At Your Appointment

Birth Control Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • What kind of birth control do you currently use? Has your birth control been easy to use and remember?
  • How often, if ever, have you missed or forgotten to use birth control?
  • Have your periods changed in any way, including having breakthrough bleeding?
  • Are you planning to become pregnant in the near future?
  • Are there any changes to your medical history?
  • How many sexual partners do you have?
  • Do you have a history of smoking? If yes, for how long and in what amount? Are you currently smoking?
  • Do you have heavy or painful periods or spotting between periods?
  • Have you ever had a blood clot, stroke, high blood pressure, or migraine?
  • Have you ever had heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, lupus or cancer?
  • Are you having any problems with your birth control?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • What are my birth control options?
  • How effective is each birth control method?
  • What are the pros and cons of each method, particularly comparing hormonal and non-hormonal forms of birth control?
  • What are the side effects and possible medication interactions of hormonal birth control methods?
  • Which methods also provide protection against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)?
  • How much do the different methods cost?
  • What should I do if my birth control fails or I think it may have failed?
  • Will a pregnancy test be accurate with my form of birth control?
  • What should I do if I forget to take my birth control pill?
  • If I decide to become pregnant, how long should I wait after stopping my method of birth control?
  • If I decide to stop my birth control, how should I do it and what should I expect?
  • Would a different brand or form of birth control be better for me?
  • Are my new symptoms due to my birth control method?
  • What is my best birth control option based on my lifestyle and my personal and family history?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Sep 10
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Birth Control Pill FAQ: Benefits, Risks and Choices. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/birth-control/in-depth/birth-control-pill/art-20045136
  2. Bonnema RA, McNamara MC, Spencer AL. Contraception choices in women with underlying medical conditions. Am Fam Physician. 2010 Sep 15;82(6):621-628.