Frequently Asked Questions

SELAH’s pregnancy tests are free and confidential. Our lab quality tests are just like the ones you’d get in a doctor’s office or hospital. Home pregnancy tests are usually very accurate, but not always. Your health, as well as your baby’s health, is very important. If your test with us is positive, we can talk about scheduling an ultrasound to see if you have a viable pregnancy and for you to learn exactly how far along you are. These are the first important steps you’ll need to take to start considering your options for your best possible future.

The hormones in your body that result in a positive pregnancy test can’t be detected until 9 to 11 days after fertilization. You just need to wait until after that period of time then call or come in, and we’ll provide a test.

Even though it’s rare, it is possible to get pregnant on the pill. It’s important to know if you are pregnant, so you should definitely come in for a test. If it’s positive, we can schedule you for a free ultrasound for confirmation.

The purpose of the ultrasounds we offer is to confirm a pregnancy after a positive pregnancy test. We don’t provide ultrasounds just to determine the sex of the baby.

If you have a confirmed pregnancy you can still be tested and treated at SELAH but the nurse will ask for your permission to contact your medical provider with positive results. If you have not yet confirmed a pregnancy, we can do that while you are here.

SELAH does not offer the morning-after pill, or Plan B. However, it’s important for you to rule out pregnancy from any previous sexual activity, so if that’s a possibility for you, feel free to schedule an appointment.

The tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia do not require a blood test or physical exam. You will be asked to provide a urine specimen and the nurse will visit with you regarding other specimens that may be needed. She will also instruct you how to self-collect the necessary specimens.

You will be asked to make a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with the nurse. If your results are positive, you will also meet with the doctor to discuss treatment, notification of partners and any questions you may have.

To protect your privacy, we prefer you discuss your results with the nurse at your follow-up appointment. If your results are positive you still must meet with the doctor to receive treatment in our clinic.

It is important for you to be tested regardless of your partner’s status. We are only able to treat clients whom we have tested.

If you’ve been sexually intimate orally, anally or vaginally, you may have put yourself at risk for an STD. It’s really that simple.

STD stands for “sexually transmitted disease.” STI stands for “sexually transmitted infection.” STD is the term more frequently used in the medical community, but STI is more often used in the media and amongst your peers.

Condoms can only reduce the chance of infection with STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Herpes and HPV are found on the external genitalia, a place condoms don’t cover. The only guaranteed protection from these two STDs is refraining from any genital to genital or oral to genital contact.

The process of recovering from an abortion is different for everyone. SELAH offers sensitive and confidential support for women who have terminated one or more pregnancies and men who have been involved with an abortion, whether it was a recent abortion or many years ago. Please contact us if you have questions about our after abortion help.

We want you to know you’re not alone. Sometimes that just means listening. We want to offer what you need to heal or find hope for a new day–unconditionally, and every person is different in the way they process an experience and what they need afterward. Simply call or email to learn what that might look like for you.

We do not offer or refer for abortions but we will be happy to answer any questions and provide any information you are seeking.

We don’t provide that kind of medical testing, but we can refer you to some of the great clinics in our area and get you on your way to good health and peace of mind.

We don’t provide or refer for contraceptives. Each person is different in how you might respond to the many different types of birth control available. We encourage you to discuss that with your doctor.

First of all, no matter what the circumstances were, rape or sexual assault is NEVER the victim’s fault. Secondly, for both your physical and emotional health you need to seek immediate professional help. There’s an organization called Advocates Building Peaceful Communities that can help you during this difficult time or you can visit your own family physician. Advocates: 970-879-2034 or 970-879-8888 (24-hour hotline).

We want to make sure we have a special time set aside to talk with you so it’s usually best to have an appointment. Feel free to stop in any time, though, because we’re always happy to see you.

To protect your confidentiality, you’ll need to bring your valid photo ID. A driver’s license or student ID will work.

We understand needing friends during times like this. Feel free to bring someone along. We will meet with you personally at first, to give you the privacy you need for the intake process, but your friend will be able to join you later in the appointment when you feel ready for that. We’ll even give you tea or coffee to help you get comfortable. We want to be there for you, too.

There are options available for people who need care even if they don’t have insurance. Selah will provide you with a free pregnancy test. If it’s positive, we can perform an ultrasound and provide a pregnancy verification form that can be used for Medicaid application at Department of Human Services.