When you go to a free clinic to get birth control, do you have to be examined
by a doctor before you can get it? – Dariya*
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 always necessary before starting birth
control.
Even though an exam is no longer required, it's a good idea in some cases. Some
of the reasons why doctors or
do a physical exam before
prescribing birth control are: