Preparing for Your First Telehealth Visit: A Guide to Reproductive Health Consultations

Scheduling your first telehealth visit for reproductive health can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Maybe you're sitting there wondering if talking to a provider through a screen will feel as personal as an in-person appointment, or if you'll be able to get the same quality care from your living room. These feelings are completely normal—and the good news is that telehealth for reproductive health has transformed how millions of people access the care they need.   

Whether you're seeking birth control, discussing fertility concerns, or need sexual health support, telehealth visits have become a trusted way to connect with healthcare providers. In fact, telehealth usage for reproductive health services increased by over 3,000% during the past few years, proving that virtual care isn't just convenient—it's effective.

Let's walk through everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your first reproductive health telehealth consultation.

What Is Telehealth and Why Does It Matter for Reproductive Health?

Telehealth is simply healthcare delivered through digital platforms—think video calls, secure messaging, and online consultations with licensed medical providers. For reproductive health, this means you can discuss birth control options, get prescriptions, receive sexual health guidance, and follow up on treatments without leaving your home.

This approach to primary care has revolutionized access to reproductive health services, especially for people who face barriers to traditional healthcare. Whether you live in a rural area with limited providers, have a busy work schedule, or prefer the privacy of discussing sensitive topics from your own space, telehealth creates new pathways to the care you deserve.

The beauty of virtual reproductive health consultations lies in their ability to remove common obstacles: no more taking time off work for appointments, no awkward waiting room encounters, and no worrying about judgment from others who might see you entering a reproductive health clinic.

Benefits of Telehealth for Reproductive Health

Privacy and Convenience That Actually Works

Reproductive health conversations can feel deeply personal. Through telehealth, you control your environment completely. You can have these important discussions from your bedroom, your car during lunch break, or anywhere you feel comfortable and secure. This level of privacy often helps people open up more honestly about their concerns and needs.

You might find that you are more comfortable discussing topics like birth control side effects, sexual health concerns, or fertility questions when you’re in your own familiar space rather than a clinical setting.

Faster Access to Care When You Need It

Traditional reproductive health appointments can be scheduled weeks or even months in advance, especially if you're seeing a specialist. Telehealth urgent care for reproductive health needs often provides same-day or next-day appointments, which can be crucial when you need emergency contraception, have concerns about symptoms, or want to start birth control quickly.

This speed matters especially for time-sensitive needs like emergency contraception or Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and treatment, where delays can impact your health outcomes.

Continuity for Ongoing Reproductive Health Needs

If you're managing conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or need regular birth control check-ins, telehealth allows for consistent communication with your provider. You can message with questions between appointments, get prescription refills without hassle, and maintain your care plan even if you move or travel frequently.

How to Prepare for Your First Telehealth Visit

Setting Up Your Technology

Test your device and internet connection at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Whether you're using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, make sure:

• Your camera and microphone work properly
• You have a stable internet connection (WiFi is typically more reliable than cellular data)
• The telehealth platform or app is downloaded and functioning
• Your device is fully charged or plugged in

Most telehealth platforms send test links before your appointment—use them! It's much better to troubleshoot technical issues ahead of time than during your consultation.

Creating Your Private Space

Choose a quiet, private location where you won't be interrupted. This might be your bedroom with the door locked, your car, or any space where you feel comfortable discussing personal health topics. Consider:

• Turning off notifications on your device to avoid distractions
• Using headphones if others are nearby
• Having good lighting so your provider can see you clearly
• Sitting in a comfortable position where you can maintain eye contact with the camera

Gathering Your Important Information

Have your essentials ready before the call starts:

• Photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Medical Insurance card (if you have coverage)
• Current medications list, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs
• Medical history notes, especially previous reproductive health treatments
• List of questions you want to discuss (write these down beforehand so you don't forget)
• Pharmacy information if wanting to pick up from a local pharmacy

If you're currently using birth control, have the packaging or know the exact name and dosage. If you're experiencing symptoms, consider keeping a brief log of when they occur and their severity.

What to Expect During Your Reproductive Health Telehealth Visit

Typical Questions Your Care Provider Will Ask

Your provider needs to understand your complete health picture to give you the best care. Expect questions about:

Reproductive Health History:

• Your menstrual cycle patterns and any irregularities
• Previous pregnancies, births, or pregnancy losses
• Current or past birth control methods and your experience with them
• Any reproductive health conditions or concerns

Sexual Health:

• Sexual activity and practices (this helps determine appropriate testing and protection needs)
• Any concerns about pain, pleasure, or sexual function
• STI testing history and any previous infections

General Health:

• Current medications and supplements
• Allergies or adverse reactions to medications
• Family medical history, especially related to reproductive health
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, or stress levels
• Recent blood pressure reading (it’s important to have a baseline pressure on file, as birth control with estrogen can possibly raise it without any symptoms).

Remember, your provider asks these questions to give you personalized, safe care—not to judge your choices or lifestyle.

How Prescriptions and Follow-ups Work

One common concern about telehealth is: "How do I get my prescriptions?" The process is actually quite straightforward:

For Birth Control and offered Medications:

• Your provider can send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy
• Many telehealth services, including Twentyeight Health, offer direct medication delivery to your door
• Prescriptions are sent securely through electronic systems, just like after in-person visits

Follow-up Care:

• Schedule regular check-ins based on your specific needs (typically every 3-6 months for birth control)
• Access secure messaging for questions between appointments
• Receive reminders for prescription refills and routine care

What Can and Can't Be Done Via Telehealth

Telehealth works well for:

• Birth control consultations and prescriptions
• STI testing guidance (you'll need to visit a lab for actual testing)
• Emergency contraception prescriptions
• Menstrual health discussions
• Sexual health education and counseling
• Pregnancy testing guidance and early pregnancy support
• Managing side effects from current treatments

You may need in-person care visits and lab work for:

• Physical examinations like Pap smears
• IUD insertions or removals
• Ultrasounds or other imaging
• Certain procedures or treatments requiring hands-on medical intervention

Your telehealth provider will always let you know if you need in-person follow-up care and can help you find appropriate local resources.

Addressing Frequently Asked Questions About Telehealth

"Will My Information Be Private and Secure?"

Telehealth platforms used by licensed healthcare providers must follow the same strict privacy rules (HIPAA) as traditional medical offices. Your conversations, medical records, and personal information are encrypted and protected. In many ways, telehealth can offer even more privacy since you control your environment completely.

"Can I Really Get Quality Care Through a Screen?"

Research consistently shows that telehealth provides comparable outcomes to in-person care for many reproductive health needs. Your provider is still a licensed medical professional using the same clinical expertise they would in an office setting. They can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and make appropriate treatment recommendations.

The key is choosing a reputable telehealth service with qualified providers who specialize in reproductive health.

"What If I Need Emergency Care?"

Your telehealth provider will always give you clear guidance about when to seek immediate in-person care. They can help you determine if symptoms require urgent attention and direct you to appropriate emergency resources if needed. Most telehealth visits are for routine care and consultation, not emergency situations.

"Will My Insurance Cover Telehealth Visits?"

Most insurance plans now cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person appointments, especially after changes made during the pandemic. However, coverage can vary depending on your insurance, so:

• Check with your insurance provider about telehealth coverage
• Ask about copays and deductibles for virtual visits
• Consider services like Twentyeight Health that accept Medicaid, offer affordable self-pay options, and even no-cost care (check to see if you’re eligible)

When In-Person Care May Be Necessary

While telehealth handles many reproductive health needs effectively, certain situations require hands-on medical care:

Immediate In-Person Needs:

• Severe pelvic pain or bleeding
• Signs of infection that need immediate treatment
• Emergency contraception when oral options aren't suitable (like copper IUD insertion)
• Any symptoms that feel urgent or concerning to you

Routine In-Person Care:

• Annual gynecological exams and Pap smears
• STI testing (though your telehealth provider can order tests and discuss results virtually)
• IUD insertion, removal, or adjustment
• Breast exams and other physical assessments

Your telehealth provider will help you determine when in-person care is needed and can often coordinate with local healthcare providers to ensure you get comprehensive care.

Making the Most of Your Telehealth Experience

Before Your Appointment

• Write down your main concerns and questions
• Gather any relevant medical records or test results
• Think about your health goals and what you hope to achieve
• Prepare your private space and test your technology

During Your Appointment

• Be honest and open about your symptoms, concerns, and lifestyle
• Ask questions if you don't understand something
• Take notes or ask if you can record the session (with permission)
• Discuss your preferences for treatment options

After Your Appointment

• Follow through with any recommended tests or treatments
• Use secure messaging to ask follow-up questions
• Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments
• Keep track of how treatments are working for you

Taking the Next Step: Your Reproductive Health Journey

Your first telehealth visit for reproductive health is an important step toward taking control of your healthcare on your own terms. Whether you're starting birth control, addressing concerns, or simply wanting to establish care with a provider who understands reproductive health, telehealth offers a convenient and effective way to access the support you need.

The most important thing to remember is that seeking reproductive healthcare—whether virtual or in-person—is a positive choice for your wellbeing. You deserve providers who listen to your concerns, respect your choices, and help you make informed decisions about your body and health.

Ready to experience reproductive healthcare that fits your life? Twentyeight Health offers unlimited messaging  with providers who specialize in reproductive and sexual health. Our platform makes it easy to get the care you need, with affordable options, insurance acceptance including Medicaid, and medications delivered directly to your door.

Get started today and discover how virtual reproductive healthcare can work for you. Your health journey is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

This article was medically reviewed by Twentyeight Health's clinical team.

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