You can get hormonal methods of contraception such as the Birth Control Pill, Nuvaring, Ortho-Evra Patch, or Depo- Provera without having a pelvic exam.
We will strongly recommend that you have an annual exam in order to check for sexually transmitted infection and early signs of cancer.
Types of birth control available without an exam.
Is it true you do not have to have a pelvic exam?
When and why is the pelvic exam needed?
What is H.O.P.E.?
| Hormonal Methods of Birth Control Available Without a Pelvic Exam |
Planned Parenthood offers low-dose birth control pills, Nuvaring, Ortho-Evra Patch and Depo-Provera injections to women without requiring a pelvic exam first, if you do not have:
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Risk factors for taking hormones
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Symptoms of cancer of the reproductive organs
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Cancer of the breast or reproductive organs
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| Is It True You Don't Have to Have a Pelvic Exam? |
Yes. It used to be that you had to have a complete exam and several tests before you started these hormonal methods of birth control, and at least once a year after that.
After more than 30 years of medical research, we now know that it is medically safe to offer hormonal methods of birth control without a pelvic exam. You will need to have your blood pressure checked and a short history will be taken. This history and blood pressure check should identify any risks you may have that are related to these methods. You will also be given detailed information about the birth control method that you choose.
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| When and Why is the Pelvic Exam Needed? |
Having an annual exam is very important and strongly recommended for general health screening—especially to screen for:
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Sexually transmitted infections—because you can’t always tell if you have an infection and long term effects can be serious and can even cause sterility (even if you do not have any symptoms).
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Early signs of cancer of the cervix. You need to have a Pap test once a year or as advised by your medical provider—it could save your life.
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Early signs of breast cancer—you need to have breast exams scheduled as advised by your medical provider.
If you choose not to have an exam during your appointment for birth control, we do urge you to schedule a full examination when you can! It will help you stay healthy, preserve your ability to have children when you want them, and possibly save your life by detecting cancer or precancerous conditions early.
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At Planned Parenthood we call getting your pills, Nuvaring, patches or Depo-Provera without a pelvic exam H.O.P.E., which stands for "Hormonal contraception with Option Pelvic Exam."
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