Frequently Asked Questions
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
empty
empty
Can I confidentially speak with a nurse?
Do I have to tell anyone about my appointment?
Can I bring a parent, friend or partner with me to my appointment?
How much do services cost?
How do I prepare for my visit?
How long will my appointment take?
How will I get my test results from my appointment?
What is the NPP (Notice of Privacy Practices)?
PREGNANCY
I have taken a pregnancy test at home, and it’s positive. Should I still call?
How soon will an at-home test show I’m pregnant?
What if my test is negative?
Can I still request an appointment if I have a negative test?
Why wait to take a test?
ABORTION
I am considering an abortion. Should I still make an appointment at Anchor of Hope?
If I have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and regret my decision, is it too late?
What is a medical abortion?
What is a surgical abortion?
Surgical abortions are also called in-clinic abortions. There are 2 types of surgical abortion:
- Aspiration abortion: It is performed on women up to 14 weeks after their last period.
- Medicine given: pain medicine, which can include a numbing medication that is injected into the cervix.
- Average clinic visit: 3-4 hours
- Process: “Your doctor will first insert a speculum and examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched and opened with dilators either before or during the procedure. Your doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus. Many women will feel mild to moderate cramping during this portion of the procedure. The cramping typically decreases after the tube is removed from the uterus.” Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types
- Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) Abortion: It is typically performed at 14 or 16 weeks or after.
- Medicine given: pain medicine
- Average clinic visit: 3-4 hours
- Process: “This procedure starts the same way as an aspiration abortion, with the doctor applying pain medication, checking your uterus, and dilating your cervix. Like the aspiration abortion, the doctor inserts a tube attached to a suction machine to the uterus through the cervix and, combined with the other medical tools, it will gently empty the uterus. After the tube has been removed, your doctor will use a small, metal loop-shaped tool called a curette to remove any remaining tissue that is lining the uterus. This will ensure that the uterus is completely empty.” Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/surgical-abortion#abortion-types
What is the law in Wisconsin regarding my rights to an abortion?
Can I get an abortion at Anchor of Hope?
Anchor of Hope does not perform or refer for an abortion. However, we do provide education, medical grade pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, abortion pill reversal, and a medical consultation with a licensed medical professional to help you consider your options while making a pregnancy decision.
ABORTION RECOVERY
What happens after an abortion?
We offer post-abortion medical appointments. We know that pregnancy is a life-changing event for both those who choose to carry pregnancies to term and those who choose to terminate a pregnancy. Because of this, we want to be able to offer you free and confidential support no matter your decision. CONTACT US by submitting this form, or by calling or texting 920-452-4673.
We offer post-abortion emotional support. Many women may experience, emotional, physical or relational struggles resulting from a past abortion decision. Forgiven & Set Free is a 10-week program designed for individuals who realize group support may help them work through the various steps of grieving this loss. Contact us by submitting this form, or by calling 920-452-4673 or texting “HEALING” to 920-452-4673.
ADOPTION
What is an open adoption?
What is a closed adoption?
What is the law in Wisconsin regarding my rights as a birth mom to an adoption?
Can I still request an appointment if making an adoption plan may be an option for me?
Absolutely! We are here to discuss all of your options. Request an appointment now.
PARENTING
Can I still request an appointment if I am planning on parenting?
Absolutely! We are here to discuss all of your options. Request an appointment now.
Are there services within Sheboygan County that would support me during my pregnancy and after?
STD TESTING
When should I get tested for STD’s?
Does my yearly checkup include STD testing?
The services performed in a yearly check-up vary by physician. Some physicians will not screen for STIs as a part of your routine appointment unless you request it. Please ask your physician for more information on their STI testing protocol and remember the Centers for Disease Control recommends screening any time you have had a new or multiple sex partners.
I’m under 18, do I need my parents’ permission for testing?
Do I have to be tested for everything?
No, our licensed medical professionals will help assess your level of risk for various infections and provide you with information and make a testing recommendation.
How do you test for STD’s? (What to expect if I am tested)
- Bacterical Vaginosis- vaginal swab*
- Chlamydia- urine sample
- Gonorrhea- urine sample
- Hepatitis- blood work
- Herpes- blood work
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)- blood work
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- pap test/visual exam (if necessary)*
- Syphilis- blood work
- Trichomoniasis- vaginal swab*/urine sample
*Indicates not currently testing for this infection
CONTRACEPTION
Do you provide Plan B?
Do you prescribe birth control?
Anchor of Hope Health Center does not provide, nor refer, for hormonal birth control. However, licensed medical staff are available to provide information about birth control. Medical staff may also refer you to your primary physician to discuss this subject.
Do you give out condoms?
No, we do not provide condoms.
Regarding pregnancy, condoms, when used properly every time, have a theoretical effectiveness rate of 98% for pregnancy. In reality, “18 out of 100 people will be come pregnant if condoms are the only birth control used.” Source: https://birthcontrol.com/options/condom/how-effective-are-condoms/.
Regarding sexual health risk, although condoms can reduce the exposure rick to infections, they do not eliminate risk of infection. The CDC states, “The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of STD’s are to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.” Source: https://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/brief.html
Anchor of Hope Health Center is a faith-based community non profit committed to providing you with everything you need to make an informed choice. We believe women and men have a right to accurate information from a resource that will not profit from your choices. All services to our patients are completely FREE of charge, professional and confidential. We do not provide or refer for abortions. We do not profit from any of your sexual health or pregnancy decisions.