I'm twenty, on an... extremely limited income, and have no insurance. Therefore, I don't have money for numerous doctor visits (my doctor is also ridiculously expensive, and there are no other docs in my area). However, I want to start birth control. I feel kind of silly for asking these things, but is it possible to get birth control through a general practicioner? Aside from my yearly checkup, which isn't due for at least another eight or nine months... I really can't afford to pay for the actual visits to the gynecologist. However, tomorrow I have an appointment with my regular doctor tomorrow and am wondering if it would be okay to talk to her about it.

I honestly wouldn't mind if I got pregnant, but I'm not at a point in my life where I could support a child... and I'm pretty sure my guy wouldn't be too happy if that happened, though he wouldn't do anything drastic. I also have very bad menstrual cramping and headaches and was wondering what forms of birth control can cause you to miss your period. I was told by a girlfriend of mine several months ago about a shot that causes you to stop your period, could someone tell me about that?

I'm just looking for solutions, and would like to know some things before I head into the doc tomorrow. Thanks.

Hi.. Well I am not sure if your general doctor will prescribe pills for you, I think that some Drs. do but that is something you will have to ask you doctor specifically. As for pills, I am not sure what state you are in, but where I live in Florida, there are women health clinics, I am sure you can find one where you live that base your payment on your income. A lot of times there is no charge for visits or small fees. For example where I go it is like $8.00 for the visit and they give you the pills for free. I do not have medical insurance either, so this helps me a lot. I would look into this, because it is good to have a dr. to go to all the time.

No, they don't have anything like that around here. I just live in a little backwoods town in the middle of nowhere.

There is no type of city close to you? Well, then I guess it would not hurt to ask your General Doctor. I have heard of drs who do things like pap smears and general gyn procedures so there is a change he/she might be able to help. Good luck!

Do you have a planned parenthood anywhere near you? It's a place where you can get birthcontro/pap smears/etc. for free or discounted amount based on your income guidelines. Birth Control pills will help to regulate your periods, less flow, less cramps, less acne, less headaches, etc. You may just want to ask your doctor about the different options out there for you to take. On the pill, you may gain 1-10lbs if I remember right while on it. I've been on/off for 9 years and I only gained 2lbs from it. The shot can make you not have a period but you may spot off and on for quite awhile. Maybe 3-6 mos until you get used to it in your body. It can make you gain 5-20lbs or more during the time on it. Everyone is different. My friend uses this and she has gained 17lbs over 4 years on the shot, but she doesn't have her period and the shot lasts for 3 mos/ each time. It's up to you- either get a shot once every 3 mos or take a pill every day and have lighter periods/less days. I tried the shot and gained 15lbs within 6 mos. so I went back to the pill. Hopefully, this helps.

I'm four hours from the nearest city, yes.