HOPE (Hormonal Option without Pelvic Exam)

Hormonal Option without Pelvic Exam is a good option for some women. But not every woman qualifies for this service. To qualify for HOPE, you must not have:

• certain conditions that make it inadvisable to use a hormonal method
• symptoms that must be evaluated with a pelvic exam

What is needed?
We will take your blood pressure and a brief history. This should identify any increased risks you may have to these methods. Further medical evaluation without a physical exam may also be needed.

Regularly scheduled well-woman visits are very important. We will urge you to return for a well-woman visit (including a breast examination), regularly scheduled Pap tests, and screenings for sexually transmitted infections. At your well-woman visit, your clinician will

• take your history
• evaluate your personal risk factors
• perform an exam and screening tests, and recommend immunizations, depending on your age and medical history
• provide you with guidance and educational materials about your health
• With this information, your provider will also help you decide how often you should return for periodic well-woman visits (with breast exam), Pap tests, and screening tests.

We strongly recommend visits for primary health screening, especially for

• Sexually Transmitted Infections You can't always tell if you have an infection, and the long-term effects can be serious. They can cause sterility, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Early Signs of Cancer of the Cervix You need to have regularly scheduled Pap tests beginning at age 21 or three years after your first vaginal intercourse, whichever comes first.
• Signs of Breast Cancer Annual mammograms are recommended for all women 40 and older. Schedule breast exams as advised by your clinician.

Hormonal birth control methods are not for everyone.

Before using a hormonal method, you will need to know the possible advantages, disadvantages, risks, and warning signs to watch for. We will list them for you. Be sure to read the manufacturer's information, too. We are happy to answer any questions you have.
We will also give you information about the use, effectiveness, advantages, disadvantages, risks, and warning signs of other methods. You should read these materials, as well. Let us know if you have any questions about them.