Community health center of Buffalo, inc.
community health center of buffalo, inc.
Family Planning Services
for Teens, Women, Men & LBGTQ+
What Patients Need To Know
Family Planning Program
At the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. (CHCB), we offer caring, non-judgmental, and confidential family planning services to low-income teens, women, men, and LGBTQ+ at our Buffalo and Niagara Falls locations. Our expert clinicians are dedicated to educating our patients and providing quality comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and preventive services in a patient-centered atmosphere.
They are here to help you decide what is best for you!
We offer a Family Planning Benefit Program for those without health insurance to reduce barriers to care. We respect and protect the dignity of ALL patients. All services are voluntary, and no referrals are required. Individuals under the age of 18 years old can get confidential testing and treatment for STI’s including HIV and birth control without parent and/or guardian consent.
Pre-Natal Care Services
The Community Health Center of Niagara, and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) have launched a partnership to increase obstetrical care including pre-natal care, labor and delivery services, postpartum visits, and advanced gynecological services to CHCB, Inc. patients visiting the Family Planning Clinic at the Community Health Center of Niagara (CHCN). Pregnant women can receive pre-natal care at CHCN for approximately 24-26 weeks before being transferred to NFMMC for the remainder of the pregnancy to enable additional fetal monitoring and ultrasound services.
NFMMC obstetricians provide services at CHCN every other Tuesday for a four-hour session that alternates from 8 a.m. to Noon, or from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO GET TO KNOW YOU!
The Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. offers caring, non-judgmental, and confidential Women’s Health and Family Planning Services to women and men at our Buffalo and Niagara Falls locations.
Our expert Doctors, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and Certified Doula are enthusiastic, dedicated advocates for Women’s Health with a focus on Gynecology (GYN) which involves care of all women’s health issues, including important annual tests and exams (Pap Smear, Breast Exam, etc.).
Our team also specializes in family planning, birth control counseling and sexual health for both women and men. We can provide pregnancy testing for women, and Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing for both women and men. Focused on Patient Centered Medical Care, the Community Health Center of Buffalo, Inc. is also an LGBTQIF friendly organization.
Preventive Services:
- Teen-friendly Services – Walk-ins and Same Day Appointments Welcome
- Birth Control – All FDA approved methods, including Implants & IUDs, are available on-site
- Pregnancy Testing & Options Counseling
- STI Testing & Treatment
- Rapid HIV Testing & Prevention Counseling
- Treatment of Vaginal Infections
- Well-woman Exams & Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
- Preconception Care to help you plan for a healthy pregnancy
- Infertility Screening
- Screenings for depression, alcohol and tobacco use, and domestic violence
CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT, OR JUST WALK-IN!
Telehealth appointments are available for established patients.
Translation line also available.
Clinic Hours
8AM – 4 PM Monday – Friday
Locations
34 Benwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14214
2715 Highland Ave. Niagara Falls, NY 14305
Preventive Services:
- Teen-friendly Services – Walk-ins and Same Day Appointments Welcome
- Birth Control – All FDA approved methods, including Implants & IUDs, are available on-site
- Pregnancy Testing & Options Counseling
- STI Testing & Treatment
- Rapid HIV Testing & Prevention Counseling
- Treatment of Vaginal Infections
- Well-woman Exams & Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
- Preconception Care to help you plan for a healthy pregnancy
- Infertility Screening
- Screenings for depression, alcohol and tobacco use, and domestic violence
Contraceptive (birth control) methods:
- Implants
- Intrauterine Devices (IUD’s)
- NuvaRing
- Diaphragms
- Male Condoms
- Female Condoms
- Oral Contraceptive Pills
- Emergency Contraception – Morning After Pill Plan B
- Contraceptive Patch
- Depo-Provera Injections (The Shot)
Family Planning FAQ
If I’m under 18 years old and want to start birth control or receive services, do I need permission from my parent/guardian?
We do not require parental/guardian consent to get a birth control method or receive services at CHCB. However, we do encourage you to discuss your decisions with your parent/guardian. You are welcome to come to the clinic with or without an adult, but we will always bring you back by yourself initially.
What is the difference between a pelvic exam and a pap smear?
A pelvic exam is an examination of the female reproductive organs. During the exam, a medical provider can take several samples and one of those samples is what we call a pap smear. A pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. If your pap smear result is normal, you will only need one every 3 to 5 years, depending on your age. Having a pelvic exam does not automatically mean you will receive a pap smear. A pap smear is typically done during a well woman GYN visit.
When do I need to start having pelvic exams and pap smears?
We start giving pap smears at the age of 21, regardless of sexual history. If you are under 21 and sexually active, we recommend routine STI screening—this can either be done with a urine sample or a vaginal swab. You should always come in for evaluation of any new symptoms.
When should I use Emergency Contraceptives?
It should be taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. This includes forgetting your birth control, your birth control method failed, or you had sex against your will. EC is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex but is best when taken ASAP.
Can Emergency Contraception Pills (ECP) protect me against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)?
No, they do not protect you against HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or any other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD).
Where can I get Emergency Contraceptives?
We offer Emergency Contraception at our Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lockport and Niagara Falls locations.
What goes on during STD testing?
STD tests might look for things like syphilis, HIV, hepatitis, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis. Testing typically involves providing a blood sample, urine sample, or both, depending on the test.
How long will it take to get my results?
Most patients receive test results within 3 to 5 business days.
Trusted Expertise
Primary care doctors are health experts uniquely trained to guide you through all stages of life.
24/7 Care
We’ve got you covered with same day care at our clinics, as well as quick access to your medical information online.
For Everyone
Certified family physicians, internists, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, we have a team of experts for you.
Treatment
Our Primary Care Includes
- Comprehensive annual physicals
- Vaccinations
- Preventive and wellness care
- Chronic Disease Management
- Care of routine medical conditions
- Women’s health concerns
- Men’s health concerns
- Management of allergy, asthma, and skin conditions
- Treatment of acute illness and injuries
