Do you need an examine before getting on birth control?

Answer 1

A pap smear and gynecological exam are not required to receive Birth Control. "The fact is, there isn't anything I would learn from doing a pelvic exam on a young woman that would prohibit me from offering her birth control pills," says Dr. Paul D. Blumenthal,director of contraceptive research and programsat Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University. Source: http://www.womensenews.org/story/health/040115/fewer-pelvic-exams-teens-seeking-birth-control

Also, a DNA test in lieu of an exam may be recommended based on recent findings mentioned at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07virus.HTML

There is a lot of debate regarding the need for pap smears especially in woman who are in monogamous relationships for extended periods of time. In addition, many doctors have been pressing for young woman to receive an annual pap smear within 1 year of becoming sexually active; however, there is no need fora test so soon as Cervical cancer in young woman is very unlikely (see sourced articles above). Even though the pap smear is something done routinely with many woman, it's not always necessary and you should always question the doctors regarding what risk factors are causing him/her to desire a pap smear. While it happens infrequently,individuals who were both virgins and continue to remain in a monogamous relationship have a nearly 0% chance of cervical cancer. Why does this matter? Well, you're willing to take birth control which is only 97-98% effective, your chances of getting cervical cancer would be lower than your chance of becoming pregnant in the hypothetical relationship I mentioned. I can say these relationships are possible as I am in one myself and until I went to my wifes doctors office with her, they would press for her to have anexam every time she was there. In my wifes case, we found out that her doctor was paid more for meeting quotas on pap smears which throws up many red flags.

While somewhat unrelated (but usually occurring during an exam), breast exams are now being recommended less. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/11/17/DI2009111701453.HTML

You don't necessarily need a pap smear test when you ask for birth control, but some Doctors do advise that a pap test be performed but it isn't mandatory.

AnswerYes you can. See your Gyno.

A pap smear and gynecological exam are not required to receive birth control. "The fact is, there isn't anything I would learn from doing a pelvic exam on a young woman that would prohibit me from offering her birth control pills," says Dr. Paul D. Blumenthal,director of contraceptive research and programsat Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University.

There is a lot of debate regarding the need for pap smears, especially in women who are in monogamous relationships for extended periods of time. In addition, many doctors have been pressing for young women to receive an annual pap smear within one year of becoming sexually active; however, there is no need for a test so soon as cervical cancer in young women is very unlikely (see sourced articles above). Even though the pap smear is something done routinely with many women, it's not always necessary, and you should always question the doctors regarding what risk factors are causing him/her to desire a pap smear. While it happens infrequently, individuals who were both virgins and continue to remain in a monogamous relationship have a nearly 0% chance of cervical cancer. Why does this matter? Well, you're willing to take birth control which is only 97-98% effective, your chances of getting cervical cancer would be lower than your chance of becoming pregnant in the hypothetical relationship I mentioned. I can say these relationships are possible as I am in one myself and until I went to my wife's doctor's office with her, they would press for her to have an exam every time she was there. In my wife's case, we found out that her doctor was paid more for meeting quotas on pap smears, which throws up many red flags.

No. The current standard of care recognizes that screening for cervical cancer and starting birth control are entirely separate issues. The Americal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, among others, suggests that patients be started on appropriate methods of birth control, and urged to get appropriate health screening exams, but urges health professionals not to require exams for birth control prescriptions unless there are other considerations or concerns making an exam necessary.

A visit is required at least annually to get a prescription for medication that requires one. A pap smear is typically not required every year; the frequency depends on your health history. The current standard of care is to separate the pap as a requirement for birth control prescription.
No, a pap smear is just used to test for cervical dysplasia which might lead to cervical cancer.

Answer 2

The current standard of care is that a pelvic exam is not required to get birth control pills, ring, patches, depo provera, or the contraceptive implant. It is only required for the process of inserting an IUD.

Answer 3

They can't force you to do anything but also consider it something to get used to. No is always an option but I suggest you sit down and talk to them about your worries. make an appointment just to talk. Hopefully you find a doctor you can stick with for years. Mine is wonderful, she's a pearl.

Answer 4

Your doctor will most likely do a pelvic exam and then go over your birth control options. If you have a specific one you'd like to talk about then don't be afraid to mention it.

Answer 5

Drug testing is not a normal part of getting a prescription for birth control.

Answer 6

No. The current standard of care is to offer Pap smears when indicated, but not to require them to start birth control.