEO of PPPGMR. “A visit to a health care provider is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have. We’re here to give you accurate, nonjudgmental information and care.”

 

Planned Parenthood provides basic health care for men, including testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, and sexual health information and education. Many Planned Parenthood health centers offer other services for men. This may include cancer screenings, vasectomies, infertility screenings and referrals, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation support, physical exams, treatment for other conditions, and referrals.

 

Getting tested for STDs is a basic part of staying healthy and taking control of your sex life — and it’s easier than ever before.

 

• STD tests are generally quick, simple, and painless. For example, rapid HIV tests can provide results in as fast as 20 minutes from just a swab inside the mouth. Many other common STDs simply require a urine sample.
   
• Many STDs don’t cause any symptoms, so the only way to know your status for sure is to get tested. If you’re unsure if you should get tested, take this quick quiz to find out.

 

• The good news is that all STDs, even HIV, are treatable and most are curable. The sooner you know your status, the better you can protect your health and the health of your partner(s).

 

June is also Pride Month, and Planned Parenthood is proud to provide health services and information to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. This June, PPGMR is participating in the Saving Ourselves Symposium and the Preservatif Art Show at the Madison Arts Gallery on June 27^th.  

###

Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region (PPGMR), founded in 1938, is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. PPGMR’s mission is to improve health and well-being by providing high-quality, non-judgmental sexual health care, honest and accurate sexuality education, and reproductive health and rights advocacy.