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Tying prescription birth control to a visit with a medical professional results in additional screenings, tests, and conversations that promote overall good health.

When the Pill is available by prescription only, a doctor usually requires a well-woman exam every one or three years in order to obtain or maintain a birth control prescription. The examination generally includes a pap smear (the test for cervical cancer that may be combined with HPV screening), a breast exam, and pelvic exam that, among other things, screens for ovarian cancer and STIs. Additionally, these yearly exams are a good opportunity to check in with the doctor about general wellness and other preventative screenings. [54]

Further, at least 14% of women on the Pill are using the drug exclusively for noncontraceptive reasons, such as acne and irregular menstrual cycles. That’s at least 1.5 million women who could be self-diagnosing medical conditions in a drug store aisle without medical help. [62]

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