When the wedding is a few months away, your to-do list might seem overwhelming. But one of the best things you can do to prepare for your new relationship is schedule a premarital exam.
No matter what you’ve heard about the premarital exam, the midwives at Intermountain Healthcare’s New Beginnings Certified Nurse Midwife Clinic want to reassure all future brides that the experience is a comfortable and positive one that sets the tone for a healthy physical relationship.
“This exam will make women more relaxed and comfortable on their wedding night,” says Jennifer A. Cook, a certified nurse midwife at the Orem clinic. “Midwifery actually means ‘with women,’ and we’re an all-female practice, so we really specialize in doing the premarital exam.”
Plus, part of women’s health care is receiving a breast exam and pelvic exam by age 21, so visiting a clinic a few months before your wedding will ensure you’re on track with the recommended exams.

Before your exam
Jennifer recommends scheduling an appointment two to three months before the wedding.
“It saves some stress right before the wedding, and it gives the woman’s body time to get used to the birth control,” Jennifer says.
Once the appointment is scheduled, the New Beginnings Clinic mails a premarital packet with information about sexuality and birth control. By reviewing the materials, you’ll be prepared to ask questions or discuss concerns on the day of your appointment. And it doesn’t hurt to involve your fiancé. Jennifer encourages women to bring the fiancé or mother to the counseling portion of the visit.

What to expect
during the exam
For each patient, the nurse midwives discuss medical history and general health, including chronic conditions and medications. The health professional will also provide counsel on the female anatomy and sexual response cycle. After the physical exam, there is time to ask any unanswered questions, discuss myths about sexuality, and learn about different types of birth control.
“One of the things most women really want to know is how to stop and start birth control,” Jennifer says. “They want to know what is the right method for them as a couple, or if one pill is better than another.”
Among women who choose to use birth control, the pill continues to be one of the most popular forms. The NuvaRing is also becoming very common, especially among women who may have a tendency to forget to take the pill. The Ortho Evra patch is a hormonal method applied once a week. The Mirena IUD is another hormonal option that requires even less maintenance, but is not used as commonly in newlyweds. Non-hormonal options include condoms, diaphragms and a Paraguard IUD.
Every type of birth control has pros and cons, and the certified nurse midwives are prepared to explain the differences. This will help each patient determine which option is the best fit.
Your health care professional can also discuss prescriptions for antibiotics to have on hand during the honeymoon in case of a urinary tract infection.

Following up
More questions may arise after you’ve been married, so the midwives are prepared to talk by phone or appointment. Follow-up on birth control may be necessary, depending on side effects or first time use. Certified Nurse Midwives are also on hand for preconception counseling, annual physicals and pregnancy exams.

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