First, let me reassure you. You can get birth control as a teen without needing to have a pelvic exam. That’s right! You don’t need to have a complete exam to get birth control.
Many teens who come to see me for birth control have heard lots of frightening stories from friends which can scare them and prevent them from seeking birth control options.
Many women assume that they will need a complete physical including a pelvic exam to obtain birth control. They may have heard from friends that besides being embarrassing, exams are painful when in reality, most can be done without any discomfort. It’s understandable that young women would wonder if getting birth control is really worth going to a provider. We also prescribe birth control for many other reasons, such as acne, painful and heavy periods, and for the mood changes that can occur around the time of the period for PMS, which is now known as PMDD.
What does happen during the office visit
What I do and what most providers do is to talk to you while you’re fully dressed, obtain your medical history, discuss any allergies and any concerns you have and then go over your birth control options.
We talk about:
- IUDs
- Implants
- Injections (shots)
- Pills
- Patches
- Rings
- Condoms
Then we work with you to discuss what might be your best option, go over how to use it and provide it for you right away if it’s a pill, patch, ring or injection. If you’re interested in an implant or IUD, then we’ll schedule an appointment for that.
Remember only condoms can help prevent you from acquiring a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
Here’s a complete list of birth control options from Planned Parenthood.
I care for women at every age and stage, including teens at El Camino Women’s Medical Group in the heart of Silicon Valley.
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