the Price of an Exam for Birth Control

My husband and I visited a family planning clinic which has a special program for people with incomes below a certain amount. After filling out the forms, we qualified for free service. This included an exam for me, by the doctor (consisting of various questions about our health, sex life, and future plans for children, as well as being weighed and measured). We then discussed the different options for birth control, ranging from the pill to shots and an IUD. After deciding together that the pill would be most appropriate for us, we decided together with the doctor that I should start with the one that contained minimal hormones. We also received extensive information about sexual health, STDs and general family planning. As an extra service, they provided us with several free condoms.

We were very pleased with the family planning service that we received. The doctor was friendly, discreet and polite. She gave us plenty of opportunity to think about our decisions, and to explore various options.

I highly recommend looking for a local clinic that offers family planning without prejudice. Take the time to consider your different options, and do not let anyone pressure you into conforming to their notions of family planning. You and your partner should decide together what the best course of action is for the future that you want to have.