Talking to your doctor
There are many choices of hormonal contraceptive available. Do your own research and speak with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of the different available types of hormonal contraceptive and choose the one that best fits your needs.
This section will help prepare you for an informed discussion with your doctor about birth control.
Before you visit your doctor
It is important for you to think about what you want from a contraceptive, and that decision is influenced by a lot of factors you should consider before you visit with your doctor. These considerations may include:
- In terms of your sex life: Are you in a steady relationship or single? Do you have sex regularly? Do you need protection against STIs?
- In terms of planning ahead: Are children a long way in the future or are you considering starting a family shortly, perhaps thinking about another child or have you completed your family?
- In terms of your daily life: Are you busy, travel a lot or work irregular hours? How will your schedule impact your ability to use different methods as directed?
- How important is it for you to find a method that you take (or stop) on your own versus one that might involve assistance from your doctor?
- How important is it for you to know exactly when you will have your period each month?
- How would you describe your ideal contraceptive?
What to expect during your visit
Before writing a prescription, your doctor will perform a thorough health assessment that may include breast and pelvic exams, a blood pressure check, and urine and blood tests. Your doctor will also ask some personal questions to further assess your health status. Think about these questions before your appointment and answer them honestly. Your answers will help you and your doctor make the most appropriate choice.
Your doctor may ask about
- Any medications you are currently taking (including non-prescription medications)
- Your personal and family health history
- Your menstrual cycle (date of last period, regularity of periods, and intensity (heavy, normal, scant) of menstrual flow)
- Your sexual relationships (including the number of partners you have)
- Any history of sexually transmitted infection
- Your lifestyle (exercise, diet, smoking, alcohol and drug use)
Get the most from your visit to the doctor
Because doctors and their patients are often busy, it can help to have a list of questions ready in advance. Here are some questions that might help start a productive conversation:
- What contraceptives are available that might meet my preferences?
- I’m having trouble using my current contraceptive correctly. What would you recommend?
- What’s involved in switching from my existing method to another one?
- What is “correct use” and what could happen if I use it wrong or miss a dose?
- How do the methods compare with regard to hormone doses?
- I may want to start a family in the near future. What are the options for an easily reversible contraceptive?
- I have a busy lifestyle. Can you tell me about birth control methods I can depend on if my schedule changes frequently?
- I sometimes experience mid-cycle spotting or bleeding with my current method. Should I continue using it, or are there other options that make mid-cycle spotting less likely?
- What are factors to consider when looking at a combination hormonal contraceptive versus progestin-only?
- What about other side effects?
Ask yourself these questions about your current method of birth control:
- Does it suit my lifestyle today?
- Has it been causing unwanted side effects?
- Is it difficult or inconvenient to take it exactly as directed?
Remember, today’s birth control methods are effective, but they still depend on you to use them correctly. Your doctor can help you find a method that suits your lifestyle and makes mistakes less likely.
Don’t forget how important it is to see your doctor regularly to discuss your physical health.
