Birth Control to Regulate Periods??

[Katie4444]

My periods are always irregular and last longer than they should. I think I might be going to the doctor soon to get on the pill. Have any of you gone to get the pill specifically for your period?

Will they do a full on internal exam or just take blood and give me the perscription? I'm not 18 and I'm still a virgin. I'm kind of nervous about what to expect Any advice will help! Thanks.

[BorderGirl]

I was 23 when I first went to the gyn for period problems (and a virgin). My gyn opted to check me out with blood tests and abdominal ultrasounds rather than a pelvic exam. He really wanted to do a transvaginal ultrasound as well but I hadn't even used a tampon before. Its basically this wand that is a little bigger than a big tampon that they insert just a little bit to get a better picture; less invasive than an exam. But then they found what was wrong with me... pituitary tumor. So it wasn't needed. It really depends on your doctor and you. I felt comfortable with my decision, but my friend (also a virgin) was diagnosed with cervical cancer 6 months later. Its rare but it can happen, and a pelvic exam would catch it.
Do yourself a favor though and tell them you want to know what exactly is wrong. It may not be that important to you now, and you can always opt to take the pill, but down the road if you want to have kids it might be important to start early treatment or whatever.
I'm on the pill while I wait for surgery. It hasn't been a cake walk. Lots of side effects. But I'm pretty happy on Desogen now.

[Mecpcpj]

Hi Katie,
Well, I went on birth control pills when I was 16 because I was having rough periods not for actual birth control. I was having terrible cramping that would keel me over and I just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry! My periods were also heavy and lasted long (7+ days). My mom brought me to the family doctor who recommended birth control pills to regulate hormones and my cycle. Of course, now that I've been on it for over 4 years it's come in handy as a birth control mechanism too! But when I went on it I was a virgin and it was only for my period.
I just went to the GYN for a routine pap smear and physical exam (we went over my health history, family history and she did a breast exam). It wasn't painful at all, she made sure I was relaxed and that I was comfortable. She also did an STD test, even though I wasn't sexually active. I'm not sure why? Maybe just because it's routine. Then we discussed my symptoms and she prescribed me the pill. I didn't have any blood drawn or anything like that. Just a routine pap smear and some tests.
When you go make sure you tell her all your symptoms so she can give you the best fitting prescription! I'm still looking for one that give me few symptoms but let me tell you, being on the pill reduces my pre-period symptoms big time! Good luck and don't be nervous!

[dizzychild]

I just started taking birth control a little over a month ago. I am also not sexually active, and just wanted to regulate my periods and make them a little easier to deal with. I was nervous about the exam, but it was actually really quick and painless. The gyn did a pap smear (which I bearly felt) and a breast exam. I didn't have to to a blood test or urine test, but I am sure the tests depend on your symptoms. She sent me home with a prescription for Ortho Tricyclen Lo and three sample packs to start with. It wasn't a bad experience at all. Just tell your gyn that it is your first appointment.

[canadiangirl25]

I was 11 when i first got my period. it would last for 10 days and then i wouldn't have it for a week and then it would start again. i went to the doc and b/c i wasn't sexually active, i didn't have to have a pap smear .I took minovral 21. I have been on the pill for 14 years now. it works fantastic for regulating my periods. i have no side effects at all. Now i take 84 pills in a row and then have my period about 4 days and then 84 more pills. So I only get my period 4 times a year. it is so much better than before. if I didn't have to get my period at all, i wouldn't. My doc told me i had to have 4 periods a year but he told my sister she dosen't need to get a period at all? This confuses me greatly. But at least everything is now under control and I am much happier.