Frequently asked questions
How do I know what services I need?
Review the list of services commonly offered by providers. Ask yourself a few questions about your sexual and reproductive health history:
- Are you having sex, or have you had sex recently?
- Do you want to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy?
- Are you concerned or at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
- Are you having any symptoms like pain or discomfort related to your period or related to sex, missed period or breast tenderness, or have you noticed a any changes in your genital area?
Visit Take Charge of your Sexual Health to prepare for what questions your provider may ask you. Write down questions and specific concerns or information you want to share with your provider ahead of time, so you don't forget.
How do I make an appointment for sexual and reproductive health services?
If you already have a primary care provider, you can contact their office to see if they offer the services you need.
If you're looking for a new provider, use the map of DPH-funded health centers around the state. These health centers provide care that may be low cost or no-cost depending on your insurance and income. Toggle through the map and find providers near you. Call the provider's office or look up their website to see what kind of services they offer (it may vary slightly from location-to-location).
When you schedule an appointment, you will need to give your name, address, date of birth, and insurance information if you have it. You can also get help covering the cost of your appointment if you don't have insurance. When you make the appointment, be sure to say what services you're looking for or describe your symptoms.
Do I need to be a patient at a health center to receive services?
It depends on the health center. Call them or check on health center's website to see if there are available appointments, have walk-in hours or offer telehealth services. Some allow you to schedule an appointment online, and others require you to call.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
The office may ask about your availability in the coming days, weeks, or months. Don't be discouraged if the office does not have an appointment available immediately. Tell the health center why you need an appointment and let them know if you need to be seen by a provider right away. You can also visit different health center websites or call to see if they have immediate availability, walk-in hours, or offer telehealth services.
You may need to contact more than one clinic before finding one that fits your needs. However, once you find a clinic that has the services you need and you complete your first visit, it will be easier to schedule future appointments with them.
I already have an upcoming physical with my health care provider. How do I bring up my sexual and reproductive health?
Health care providers often ask about your sexual and reproductive health during annual physical visits. If they don't, or there are specific concerns you'd like to discuss with your doctor, visit Take Charge of your Sexual Health to learn more about how you can bring this up with your provider, what questions you can ask, and prepare for what questions they may ask you.
What can I expect at my appointment?
You should expect to be asked questions about your medical and sexual history. Depending on the reason for the visit, you may have labs, a physical exam, and have your vitals taken. You may be given a prescription at the end of the visit or a referral for additional care.
Visit Take Charge of your Sexual Health to learn more about how you can bring this up with your provider, what questions you can ask, and prepare for what questions they may ask you. Write down some questions and specific concerns and information you want to share with your provider ahead of time so you don't forget.
What should I ask about during a sexual and reproductive health visit?
You can ask about any sexual and reproductive health services during your visit. For example:
- Birth control and pregnancy planning:
- If you have a uterus and are having sex that has a risk of pregnancy, but know that you don't want to become pregnant, talk to your provider about your options for birth control. Together, you can find a birth control method that works well for you.
- If you do want to become pregnant, you can talk with the health care provider about how to have a healthy pregnancy
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
- Talk to your provider about options for STI and HIV testing. They may ask about your sexual history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. You can also ask your provider about what vaccinations or other medications may be available to prevent STIs and HIV.
- To learn about why they may recommend certain testing, review this guide from CDC: Getting Tested for STIs
- If you test positive for an STI or HIV, your provider will work with you to get the correct treatment and may recommend testing for your partner
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Read CDC's Healthcare Provider STI Conversation Tips.
- Talk to your provider about options for STI and HIV testing. They may ask about your sexual history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. You can also ask your provider about what vaccinations or other medications may be available to prevent STIs and HIV.
- Screening for cervical, breast/chest, and testicular cancer:
- Ask your provider what cancer screenings may be right for you. Ask how often you should get them, depending on your age and history.
What kind of insurance do I need?
All DPH-funded health centers take MassHealth, which covers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services.
Information about what other insurance the health center accepts may be on their website. You can also ask whether your insurance is accepted when you call to make an appointment. You can also look at your insurance website to see if providers at the health center you're contacting take your insurance.
What if I don't have insurance or don't want to use my insurance?
To apply for health insurance:
- Visit the MA Health Connector to compare plans and determine your eligibility for free or low-cost benefits, including MassHealth.
- You can also call the Health Care For All HelpLine at (800)272-4232 or visit hcfama.org/helpline for help getting access to health coverage. The service is free and available in multiple languages.
If you need services while you are uninsured, or don't want to use your insurance for this visit for confidentiality reasons:
- You may be eligible to receive low-to-no cost confidential services depending on your age and income. Services are also available on a sliding fee scale. Learn more about eligibility for low to no-cost services.
Resources and more information
Trusted sites with more information about sexual and reproductive health care:
- Bedsider: an online birth control support network for women age 18-29
- Care That Fits You: a statewide campaign that addresses a range of sexual health topics and services for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
- Take Charge of Your Sexual Health: What you need to know about preventive services - National Coalition for Sexual Health: a guide from the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSC) that offers education on what you need to know about preventive services
Sexual and reproductive health service locations
Find clinics and healthcare providers in Massachusetts offering sexual and reproductive health services.
Insurance and cost
You may be eligible to get free to low-cost sexual and reproductive health care. Learn about access to insurance and confidential care.