Do You Need a Pelvic Exam to Get Birth Control?
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.
Reviewed by: Lonna P. Gordon, MD
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2024