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New Jersey Family Planning League

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What to Expect When Visiting a Family Planning Center

Posted on January 4, 2020

If you’re wondering what to expect at your first visit with a family planning provider, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know what to expect at their first appointment. You might even be feeling nervous about it.

These questions and feelings are normal, but you don’t need to worry. We’ll break down what goes on during a family planning appointment so you can feel confident and prepared.

While every family planning health center is unique and might order your visit a little bit differently, check out this video to learn about some of the things you can expect at a visit.

Your visit will be similar to other doctor’s appointments you’ve had before. When you’re called in to start your visit, you’ll be able to talk about why you’re here, what you want to know more about and anything that’s bothering you. Some of the questions may seem very personal but keep in mind that everyone gets asked about the same things.

You’ll also have your vital signs taken: height, weight, blood pressure, etc. Then, it’s exam time. Depending on your age, medical history, and reason for your visit, you may have some, all, or none of the following:

  • Breast exam
  • Pap test
  • Pelvic exam
  • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening

Once your tests are done, you’ll regroup with your healthcare provider. Together you will discuss and create a plan to help you meet your sexual health and family planning goals.

Your provider will listen to what you want and will help you learn how to make your body as healthy as possible. Maybe you’ll discuss how to plan for a pregnancy, if that’s what you want. Or you’ll learn about your birth control options, get help deciding which method is right for you and how to use it.

Something important to keep in mind: Your appointment is a judgment-free zone, so be honest. Your healthcare provider simply wants to provide the best care possible to you, and they can’t do that without all the available information.

Now you know what to expect from a family planning appointment. Ready to see your local family planning provider? Find an NJFPL-supported health center to get started.

NJFPL health centers are dedicated to providing access to sexual and reproductive health services and support to all people, regardless of identity, income, insurance, immigration or health status. We are proud to serve people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Visit NJFPL to find a health center near you today
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This website was supported in part by Grant Number FPHPA006410 from the Office of Population Affairs (OPA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Office of Population Affairs or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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