Birth Control
Patient Education

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Birth Control

From time to time, you may want to discuss your birth control options with your doctor. Our patient education guide provides questions for you and your doctor to discuss so you can make informed decisions about your birth control choices.

Questions About My Needs

• Which method would be best for my age and living situation?
• Is there a pill for birth control that will also take away my painful periods?
• Can I get pregnant if I am breast-feeding?
• Do cheaper generic birth control pills work as well?
• Must I always use condoms if I have a history of Herpes or HPV?
• If I have never had a baby, can I still get an IUD inserted?
• Would over-the-counter spermicides work for me?
• Is cycle timing or withdrawal effective?
• What should I do if I forgot to use contraceptives during intercourse?

Questions About Choice of Birth Control Method

• Do I need to take a break from hormonal control periodically?
• Are there any types of contraceptives that would be contraindicated for me with my other medications or medical history?
• What type of contraception should I use if I am nursing my baby?
• If I don't want hormones, what method would work well for me?

Questions About My Lifestyle and Family

• Will I still be able to have children in the future with this method?
• How long will it take to become fertile after I stop this method of birth control?
• If there is stroke or breast cancer in my family history, can I still take the birth control pill?
• Are vasectomies or tubal ligations reversible?