Question

As an MA, how can you professionally ask a patient about birth control? How would the patient’s age alter the questions or discussion? How might an individual’s economic status impact the use of contraceptives?

Answer 1

As an MA,one can professionally ask about birth control by first asking the patient's history and asking if he or she is open about discussing personal questions such as the usage of birth control. The patient's age could alter and be of big difference in regarding to the questioning since a teenager mom feels a little bit awkward compared to a young adult mom having 3 children since she is more experienced and already know how to answer such questions. Lastly, the economic status can be a factor in the usage of contraceptives as those who can afford can spare money on it compared to the less fortunate ones which it would not be included in their budget or be the last priority.

Answer 2

Answer 1) Being an Medical Assistant, makes you authorized to ask about patient's information related to their medical history. One can start by asking physical history or any complications in their reproductive health and once the patient becomes comfortable and open enough to share everything, questions related to usage of birth control can be asked.

Answer 2) Patient's age is an important factor in discussing or answering questions on birth control as young mother's would feel shy to share their sexual well being compared to the mother of late 30's or 40's who already have more than 1 child. An experienced women who has undergone pregnancy more than once will be able to express more and understand the problems, she will talk openly and freely; whereas a new young mother will be hesitant to discuss about the reproductive health and also about the birth control measures.

Answer 3) An individual's economic status has great impact on the usage of contraceptives, as the birth control measures are available starting from cheap contraceptive pills to expensive hormonal therapy. The economic status of the individual will be the deciding factor for the choice of contraceptive that individual may use.