Your doctor can be one of your best sources for information about birth control, especially because s/he knows your medical history and can steer you away from options that might not work as well for you. When you go in for a physical, it is likely that your doctor will ask if you are sexually active. This is definitely a good time to mention any questions you have about birth control. If you lose your nerve, you can still ask about birth control at any point during a visit. There are no rules about when to bring up the subject. If you aren't due for a physical, but still want to talk to your doctor, go ahead and make an appointment for a consultation.

Even if you feel awkward or embarrassed, it's important to be honest with your doctor and to answer any questions you are asked. They can't figure out what you've been doing sexually from just looking at your body, so it's up to you to let them know. Your doctor needs this information to make sure s/he is giving you the best care possible.

If your doctor doesn't initiate a conversation about sex, you should feel free to bring it up at any time. Most of the time, doctors have confidentiality agreements, so they are not allowed to share anything you tell them with other people--even parents. However, different states have different laws regarding teen confidentiality and serious health situations. In severe cases, such as pregnancy or sexual abuse, doctors may be able to share personal information with people they think should know. If you are nervous about parents or anyone else finding out about your sexual history, simply ask your doctor for his/her confidentiality policy before you share anything. Remember, no matter how strange your question might seem to you, your doctor has definitely heard it before!

You may also want to ask your doctor to recommend a gynecologist. Experts usually advise young women to begin having annual checkups with a gynecologist once they become sexually active.