Advocate

1. You should feel respected and listened to by your physician. If they are not making you feel that way, you don't have to go back 

• • "The first doctor you go to may not be the best fit" 

  • "My first gyno was not aligned well with my personality or the way I want to interact with my doctors so I switched and I am so happy with my new doctor! It can take time to get into a new office but it's worth it to feel comfortable since reproductive/sexual healthcare can be sensitive" 

  • "if you don't like your provider you can switch them. 100%. Many patients I meet seem to think they have to stick with the random doctor they are assigned, but that's not true. Shop around, find a provider who matches your values, who sees you, and provides care that works for you. Do not worry about 'hurting thier feelings', they will be ok, I promise you" 

  • "provider knowledge and accessibility vary by a surprising margin; you have a right to ask for another provider that best suits your needs" 

2. This appointment is for you- ask for clarification about complicated terms, diagnosis or if you have further questions 

1. • "Ask for the details of what your diagnosis means- ask about every term and it's effects, what it means, what it can lead to, what are the limitations. They might only give you the diagnosis but not take the time to educate you. Sometimes they stress things in a way that seems like an urgnecy, like the diagnosis is very bad. Try not to panic, and don't take everything they tell you as the end of the world" 

   • "Insist on getting checked even if they say you do not need to if you feel something is wrong" 

   • "I take birth control pills and recently they just switched my brand but I called and asked to be switched back since I experienced negative side effects with the one that was perscribed to me. Using your voice is not an inconvience" 

   • Be preparded to actually ask the questions you want and use all the time that you have to get the information that you need 

4. Advocating for yourself can be difficult in the moment- sometimes it can help to bring a support person, have a list of things you want to make sure are addressed, or call your provider ahead of time 

• You have the right to attend an appointment alone or bring a support person with you. Having a support person can help you to navigate the unexpected. If you are unable to have someone come in person, you can have someone on the phone with you while you get information. 

• Have someone who can help with interpretations come if your physician is not fluent in languages you are comfortable in to help with communication. Interpretation apps often rely on wifi, and bad news can be stressful, so having a person who can help with translations in person can make a big difference 

• If you are nervous about a particular aspect of your appointment, a lot of times you can call ahead and talk about what to expect, inform your care team about what is making you nervous and sometimes come with accommodations to help make the experience less scary. 

• You can call ahead and ask if there is anywhere you can put your pronouns for your care team

• Documentation can also be an important tool! Ask your provider to note things in your file and ask to have access to your own medical history and records 

• "There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Being honest with your provider is important. They will assume you are in a heterosexual relationship, having heterosexual sex. Correct them" 

• "ultimately, nobody has a right to your body, pleasure or time" 

6. Look up the the laws and your medical rights in your state so you are aware of what rights you have 

• "I was able to get my tubes tied at 27 as a single woman with no children. I was living at the time in Nevada. I did my research, I knew that my state did not have any laws or restrictions on me being able to do it. I knew which procedure options there were and what I wanted, and more importantly, what I did not want. I found the procedure codes for insurance. I called my insurance to make sure it would be covered, and then I found a provider that did that procedure, took my insurance, and when I made the appointment, I clarified that I would be able to do it without any partner consent. I came into the appointment completely confident that this was what I wanted and told my provider that I had been certain of this course of action for 10 years. With research, confidence, and an understanding of the laws in your state, you can be more prepared to make health care choices that make sense for you."

Click through these links to get you started on advocating for yourself! Checking out trusted organizations and sexual/reproductive health advocacy groups on social media like Instagram can also be a great way to get information and stay up-to-date on changing policies! 

Educating yourself about your body and your options and getting advice from the community can also help you to advocate for yourself!