To get some forms of birth control—like “the Pill,” Depo-Provera (“the shot”), NuvaRing and Ortho Evra (“the patch”)—a prescription from a doctor or clinician is needed.

Some health care providers prescribe hormonal birth control without a pelvic exam, but some require one. It varies from clinic to clinic. Be sure to ask your health care provider before your appointment if you are concerned about the pelvic exam.

Any visit to a doctor or health care provider is a great opportunity to ask questions about birth control—how the method works, how to use it correctly, when to start using it and what the side effects are. You can also ask any other questions that you have about sex or protection.

Other methods—like condoms, the sponge and spermicides—are available in the drugstore or supermarket and no prescription is necessary.

For more information about each form of birth control, you can visit Planned Parenthood’s Web site.

You can also use this clinic locator to find a clinic near you.