Getting birth control pills - Birth Control Message Board

BLibertyS · 06-24-2005, 06:10 PM

Hi, I'm currently 20 years old and am not sexually active. However, I am interested in being put on bc to decrease my cramps. I've tried all the over the counter pain pills, darvocet, and codeine, which all hardly help at all. My mom had this same problem and says that bc was the only thing that ever helped. So I'd like to try this also, but is it possible to be put on birth control without a pelvic exam? I heard that planned parenthood will give them to you, but you eventually have to come back in 3 months for the exam. Thanks everyone.

caliente · 06-24-2005, 07:07 PM

i've always had to have a pelvic exam before even speaking to the doctor about birth control. why wouldnt you want a pelvic exam? every woman should have one by the time she's 18, at least.

BorderGirl · 06-25-2005, 09:27 AM

I was put on the pill for cramps without a pelvic exam because my doctor trusted that I was not sexually active. Its true that you can get cervical cancer as a virgin (my friend did at 23), but it is very rare and some doctors will let you decide to wait if you want. Despite what happened to my friend, it was the best decision for me. Having said that, a pelvic exam is not that bad and I decided to have one when I was 24.
Have they suggested you get a lap to check for endometriosis? If you want to have kids someday it might be a good idea.

jriegel · 06-27-2005, 02:28 PM

honey before you try BCP for cramps, try one of these things: Co enzyme Q 10. it is good for a lot of things but i started taking it right after my period last month, for something totally unrelated and i had **no** cramps this month. i was completely shocked (and of course very happy). i did some research on it and found out that it is frequently used to prevent or lessen cramps. it doesn't work if you start taking it right before your period, it's something you have to take every day (but it's so good for so many other things, it's worth it) to prevent cramps.

also, an herb called chaste tree berry (also called vitex) which can be bought at any vitamin store or section in most grocery stores ( i think you can get it at GNC, too). my friend has terrible cramps and mood swings every month, but when she started taking vitex she didn't even notice she was about to start her period.

neither of these are prescriptions and are both safe for young adults and adults to take (and just plain good for you). and you don't need an exam (although it's always good to have a doctor check your business for something you might not be aware of!)

BLibertyS · 06-27-2005, 06:21 PM

Thank you! I'll definitely give those a try...I'm willing to try anything.