How to Advocate for Yourself at the Clinic

Going to a health care appointment can feel intimidating, even for people who’ve done it a lot. But it’s important to get the care you need when you need it. Advocating for yourself can make sure your voice is part of the conversation. Remember, you are the expert of your body. Providers bring the medical training, but you bring the lived experience. If something feels off, painful, different, or concerning, even if it seems small, it’s worth mentioning. Below are a few tips to help you speak up with confidence:

1.     Prepare ahead of time. Before your appointment, jot down any symptoms, questions, medications you take, changes you’ve noticed, and any health goals, like pregnancy prevention, STI testing, period concerns, etc. It’s surprisingly easy to forget what you wanted to ask once you’re sitting on that exam table, so writing things down ahead of time can help make sure you cover everything you wanted to!

2.     Be honest, even if it feels awkward. Providers ask personal questions so they can give you the safest care possible, not to judge you. That includes questions about sex, birth control, substance use, mental health, and relationships. Being honest will help them help you.

3.     Ask questions until things make sense. If a provider uses medical words or explains something too quickly, it’s completely okay to say, “Can you explain that another way?” or “What does that mean for me?” You deserve clarity.

4.     Ask for what you need. This might include an interpreter, a provider of a certain gender, trauma-informed care, more time to talk, pain management options, or a second opinion.

Remember, health care works best when it’s a partnership. If you feel dismissed, pressured, or uncomfortable, you’re allowed to ask for what you need or even seek care elsewhere. Finding the right provider can take time, but it’s worth it. Find a provider that will partner with you in your health care at your nearest The Right Time health center.