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GETTING AN IUD/IMPLANT INSERTED OR REMOVED with one OF OUR PARTNERED CLINCS?

Here's what you can expect:

  • Check-in as a client of A Step Ahead Chattanooga when you arrive at the clinic.
    • 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.
  • 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
  • Proceed to a private room to meet with a healthcare provider.
  • 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.

What to expect during an IUD Insertion

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.

What to expect during an implant Insertion

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.

preparing for your appointment

  • Eat your regular meals; no need to fast.
  • Take all medications as you normally would.
  • Bring a list of your current medications if you are on chronic medication.
  • If you are not currently using a method of birth control (including condoms), we recommend not engaging in unprotected sex for at least two weeks leading up to your IUD/implant insertion or removal appointment, as this may delay the procedure and result in rescheduling by the clinic.
  • Continue using your current birth control method consistently until your appointment.
  • 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.

day of your appointment

  • Bring snacks, books, music with headphones, or a sweatshirt to feel comfortable.
  • Stay well-hydrated as your plan may include having blood drawn.
  • Take a pain reliever 30 minutes before your appointment such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Asprin. These can help with any cramping or pain that may occur during and after insertion or removal.

getting birth control pills with our telehealth partner?

Here's what you can expect:

  • You can either fill out our intake form and start the process yourself or call 423-265-7837 and tell our volunteer 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.
  • You will receive an email with instructions to fill out our client disclosure form within 3 business days.
  • You will be asked to fill out a quick medical questionnaire from our telehealth partner after we have received your completed client disclosure form. 
  • You can then communicate directly with one of the telehealth doctors, using either messaging or by scheduling a phone consultation. 
  • Once the doctor has confirmed your eligibility, they will write you a prescription and your birth control will be delivered to your door.

Have other questions?

Click here to visit our FAQ page.

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