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STD's and sexual health, part 2: Pittsburgh resources for the GLBT community
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Last Tuesday I sat down with Marcia Smith of Adagio Health at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in downtown Pittsburgh. Marcia, along with Gwen Lindsey, are two health care workers from Adagio that are at the GLCC every Tuesday from 4-8pm to conduct confidential STD screenings and gynecological exams. Whether you are straight, gay, male, female, or transgender, you can walk into the clinic or call ahead for testing and know that your visit is private (see below for contact details).
My conversation with Marcia focused on two topics: (1) misperceptions about the transmittal of sexually transmitted diseases and (2) resources available to GLBT people in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, when it comes to STD’s the GLBT community is a high risk group due to certain social factors (see part 1 of STD’s and sexual health). So here are some questions I had for Marsha that everyone should think about:
Q: Are STD’s only transmitted through sexual intercourse?
A: No! As Marcia stated, “there are other forms of sexual contact that can lead to the transmittal of STD’s.” Basically, any contact with the sex organs carries risk (this includes but is not limited to oral sex).
Q: Do condoms always protect against STD’s?
A: No! Condoms are great and it is far better to use a condom than not but they don’t cover everything and again, any type of sexual contact can lead to transmittal of an STD.
Q: What steps can I take to protect myself against STD’s?
A: As stated above, intercourse is not the only way to get an STD and condoms do not always protect against all sexually transmitted diseases. The most important thing is for you and your partner to get tested before becoming sexually active. Also, even though condoms don’t protect against everything it is still far better to use a condom (or dental dam for women) than not. Condoms are easy to find (and available free at the GLCC), dental dams are not but at http://www.undercovercondoms.com/ you can find both. So use them!
Q: If my partner and I have been together for a long time and we’ve both been tested and found negative for STD’s is it okay to stop using a condom or dental dam?
A: This is controversial and Marcia was reluctant to give actual advice about it (so I won’t either). It’s really up to you and your partner. Just remember, if someone cheats… you have to suck it up and let the other person know.
Q: Where is Adagio Health located?
A: http://www.adagiohealth.org/pages/locations/locations.htm provides all of the locations in Pennsylvania. In Allegheny County there are two locations: Downtown and East Liberty. To make an appointment at the GLCC on Tuesday you can call the East Liberty location or just walk in sometime between 4pm and 8pm.
Q: If I want to get tested at Adagio, what do I do?
A: As stated above, whether you want to get tested at the GLCC or at one of Adagio’s other locations you can call for an appointment or just walk in (although calling ahead might save you some waiting time). If you walk in you will not be turned away. Adagio’s phone number is:
Downtown: 412-288-2140
East Liberty: 412-661-2900
Q: What if I don’t have health insurance? What is the cost?
A: Adagio uses a “sliding fee” system where how much you pay is assessed depending on your family size and income. If you have health insurance, all insurance is accepted. Also, Select Plan for Women is a Pennsylvania state program that provides medical assistance for family planning services to all women up to the age of 44. All this means that you will receive the care that you need without having to worry about a huge bill.
It’s important for everyone to know the facts about STD’s and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others. For a great resource on STD’s and protecting yourself visit the CDC’s STD page at http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm.
For more info: http://www.adagiohealth.org/, http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm
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