Myths About Women Care – Let’s Set the Record Straight!
Navigating women’s care at the OBGYN can sometimes feel confusing. Especially with so much misinformation floating around. Plus, “women’s care” can mean a lot of different things! Depending on where you are in your life, you could need some specific care at the gynecologist. We’re here to bust some common myths that might keep you from getting the care you need, whether that’s gynecology or something else. Because ladies, every woman deserves top-notch care. Here at ThriVe, we specialize in no-cost services for women facing unplanned pregnancies rather than ongoing gynecologic care. But whether you need an STD screening, support for an unplanned pregnancy, or emotional support post-abortion, you’re worthy and deserving of sensitive, accurate care for women. ThriVe is in your corner, to help you feel empowered and supported. Here are five myths about women’s care that you might have heard before. Let’s get into it!
1. Women Care is Expensive and Inaccessible
It’s no secret — healthcare can be pricey. Unfortunately, we women tend to need a lot of care. Our bodies are all different, and our needs can vary a lot. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, ThriVe wants you to know that you don’t need to worry about cost. All of our services are no-cost. Why? We’re committed to making care accessible for everyone. Whether you come into our clinic or connect with us via Telehealth, we’re here to offer support, medically-based information, and the care you deserve without the added stress of cost. And that includes our medical services.
| No-cost services | We offer no cost pregnancy tests, STI screenings, and ultrasounds. |
| Telehealth options | Access our services from the comfort of your home through ThriVe+. |
| Accessible to all | Whether you have insurance or not, we’re here for you. |
2. If You’re Healthy, You Don’t Need Women Care
Here’s the thing: being proactive about your health is empowering, whether or not you feel “healthy.” Even if everything seems fine, it’s still essential to stay on top of your annual exams at your regular doctor and get screened for STIs if you’re sexually active. Some STIs can be sneaky, showing no symptoms, but they can still cause long-term harm if left untreated. Learning about your cycle, understanding what’s normal for your body, and noticing when something’s off (like needing a pregnancy test) can be game-changing. ThriVe offers no-cost pregnancy tests and STI screenings to help you stay on top of things. It’s a flex to know your body, and know when something’s off! That’s how you get the highest level of care. Here’s how you can do that:
| Regular exams with your doctor | Staying current with annual exams is key, even if you feel healthy. |
| STI screening | STIs don’t always show symptoms but can have serious long-term effects. |
| Cycle tracking | Knowing your body’s natural rhythms helps identify when something is off. |
| No-cost pregnancy tests | ThriVe offers lab-quality pregnancy tests at no cost. |
3. Ultrasounds are Only for Women Who Aren’t Considering Abortion
This is a big misconception! An ultrasound is critical for all pregnant women, regardless of their decision about the future of the pregnancy. An ultrasound provides vital information — like identifying an ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy is developing outside of the uterus),1 whether the pregnancy is healthy or is naturally ending on its own,2 and how far along the pregnancy is. This info is crucial, especially when making decisions about your next steps.
So even if you’re considering abortion, it’s really important that you have an ultrasound. For example, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation, so knowing the exact age of the pregnancy matters.3 At ThriVe, we offer ultrasounds to help you understand all of your options—because your health and well-being come first. You’re the VIP.
| Ectopic pregnancy detection | This serious condition requires immediate care. |
| Viability check | Knowing if your pregnancy is viable can help inform your choice. |
| Gestational age | Ultrasounds determine how far along you are, especially important if considering the abortion pill (only approved up to 10 weeks).3 |
4. You Can Handle Your Own Women’s Care Without Medical Supervision
We get it — taking care of yourself independently is a powerful feeling. And you absolutely have the power to make decisions about your health and future. But certain things — like taking the abortion pill — are safest with medical supervision. While some may feel like they can manage their own care by ordering the abortion pill online and taking it without seeing a doctor, it’s vital to consult a medical professional before undergoing any medical procedure (like the abortion pill). The abortion pill has risks and side effects. It’s important to be monitored by someone trained to look out for complications like incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, or infection. ThriVe is here to give you the facts and ensure you stay safe.
| Abortion pill risks | Includes heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion, and infection.4 |
| Medical supervision | Having a trained professional helps manage complications. |
| Get the facts | ThriVe provides medically-accurate information in a supportive setting. |
5. Health Providers Profit from Your Decision or Don’t Respect Your Choice
This is never, ever true at ThriVe! We understand that discussing your sexual and reproductive health can sometimes feel awkward or uncomfortable. Some women may worry that they’ll be judged or pressured into a decision, or that a healthcare provider might suggest a treatment purely for financial reasons. Not at ThriVe. At ThriVe, we’re committed to providing medically-accurate information in a non-judgmental environment. We are independently funded, so we never profit from your pregnancy choice. We’re here to empower you to make decisions that are right for you — without any pressure or financial incentives. Your health, safety, and choice are our top priorities. Always.
| No judgment zone | We respect your decisions and provide compassionate care. |
| No financial incentives | We offer our services at no cost, so there’s no hidden agenda. We never benefit from your decision. |
| Empowerment first | Our goal is to provide accurate information so you can make the best decision for yourself. |
Taking control of your health is one of the most powerful things you can do, and ThriVe is here to support you. Whether it’s getting no-cost pregnancy tests or STI screenings, or just having someone listen—we’ve got you covered. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you make informed, empowered decisions about your reproductive health. Schedule an appointment so we can get you cared for.
Sources:
1https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
2https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354304
3https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
4https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123
