A health care provider (a.k.a. your doctor, nurse or physician assistant) can give you the best information on birth control methods. Many birth control options are prescription-only. So, if you want the pill, a diaphragm, the patch, etc., you’ll need to talk to a health care provider. Remember, you can always have this conversation during a routine exam, or schedule a separate appointment for a consultation or an exam; just say, “I’d like to come in and talk about birth control.” Use our Clinic Locator to find a health care provider near you.
How Can I Make Myself More Comfortable Before the Appointment?
It’s important that you are comfortable talking with your health care provider. Remember, they are there to help, not to judge, so you should feel comfortable being honest and asking the questions. When discussing birth control or STIs, many women prefer to see a health care provider who specializes in women’s health or family planning like a gynecologist or family planning nurse.
Before You Go In
- Make an appointment early in the day and early in the week. This way your health care provider will not likely be running late and will have more time to answer your questions.
- Research your birth control options beforehand. Knowing the basic information about birth control will allow you to be able to ask more specific questions and make the most of your visit.
- If you’re nervous or uncomfortable ask a friend, your partner or a parent to go with you.
- Make a list of questions to bring with you. Nothing is more annoying than remembering something you forgot to ask after the fact. And remember; don’t be shy or embarrassed to ask questions, especially if something is unclear. Birth control works best if you use it correctly. Here are some example questions:
- How reliable is this birth control method at preventing pregnancy?
- Does this birth control protect me against STI’s like HIV?
- Is this birth control hard to use?
- What does it cost? Is there a generic or cheaper option?
- Do I need a prescription?
- Are there methods that are suitable for my age, relationship status or stage in life?
- What do I do if my method fails or I forget to use it? (The S.O.D.S. FAQs can also help.)
- How soon can I get pregnant after I stop using this birth control?
Preparing for Questions That Your Health Care Provider Might Ask
Your health care provider is going to ask you some personal questions. It’s important to answer all questions truthfully. Sometimes you may be tempted to gloss-over the truth, but your health care provider needs this information to help you make the best decisions. When it comes to behaviors like smoking, drinking alcohol and having unprotected sex with multiple partners, honesty is the best policy. Here are some examples of the questions you might get asked:
- Are you sexually active?
- When was your last period?
- Do you use birth control?
- Do you use condoms?
- Do you have drug allergies?
- What other medications or over-the-counter drugs are you taking?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you drink alcohol?
- Are you up-to-date on your vaccinations?
- What kind of birth control are you interested in?
- Do you need long-term protection or are you planning on getting pregnant in the near future?
- Can you take a pill every day at the same time?
- How do you feel about spotting or bleeding between periods?
- Do you want to have a period regularly?
- Have you finished having children?
- Do you have a long-term partner?
- Do you have any other health conditions you are at risk for (like high blood pressure)?
