Q: Will my midwife give me a birth control prescription over a video visit?
Yes! I can prescribe birth control without seeing a patient in person—even if the individual is a new patient.
If I have never seen the woman before, then I’ll first want to understand her health history, what methods she has used before, and her overall goals. Does she want to get rid of cramps? Have more regular periods? Get pregnant 6 months from now? The conversation will determine the safest and most effective options for her and guide what I recommend.
A video visit is also a great way for current patients to discuss how their contraceptive is working and change their method if they want. For example, if someone is on the pill and is considering an implant, we can talk about side effects and benefits, and go over the insertion process.
As a provider, I understand that coming into the office can be difficult for some people. Patients may live further out in the county or be away at college. They may have young kids at home or a job with an unpredictable schedule. Video visits are a valuable way to access health care, including birth control.
Sometimes an in-office follow-up is necessary after the video visit. These are recommended for women who:
- Need an STD screening
- Haven’t been having normal periods
- Have been sexually active without birth control
- Haven’t been tracking their periods.
Certain types of birth control also require an in-person visit. IUDs and implants are inserted during an office visit, and the birth control shot requires an office visit every 3 months.
If you want to discuss your contraceptive options, make an appointment with one of our midwives.
—Jasmin Whalen-Vu, CNM
Jasmin Whalen-Vu is a certified nurse midwife at Vancouver Clinic. She enjoys working in partnership with her patients, providing trusted information and inspiring them to make educated decisions about their reproductive health.
