BC help and opinions needed. - Birth Control Message Board

missfit88 · 11-24-2008, 10:12 AM

I posted this on the women's health boards last night. I am new here so I didn't know there was so many sections. The homepage just took me to women's health

I figured I would get more responses here. I did some good advice from someone in my other thread though so thank you!

Hi there.
I was thinking of going to my local Planned Parenthood to get some birth control but I have never been there before so I do not really know what to expect. Can anyone help fill me in a little? I do not want to get an exam I just want to get the birth control. Is this possible if I have never been to the gyno before? If I seem to be in overall good health?
I would also like some advice... I only need this for a 2 week trip I am taking to visit my boyfriend in another state. I am trying to decide between the depro provera shot and just the normal birth control pills. I was leaning more towards the shot since my mom couldn't find it and freak out but I was wondering which was better for this short period of time? Also are they both pretty much the same overall effectiveness at preventing pregnancy?
I was also curious as to how bad or how frequent the "spotting" is when I start the pill and if it would interfere with sexual activity very much?
I was also curious it says that it can affect your sex drive... Can it affect your natural lubrication in any way?
I was put on I think it was Diflucan... I think that's it for an ear infection a few months ago... Weird I know... Yeast infection medicine for an ear infection? Well it seemed like I was oddly dry and I am hoping birth control will not do that to me. That's not fun and kinda embarrassing.

Sorry for all the questions.
Glad I find these forums and I will appreciate all of your help!

missfit88 · 11-24-2008, 10:55 AM

Also, I just called the local PP.
Their next available appointment is Dec. 1st.... I read online about when you need to start birth control...
Will my cycle is always very regular so I am predicting I will start the 27th. Therefore my Sunday start would be the 30th. If I go on the 1st and start taking it that day will that increase my chances of getting pregnant or anything? I don't know how one day could make that much of difference but I suppose it could... Please help me out.

EllieFrog · 11-24-2008, 09:46 PM

I'm just going to put it simply - if you're going to go on any type of birth control for only a short period of time, don't bother. This is not something to be taken lightly. You really need to consider many factors if you're going to committ to a bc method.
First off, I've been to a PP clinic (two of them actually) in my area. Yes, you absolutely must be examined in order to acquire any type of birth control. They will not give it to you otherwise. It is necessary to do this for your health if you're going to start being sexually active. An exam is something that lasts only a few minutes and is not as weird or uncomfortable as some people think.
PP will ask you questions about everything, including your sexual health that way they can determine the best type of birth control (or the best type of pill) for you.
Then you must take the pill every single day at the same time, religiously. And although you absolutely don't have to take the pill on the first day of your period, or the first Sunday after your period, it is best to take it then.
Also, one day does make a huge difference. Skip one pill and you could become pregnant.
If you do start on a Sunday as recommended, you would have to take it for 7 days before it becomes fully effective, otherwise it may not work.

Those are just a few things to consider. Not to mention the fact that all pills affect everyone differently. You may have breakthrough bleeding on one pill, but not on another. You may gain/lose weight, experience moodswings, loss of libido (including lubrication), etcetera. There are very many things to consider. Those are just some side-effects that seem to be pretty common (I've experienced all of them on two different pills).
Also, if you're going to take a pill, it's best to take it for three months before you decide whether or not it works for you.

As you can see, you can't just rush this. Do your research, go to a PP clinic, and discuss every detail with them. If you don't plan on taking your bc long term, then do yourself a favor and don't go on it at all. The hormones will just screw up your system.

missfit88 · 11-24-2008, 10:24 PM

Well I am not just now becoming sexually active... I have always used condoms with my boyfriend of 2 years. He is my only partner. I am considering taking it long term because my face breaks out quite frequently... My planned parenthood told me that I did not need an exam because I had not been active for 3 years. I just had to be checked for gonorrhea and chlamydia...

EllieFrog · 11-25-2008, 10:48 AM

Well, seeing that you've already been sexually active, it is even more important for you to get an exam to make sure that everything is okay. You are supposed to see a gynecologist as soon as you become sexually active.
How many partners you've had doesn't make a difference.
Them telling you that you don't need an exam is pretty strange; I hadn't been sexually active for more then two years when I went either, they still insisted on an exam. I would get one anyway just to be sure that everything is the way it should be for your health.

Taking bc long-term is the only way to go. Short-term would only mess up your system. And if you want to take it for skin problems it is important to mention this to your doctory (they will ask you anyway), so that way they can choose a pill that will help with skin issues (not all do, in fact, some pills may make acne worse).
I would do a lot more research if you're really, seriously considering this, because it is a big commitment and it's important to know everything there is to know.