Things You'll Need:
- Medical evaluation
- Well-woman examination
- Prescription for oral contraceptives
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Step 1
Meet with a health care provider to discuss your options. Before you can choose an oral contraceptive, you must meet with your doctor (gynecologist), nurse practitioner or another trained medical professional, in order to discuss the different types of pills and to also get a medical evaluation and examination.
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Step 2
Learn about the different types of oral contraceptives. There are several types of oral contraceptives including the combination pill (monophasic, biphasic and triphasic pills), which contains both estrogen and progestin and the progestin-only pills (also known as the minipill), which contains no estrogen hormones. The monophasic pill (contains the same dosage of hormone in each active pill); the biphasic pill (alters the progestin and estrogen ratio in 2 phases); and the triphasic pill (alters the progestin and estrogen ratio in 3 phases).
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Step 3
Complete the required examinations. Before taking any oral contraceptives, you must have a well-woman examination, which includes a pap smear, pelvic examination and breast exam. You may also have to submit a urine and blood sample for additional testing. If you've recently had a complete examination, you may not have to undergo testing. Your doctor can determine which exams and tests you need to do.
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Step 4
Select an oral contraceptive that best suits your needs. Your doctor can help you choose an appropriate pill. She may recommend a specific pill based on your menstrual cycle and flow, body type and ovarian hormone sensitivity.
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Step 5
Obtain a prescription for the birth control pills. Oral contraceptives are only available with a prescription from your health care provider.
