- It’s great that you want to have this conversation with your healthcare provider. It’s okay to feel embarrassed, but don’t be. Doctors are experienced and trained to have these types of conversations with their patients—they’re here to give you the information you need.
- Empower yourself and research your options—use our Birth Control Tool to find help. The best decision is one in which you are fully informed.
- List your questions (on paper or in your phone) for the doctor before your appointment so you don’t forget them.
- Be honest about your sexual practices and medical history. Talk to your doctor about past methods you’ve used and ones you’re considering. Your healthcare provider will most likely confirm you are not pregnant before giving you a birth control method.
- Didn’t get the method you were hoping for? Be sure to ask all the questions you may have to understand why. Often times a doctor may not prescribe a medication or in this case, birth control, because there are contraindications, which means there is condition or factor that would make use of the method more harmful then helpful.