For Men

She thinks she is pregnant! Now what?

Perhaps you are wondering if the baby is even yours. Maybe family and friends are encouraging you to push her to have an abortion. Perhaps there are so many questions and concerns at this point that you simply don't know what to do. Whatever the situation, you are not alone. Lots of men find themselves where you are.

The first thing to do is take some deep breaths and calm down. We can help you get through all of this. Abortion may seem like an easy answer but it does have significant risks that you may not be aware of. Having a baby does not mean the end of your dreams and plans for your future.

She Needs You Right Now.

It may be called a "woman's choice" to have an abortion but rarely does she want to make that decision alone. Many women report waiting for their boyfriend/husband to tell them that all well be "ok" if she makes a different decision. Many women say after their abortion that they were laying on that exam table "waiting for my boyfriend/husband to rush into the room and tell me not to go through with the abortion". She needs you to help her make the very best decision for both of you. We are here to help! We can explain all the options to each of you and help you to formulate a plan for the future.

She needs your friendship, your strength and your support right now more than ever.

MyLife Medical & Resource Centers offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Encourage her to make an appointment with our office right away. We can help answer the questions "Is she pregnant?" and "How far along is she?"

One or both of us is considering abortion.

First, let's find out if she is pregnant and how far along she is. Contact MyLife Medical & Resource Center to set up an appointment for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound. Once pregnancy has been verified, we can walk you both through the options that are available for this pregnancy. There is more than one option. And we are here to help.

If abortion still seems the very best decision for this pregnancy, the following is a list of questions you need to ask at the abortion clinic. It is best not to leave the first abortion clinic appointment until these questions (and any others you think of) are answered fully and completely to your satisfaction.

• What kind of abortion will she have? Will it be chemical or surgical? Ask about the risks. It's important that you both sit through any discussion about the abortion procedures. Most women will appreciate a man who wants to be with them through this difficult time.
• Who is the doctor and what are his/her credentials? Be sure to write down the doctor's name. Don't let her sign any papers that might release that doctor from any liability if he/she hurts her. Both of you read everything very carefully.
• Check to see if the clinic is clean and sanitary. Many clinics are never inspected by governmental agencies. As a result, they can provide sub-standard care to their patients. If the clinic doesn't appear spotless, find another one.
• They should offer an ultrasound. Insist on being allowed to view the screen. Both of you have a right to view any medical tests that are being conducted.
• Should your girlfriend/wife have any doubts, take her home. There is no rush to make this decision. Any hesitation on her part could mean significant regrets in the future. Always remind her that you support her in the pregnancy and don't want to push her into something she doesn't want to do.
• Accompany her throughout the clinic. Should the clinic staff seek to isolate you from your girlfriend/wife be immediately suspicious and ask her to leave with you for the time being. She needs you now more than ever and she also needs someone to ensure that she isn't hurt in any way. Whatever the clinic rules are, there is no reason you cannot hold her hand through this procedure.

Remember that abortion does not erase a mistake it only adds new ones. Abortion is PERMANENT. There is no "undoing" this decision. Come into one of our offices so we can discuss all of the options available.

Post Abortion Stress Syndrome

If she chooses abortion or has already participated in an abortion, be prepared for "Post Abortion Stress Syndrome" (PAS). One or more of the following problems could be experienced by either one of you or both of you. Men hurt from abortion decisions, too. If you see any signs of any of the following, please seek professional counseling. Do not allow these issues to begin ruling your life.

• Fear of failure
• Fear of being judged
• Fear of making decisions
• Fear of taking risks
• Feeling of defeat
• Feeling unworthy
• Depression
• Guilt
• Shame
• Panic attacks
• Addictions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty with relationships
• Inability to bond with other children
• Sexual dysfunctions
• Sense of loss
• Sleeplessness, bad dreams, nightmares
• Eating disorders
• And perhaps many other symptoms

If you or your girlfriend/wife is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please understand that you are not alone and help is available. Contact MyLife Medical & Resource Centers to find out more.

We are here for both of you.

STDs and abortion

Having an STD during an abortion can cause serious problems for the patient. Be sure that she has been tested for STDs before the abortion. We offer free & low cost STD testing at MyLife Medical & Resource Centers. Contact us today for more information.

STI/STD Testing for Men

We are now offering STI/STD testing for men. There are charges involved with some of the testing. Please contact MyLife Medical & Resource Centers for more information.

If you have been sexually active AT ALL you need to be tested. Some STDs are spread with skin-to-skin contact so a person can still "technically" be a virgin and have an STD. Almost all STDs show no initial symptoms. Please don't wait for some type of symptom to appear before seeking medical attention. Take control of your health and get tested!

Knowledge is power. Take control. Get tested. Get treated. Get healthy.