PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND ENCOURAGES MEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH

June 13-19, 2016 is National Men’s Health Week and PPSNE encourages men to schedule a checkup.

Throughout Men’s Health Week – June 13-19, 2016 – Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is encouraging men to take charge of their sexual health by scheduling a checkup and to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, if they are sexually active. A person’s health can be easy to take for granted, but preventive care is an important part of staying safe, healthy and happy.

“Regular checkups can keep someone healthy and help find health problems before it becomes serious,” said Kafi Rouse Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing with Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. “Knowing one’s status by getting tested for STIs is one of the most important things someone can do to protect their health.”

STI tests are generally quick and simple. For example, rapid HIV tests can provide results in as fast as 20 minutes from just a swab inside the mouth, and tests for other common STIs simply require a urine sample. Many STIs do not cause any symptoms, so the only way to know one’s status for sure is to get tested. Early treatment can help prevent serious, lifelong health problems that can result from untreated STIs. Condoms used consistently and correctly provide the best protection against STIs.

“We are proud to be a source of health care and information for men in Connecticut and Rhode Island and to answer any questions they may have about their sexual health,” said Rouse. “Periodic checkups and screenings are essential for staying healthy – whether someone is straight, bisexual, or gay, cisgender or transgender. Our doors are open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.”

Planned Parenthood provides basic health care for men, including testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, HIV testing, free and low-cost condoms, and sexual health information and education. Many Planned Parenthood health centers offer other services for men, including cancer screenings, work and school physical exams, as well as treatment of common conditions such as the flu, sinus and ear infections, seasonal allergies and strep throat.

To make an appointment or for more information, call 1 (800) 230-PLAN (7526) or visit ppsne.org.

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Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE) is one of the region’s largest providers of family planning and reproductive health care services. Since 1923, PPSNE has evolved into an organization with 18 health centers in Connecticut and Rhode Island, delivering care to nearly 70,000 patients annually, and 90 percent of the services provided are preventive.