If you’re just talking with your doctor about getting birth control, you don’t need a pelvic exam. But the doctor will need to do the exam if you plan to get a method of birth control like an intrauterine device (IUD) (which needs to be inserted) or a diaphragm (these come in different sizes).

Other Reasons for a Pelvic Exam

It’s important to have a pelvic exam if you have:

• pelvic or belly pain
• abnormal vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding

To learn more about birth control or pelvic exams, talk with your doctor. You can also go to a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.