Do You Need a Pelvic Exam to Get Birth Control?
Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
To get birth control, do you have to be examined by a doctor first?
Not always. Until recently, women expected to have a pelvic exam before a doctor would prescribe any kind of birth control. Now experts agree that a physical exam is not necessary before starting birth control.
There are specific reasons to have a pelvic exam, such as if you have:
- pelvic or abdominal pain
- abnormal vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
If these don't apply to you, let the clinic or doctor's office know that you don't want an exam when you make your appointment.
Medically reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date reviewed: January 2022