Tell the provider you were referred by Juno4Me.

Mention that you are interested in getting whatever type of birth control you want.  For more information on these methods review Bedsider.  Depending on the birth control and your preference, you may have option of a phone/video visit (known as telehealth) with or without a in person visit.

HAVE YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION.

Usually you have a card with your policy number on it. If you think you have Illinois Medicaid/AllKids, the health center will just need to look you up on the State database. Remember, if you don’t have any insurance, the health center can see if you qualify for other plans. You may have to do some paperwork to get coverage - just fill out the paperwork to the best of your ability. Our goal is to make sure you get your birth control of choice at the time of request and you don't have to worry about cost.  And don’t worry if you don’t have any insurance or you don't qualify for any plans, this is why Juno4Me is here.

Be ready to answer simple but private information.

This could include your date of birth, you home address, your best contact number. Remember, if you are 12 and older, Illinois law says it’s okay for you to go to your healthcare appointment for visits such as birth control without your parents knowing. Know your rights. However, Juno encourages you to talk to a trusted adult about your health needs. Everything you tell the healthcare staff during your appointment will be kept private as within the scope of the law, but they follow privacy rules call HIPAA.

Know your work and school schedule.

Make a telehealth or in person visit that fits your busy life. It’s not cool to miss your appointment. Of course, life happens and if you have to reschedule, just call the health center to reschedule or cancel.

Make sure you confirm the provider’s address.

Ask about train/bus lines if you plan to use public transportation. If you prefer to use a ride hail app, Juno4Me is using Lyft. Juno4Me will text you a promo code ~ 1 day before your scheduled appointment. You must have the Lyft app to use the promo code.

Continue using your current birth control.

If you are currently using another method of birth control, be sure to continue using it through the day of your appointment.

Use condoms.

If you are not using another method of birth control but may be at risk of pregnancy (meaning having sex with someone who has sperm), be sure to use male or female condoms 100% of the time before your appointment.

Don’t let your period stop you.

If you are on your period, that is completely fine. There is no reason to cancel your appointment if you are bleeding from your period. For those getting an IUD, being on your period can sometimes make it even easier for the insertion, but it doesn’t matter.

Take a pain reliever if you are getting an IUD inserted.

About 1-2 hours before your appointment, you can take what you usually take when you have strong period cramps. For many, this may mean 2-3 pills of 200 mg ibuprofen. This is sometimes referred to as Advil or Motrin and available without a prescription. Any brand is fine. Eat a little something before you take the medication.

Come with a full bladder.

If you can, try to come with your bladder full so you can provide a urine sample. The urine will be tested to be sure you are NOT pregnant and your provider may send a sample for gonorrhea and chlamydia screening. These are routine tests done with a contraceptive visit.

REVIEW SIDE EFFECTS AND HOW TO STOP/START ANY METHOD

Know when and how to take each method, including what happens if you are late in taking a pill , getting a depo shot, or  changing the patch/ring. Carefully review the expected and normal side effects such as bleeding pattern of whichever method you selected (review side effects on Bedsider). Also know the red flag warning signs, which are very rare but you should understand.

Have pads or tampons on hand

For those who received an IUD or implant, have feminine hygiene products on hand, such as pantiliners, pads, or tampons as bleeding can be unpredictable. As recommended by your provider, you could take over the counter medication such as ibuprofen for cramps and heavy bleeding.

For anyone that got an IUD or Implant

Depending on what method you selected, you can easily check to see if the method is still in place. Remember for the first 7 days after insertion, you MAY still need to use a condom or not have sex because some methods don’t work immediately (your provider will review this because it depends on when you ovulated).

For medical concerns, contact your health care provider directly.

If you have any medical concerns regarding your birth control, you should always communicate with the health center. All health centers have a licensed healthcare professionals available 24/7 for urgent problems. Also, talk to your provider if you decide to change your birth control method.

For non-medical questions contact Juno4Me

Juno4Me is here to help with any logistics related to getting birth control. Contact us, for any non- medical issues. We love getting feedback so don't forget to take 60 seconds to submit the patient survey.

Ask about continuing care with your Juno4Me provider

If you don’t have a primary care provider (sometimes called a PCP) and you really liked your Juno4Me provider, you could ask about continuing your regular healthcare there. If you are under 18, you will need your parent/guardian to consent to routine medical care.

Let your current health care provider know about your contraception.

If you have a primary care provider already, you can return to your usual source of care. Just be sure to let them know you are using contraception ( many people use contraception for medical benefits too, aside from pregnancy prevention).