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

Most professionals will ask the patient if they have had vaginal intercourse before. They will then follow up, if yes, with the question of if they were protected or not. If the patient is under the age of 18, the parents get the final say whether or not they are in the room during the questioning. Legally, even if the child does not want it, the parent is permitted in the room. Once 18 or older, the patient has the decision about who may be in the room. If someone were to live in poverty or is poor, their use of contraceptives is little to known. This may be because they have no access to them or cannot afford them. Hope this helps!