The answer to this question depends on your health care needs and the policy of the health care provider that you visit. If you are concerned about this, discuss it with the gynecologist or clinic before you make your appointment. If you only want birth control, including emergency contraception, you will provide a medical history but probably won’t need to take your clothes off for an exam. Some offices prefer to do a pelvic exam before prescribing birth control to a new patient, though.

If you are going to the gynecologist or a clinic because you are having a problem such as pain, unusual bleeding, discharge or odor, you will most likely provide a medical history and also take some of your clothes off for a physical exam that includes a pelvic exam. If you want a test for a sexually transmitted disease (STD), you will have to remove at least some of your clothes. If this is uncomfortable for you, speak with the health care provider or the gynecologist about your concerns.