FAQs • Iredell County, NC • CivicEngage

What will happen at my first appointment?: If your appointment is for birth control, typically you will meet first with a public health nurse or associate. You will then see a clinician for a routine gynecological exam and review your birth control method. Any problem identified or questions you have will be addressed.

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Health Department - Family Planning

1. How do I get birth control?: Schedule an appointment with us. You will receive a physical exam including family planning education. Birth control options will be thoroughly reviewed with you in order to find your preferred method of choice.

2. What kind of birth control do you offer?: Although abstinence is the most effective form of birth control, we offer several FDA approved methods such as pills, Nuvaring, Paragard IUD, the Depo shot, condoms, and spermicidal film.

3. I am under 18, will my parents find out about my visit?: No. Under North Carolina law, the Health Department can legally provide you family planning services without parental consent.

4. I think I might be pregnant, what do I do?: Make an appointment with Family Planning at the health department to have a pregnancy test. You should be 2 weeks late having your menstruation cycle before having a pregnancy test. The cost of pregnancy tests are $20.00. Once the test results are determined you will either receive education about birth control options/STD prevention and provided with pregnancy options.
*One bottle of prenatal vitamins will be offered with positive pregnancy results.

6. Will my visit be private?: Yes, we assure confidentiality for all patients at all times. Any patient can request to receive no mail or calls related to their visit to our clinic.

7. What should I bring to my appointment?: A photo ID, a recent pay stub for yourself if you are working, a recent pay stub for anyone else living in the house, and your insurance card if you have insurance.
***If you are a minor and your parent does not know that you are coming to receive Family Planning services, you do not need to bring income information.

8. What will happen at my first appointment?: If your appointment is for birth control, typically you will meet first with a public health nurse or associate. You will then see a clinician for a routine gynecological exam and review your birth control method. Any problem identified or questions you have will be addressed.

9. How long will my appointment take?: Appointment times vary, but a comprehensive (i.e., first clinic visit, annual visit) appointment may take up to 1 1/2 hours. Most other appointments take 15 to 30 minutes.

10. Do you provide services for males?: Yes, we can also see males in Family Planning

11. What about the “morning after pill?”: The morning after pill, or emergency contraception (ECP’s), can reduce your risk of pregnancy by up to 89%. We offer EC to established patients and for patients seen through multi-clinic with negative pregnancy results (must meet certain criteria). EC is also is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.