I got tested the other day, for a couple of STDs. It was my first time; although, in hindsight, it shouldn’t have been. I called up the local Planned Parenthood and scheduled myself an appointment for testing and a Pap smear as my last was long overdue. PP is pretty well know; although, I’d never been to one of their clinics before. My last few paps and my HPV issues were taken care of at military hospitals and while I still have that option, I’ve let my military ID expire because of the impending divorce and I simply hate the medical setup in this city. I would rather die than have to deal with it. No exaggeration.
So I headed in to my 4 o’clock appointment, signed in and watched The People’s Court of something for over and hour while I waited. The room was small, fall and less impressive than I am used to. Even though the facility itself could have used some homey touches, everyone I talked with was incredibly friendly and professional. I went through the usual questions (are you being abused? do you check for breast lumps?) as well as some new procedures (the tech stabbed me in finger to test for iron and I peed in a cup immediately, even when they forgot I wanted testing). I guess they probably have the routine down to an art but some of the things just seemed a bit unnecessary.
When I did remind the tech that I wanted testing, nothing rude was said. No scathing glares or uncomfortable silence like I’ve read in so many other accounts.
I would have liked a proper gown, though. All I got was the flimsy paper sheet but the actual pap and chest test was over and done with soon enough that it doesn’t much matter. Interestingly enough, this is the first pap I’ve had since my G-spot awakened and I could definitely feel the speculum pressing against my G-spot and I was worried about squirting all over the nurse practitioner–but I didn’t!
It’s always frustrating when you wait over an hour for an appointment which takes less than 30 minutes but I didn’t have to wait in between the prep and actual pap, which I appreciate. My experience was ultimately unremarkable.
OMG, I never thought of squirting. I hope that never happens. Can you imagine them having to clean that up?
Can you imagine the ignorant person who is going to scream “OMG you peed on me!!!”? LOL
Oh man oh man oh man you’re ruining my soul.
lol. Oh god. Those tests are awkward enough as it is. Let alone if something like that happened.
I wish I had similar experiences at my Planned Parenthood; the doctors were very kind and receptive to questions when I got my birth control but the receptionist, the person that they have greeting and initially dealing with all their patients, that I have an issue with. She’s just plain mean. She gives dirty looks, doesn’t listen when you try to explain yourself, and if there’s a mistake it’s YOUR fault. Even if it’s not. On my last visit to pick up a three month’s supply of birth control, once I left I checked the bag and saw that there was only two month’s worth in there. So I went back in and asked about it and she said, “Your refills are done in July, you have an appointment then.” Uh, thanks. It would have been nice if you would have told me that when you handed me the birth control.
I know I only have to deal with this woman once every three months but I just wish they had someone more welcoming working at the front desk; at a Planned Parenthood, where lots of women are already nervous and afraid they’re going to be judged, it’s kind of really important that your staff not be assholes.
Sorry this turned into a huge comment! Just wanted to share my PP story! ^.^
Thanks for commenting. I don’t have an ongoing experience with them nor do I need them to fill BC prescriptions, luckily. I used have FPHS call in prescriptions to Walgreens 4 or so years ago, though. I think it’s because I was on POP birth control. Hmm.