FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COST, APPOINTMENTS, AND PRIVACY

Can I be seen today?

Your visit may be shorter if you make an appointment in advance, but we do accept some walk-ins. Walk-ins are taken until 2 hours before closing. You may call your clinic’s direct line to see if you can be seen that day. Click here for our clinic phone numbers.

Are the services at Access Esperanza Clinics free?

People who qualify for a funding program may receive some or all of their services for free. Services that are not free are low-cost. Learn more about apply for a funding program here.

Can I be seen today?
Your visit may be shorter if you make an appointment in advance, but we do accept some walk-ins. Walk-ins are taken until 2 hours before closing. You may call your clinic’s direct line to see if you can be seen that day. Click here for our clinic phone numbers.
How can I make an appointment?

Call 956-688-3700 for an appointment at any of our clinics.

Can I get birth control without my parents or my partner knowing?
Yes. All services are confidential as required by law. Parents or partners are not informed of any services you receive from our clinics. We do encourage you to discuss your clinic visit and health care with your parents, who love you and care about your health.
Are services confidential?

We won’t tell anyone about the care you receive at our clinics your services or even that you are our patient. If you need test results, we will not give them to We will not share your test results with your parents or partner. If you are at risk of hurting yourself or others, we would report that situation to the proper authorities. 

STDS

Can I get an STD from having oral sex?

Yes, you can. Condoms or dental dams can be used with oral sex to prevent STDs. Here’s a link to more information on STDs.

How often should I get STD testing?

It’s important to know your STD status to stay healthy. If you are sexually active, consider getting tested if you change sex partners or have multiple sex partners. Click on this link for more information.

Can I walk in for an STD test?

It is best to schedule an appointment since there are certain times when clinicians are available at each clinic. Call us at 956-688-3700 for an appointment.

How can you get an STD?

You get STDs by having sexual contact with someone that has an STD. A person may not know they have an STD and pass it on to you. Find out more here.

Should I get tested for an STD even though I don't have symptoms?

Yes. 1 in 2 sexually active people will get an STD by the age of 25, and many of them won’t know it, because symptoms will not appear. If you’ve engaged in unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex, getting tested is important. Always get tested after a possible encounter or before you engage in sexual activity with a new partner. Getting tested could settle your concerns and help you start treatment, if needed

What are common symptoms of STDs?

Remember: Many STDs do not show symptoms.

Common STD symptoms include genital sores, itching or burning during urination, a change in your urine color or smell, itching, new rashes or bumps, blisters, warts, or lesions on your body or genitals.

How long after exposure should I wait before getting tested?

The waiting period differs, but typically it is recommended that a person wait two weeks after possible exposure for the most accurate test results. Coming too early might give you a false positive. Waiting too long could lead you to forget to get tested. If you’re unsure about the best time to test for any STD, call us at 956-688-3700.

BIRTH CONTROL FOR MEN AND WOMEN / PREGNANCY

Can I get a pregnancy test if I am not a patient?

No, but it’s easy to become a patient. Just come to one of our clinics and fill out our patient questionnaire and health history. We make our process as simple as possible to help you get the testing you need. If you have difficulty paying for services and want to apply for free services, you will also need to bring documents with you to apply. Learn about the documents you need to apply for a funding program here.

Do I have to have a physical exam to get birth control?

No. You do have to complete our patient questionnaire and health history forms and have us take your vitals (blood pressure, weight, pulse), but you don’t have to have a physical exam for to get many birth control methods, including the pill, patch, ring, shot, or condoms. We will encourage you to get a physical exam to check your overall health, but it is not required.

Can I get birth control pills or the shot at the clinic?

Yes. We provide name brand birth control methods at all of our clinics. You can get up to a year of birth control pills at a time. Here’s a list of the birth control methods we carry.

How long after I stop taking birth control can I get pregnant?

Most birth control methods allow you to get pregnant very soon after you stop taking them. The 3-month shot is different. It can take up a year after stopping before a woman can get pregnant. Here’s more about the birth control methods we carry.

Can I get pregnant while I’m on my period?

Yes, but it’s less likely. Pregnancy can occur right after you ovulate, which typically happens mid-cycle.

Is there birth control for men?

Yes. Men can use condoms to prevent pregnancy and STDs or get a vasectomy for permanent birth control. Withdrawal (pulling out) is a free but risky method.

Can birth control shot make me sterile?

No, but it may take 12 months to achieve a pregnancy after being on the birth control shot.

Should I take a break sometimes from using the pill?

If you are healthy, there is no medical benefit from temporarily stopping the birth control pill, unless you want to become pregnant.

No matter how long you’ve taken the birth control pill, it’s just as effective as it was the day you started. You don’t need to increase your dosage. Your body won’t “get used” to it, making it less effective. The pill contains hormones like the ones your body makes naturally. Learn more about the birth control methods we carry.

how safe is the iud?

It is very unlikely. IUD’s are very safe and very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancies.

Got more questions? Email us at info@accessclinics.org or give us a call at 956-688-3700 to make an appointment at any of our clinics.

NEED BIRTH CONTROL?

Contact us and ask how we can help!

At Access Esperanza Clinics, we offer opportunities and hope for people to plan their futures and stay healthy. You can count on us for quality, affordable, and confidential care at all of our health clinics.

Contact us!

Phone: 956-688-3700
Send Email: info@accessclinics.org

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The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Please call Access Esperanza Clinics at 956-688-3700 to set an appointment at any of our clinics.

 

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