We make getting birth control simple, stress-free, and completely free. Whether you’re choosing an IUD, implant, or birth control pills, here’s everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident for your appointment. Click the drop-downs below to learn more about what to expect.
✔️ Bring your Government ID Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, Social Security card, U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.
👉 If you are claiming qualified alien status, you must bring two forms of documentation to verify both your identity and immigration status. Check with your scheduled clinic for specific guidance on which documents are accepted.
✔️ If you have insurance, bring your card with you to your appointment. Our partnered clinics will bill your private insurance first. We will pay any co-pay and/or deductibles. There will be no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you don’t have insurance, no problem! We will cover the full cost of your birth control appointments.
✔️ Eat as usual – no need to fast.
✔️ Take your regular medications – bring a list if you’re on chronic medication. If you are worried about pain or cramping, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve) 30 minutes before your appointment.
✔️Continue using your current birth control method until your appointment.
✔️ If you’re not using birth control (including condoms), avoid unprotected sex for at least two weeks before an IUD/implant insertion or removal or you may be rescheduled.
✔️ The first appointment may be a consultation to discuss your birth control options with a healthcare provider. You may receive your IUD or implant the same day, or it may take a second visit before you get your birth control. Be sure to ask when scheduling.
✔️ You do not have to reschedule if you are bleeding or expect to bleed on the day of your appointment.
✔️ Contact your clinic at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule for another reason.
✔ Fill out ASAC Intake form and follow the instructions that will be emailed to you (within 3 business days). You can also call 423-265-7837 and tell our appointment line staff you want assistance with getting the pill mailed to your home.
✔ If you have insurance, our telehealth partner will bill your private insurance first. We will pay any co-pay and/or deductibles. There will be no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you don’t have insurance, no problem! We will cover the full cost of your birth control pills for a full year.
✔ You will fill out a medical questionnaire from our telehealth partner Twentyeight Health after we receive your client disclosure form (from the email instructions).
✔ A provider will review your answers and prescribe the right pill for you. You can communicate directly with the provider using their messaging tool if you have additional concerns or questions.
✔ Your pills will be delivered to your home.
What Happens at Your Appointment:
✔ Fill out our client disclosure form to provide the information required for us to cover the costs of your birth control appointment and follow-up visits.
✔ Consultation: Your provider will discuss the IUD options The first appointment may be a consultation to discuss your birth control options with a healthcare provider. You may receive your IUD or implant the same day, or it may take a second visit before you get your birth control.
✔ Insertion Procedure: The IUD is placed in your uterus through the cervix. See infographics below for more details.
✔ Mild Cramping: You may feel discomfort similar to period cramps.
A healthcare provider will perform a pelvic exam which helps determine the position, consistency, size, and mobility of your uterus.
The provider will then place a speculum into your vagina. This allows the healthcare provider to have a clear view of the vaginal walls, cervix, and the vaginal canal.
Your cervix and the nearby front and back parts of your vagina will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the chance of infection.
Then a sterile instrument called a sound is used to measure the length and direction of your cervical canal and uterus. This helps the provider to know how far to insert the IUD.
Last, the IUD is pushed into place through a small tube. Once it is in the proper position, the arms of the IUD open into the “T” shape. The provider will then cut the strings a few inches below the cervix.
Aftercare & What to Expect:
✔ Light spotting or cramping for a few days.
✔ Avoid inserting anything in your vagina (tampons, cups, sex) for 24 hours.
✔ Check your IUD strings often to ensure placement.
✔ A follow-up visit may be recommended.
Tip: Take Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve) 30 minutes before insertion to help with any cramping.
✔ Consultation: Your provider will explain how the implant works.
✔ Insertion: A numbing shot is applied to your arm, and a small rod about the size of a matchstick is placed under your skin. See infographic below for more information.
✔ The procedure takes about 5 minutes.
A healthcare provider will clean your arm with an antiseptic solution and give you a shot to numb a small area of your upper arm.
The healthcare provider will then use a special applicator to insert the implant under your skin on the inside of your upper arm.
You and the provider will feel your arm to check the placement of the implant.
A small bandage will cover the placement site. Also, a pressure bandage might be applied to lessen bruising. You can take off the pressure bandage in 24 hours and the small bandage after 3 to 5 days.
Aftercare & What to Expect:
✔ Light bruising or soreness at the insertion site.
✔ Avoid pressing on the implant for a few days.
✔ Follow-up visit may be recommended.
Tip: Wear a loose sleeved shirt for comfort during and after your appointment and take Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve) 30 minutes before insertion to help with any arm tenderness.
Click here to visit our FAQ page.
© A Step Ahead Chattanooga 2025 and website designed by Brightside Creates.
We collect cookies to analyze our website traffic and performance; we never share any personal data. View our Privacy Policy.
