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-   -   i know this sounds stupid but... (http://www.pixies-place.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20567)

august 05-26-2004 05:03 PM

i know this sounds stupid but...
 
In order to get birth control, does one have to get an exam, or does the doctor just perscribe the pills? I heard that if going to the doctor you only have to answer a few questions, where if going to a gyno you have to get the exam. Is this true? Help!

Lilith 05-26-2004 05:14 PM

No doctor should prescribe birth control without a complete physical.

august 05-26-2004 05:16 PM

thanks.

Lilith 05-26-2004 05:18 PM

And if you are old enough to need them you should be having complete physicals. You may have luck at a dept. of health clinic but you usually have to have an exam, I think.

august 05-26-2004 05:39 PM

I've always avoided having a complete physical... I just don't really feel comfortable about it. Thats why I never looked into getting birth control, I didn't ever really know what to expect, and felt stupid for asking anyone else.

Lilith 05-26-2004 05:53 PM

Don't feel stupid. It is perfectly normal to feel scared about the idea of it.

But truly if you are old enough to be having sex or seriously considering having sex it is important to make sure you stay healthy.

All birth control pills do is prevent pregnancy.... you must protect yourself against STDs.

Here is info on what to expect at an exam

http://www.puberty101.com/p_obgyn.shtml

and a great site with lots of answers to many sex questions

http://www.puberty101.com/

You can PM me any questions and I will be glad to give you what information I can. A smart girl always seeks out information just as you have!

musketeer 05-26-2004 05:59 PM

The other way you can use until you decide to go see your doctor is condoms. You should be able to get these from your local pharmacy (in the UK not sure in USA). They will also help protect yourself from STD's. No matter what form of contraception you choose it's always a good idea to carry and use condoms and practice safe sex.

imaginewithme 05-26-2004 06:24 PM

That's for sure. If you can't trust to be examined by a doctor, who sees people all day long.....just imagine having sex with someone...yeah i know there's a difference, but the dr. sees it all day.

I was a nervous wreck my first exam, and still not comfortable with them. Just relax is all I can say.

Sharni 05-26-2004 07:53 PM

I got my first perscription of pills at 16 and never had to have a physical

IAKaraokeGirl 05-26-2004 07:55 PM

It's important to get a yearly exam, if only because of the increased likelihood of catching a potential problem or abnormality early on. By this, I'm not talking STDs necessarily, but more specifically types of cervical and/or ovarian cancer. It's not the highlight of my year, either, but the brief feeling of being uncomfortable is more than worth the peace of mind.

Gilly 05-26-2004 09:10 PM

The specific reasoning behind the exms is to check for abnormalities, as well as taking samples to check and make certain your body is functuning properly. I don't know of any organization that will perscribe without the exam. Each pill is formulated differently, working by using different hormones. You'll likely need to check in with your doctor 3 months after starting, so that they know the pill is working for you.

My first pill experiance was a really wrong one for my body. I went the first month fine, the second month I went about 2 weeks fine, and then 6 weeks into it, I began to bleed like a period. I didn't stop for another 6 weeks, and that was 4 weeks after I stopped taking the pills.

First exams can be highly uncomfortable. If you have a family practitioner, they can do the exams. If you don't, look for either an OB/GYN or a health department, or a Planned Pregnancy type place.

I've personally never minded one way or the other, but one thing to consider is whether you prefer a male or female doctor. Regardless of what you choose, a nurse MUST be present during the exam.

The exam itself is more nerve wracking than anything, but there are a few uncomfortable moments. You'll do fine.

Cheyanne 05-26-2004 09:15 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I have always had to have my "poke and prod" before I could get my prescription for birth control pills.

Just one of those dreaded things that women have to do once a year...besides, you get to see some really cool posters put on the ceiling....

Teddy Bear 05-26-2004 09:19 PM

First: WELCOME TO PIXIES!! I'm sure you'll like it here . :D

Second: There is no such thing as a stupid question! Gain as much knowledge as you can in all areas of your life. And know as much as you can about your body and take care of it. Sounds corny but you only get one and it's gotta last another 70 or 80 years!! With that in mind I agree with those who posted regarding condoms and safe sex. And weather you decide to go on the pill or not, I also agree that you should have a complete exam. You may feel more comfortable with a lady gyn. The exam is not all that bad. Just think of something happy and let your mind drift. lol.

Good luck!!
I look forward to 'meeting' you on the board.

teddy :) :) :)

maddy 05-29-2004 05:52 PM

I absolutely despise going for my annual exam - but I've always had a female dr do it, as I'm convinced she will be more understanding of my needs and concerns (very personal decision, I know). I dread it from the time I make the appointment til my feet come out of the stirrups. But every year I survive. And there's much to be said for peace of mind. Coming from a family of cancer victims, this is one of the easiest things to do to keep my health in check.

I've never heard of a woman being excited about having a her annual exam, or a male about having a prostate exam, but it's part of being a responsible adult.

Sharni 05-29-2004 07:11 PM

Hmmmmm...because i dont have an exam every 2 years (thats the time length here) does not make me an irresponsible adult!

Grumble 05-30-2004 06:07 AM

well not irresponsible Sharni but perhaps unwise.

The reason is to find any problems early enough to be able to deal with them before they get too far advanced.

Sharni 05-30-2004 06:19 AM

Yeah well someone find me the time and the money to go and all will be good

Shit happens

katekate42 05-30-2004 10:17 PM

The exam's important even if it's not mandatory, since it will help the doc determine any sorts of problems that might impact the type of birth control that's right for you.

Plus, cervical cancer used to be the #1 killer of women- it's not even in the top ten now, all thanks to a pap smear once a year that makes it possible to detect cancer at the pre-cancerous stage.

GO GET ONE! It sucks, and it's embarrassing, and my vagina hates me for a week before I go, but i'd rather sign on for 20 minutes of embarassment than death or chemotherapy :)

Englishlush 05-31-2004 05:35 AM

You don't need a physical exam in the U - just a health history check and blood pressure check. Once you're on the pill you need a smear every couple of years - which will be a nurse rather than a Doctor (they're much better at it!!)

Gilly 05-31-2004 11:08 PM

Unles you have a family history o medical problems, or are over the age of 40, they are not nessecary yearly, just recommended. I have them about once every 3 years, give or take. I've never had an abnormal one, and am only sexually active with 1 partner, the same guy for 7 years now.

If you are sexually active with more than 1 consistant partner, it's wise to be checked for std's (condom or not!!!) once a year. Older women are encouraged to get them early as well, because as people age, more health problems crop up. If you've a family history of ovarian cancer, cysts, etc, it's wise to get one yearly.

Once you've gotten the first one over with, so long as you aren't hopping from bed to bed, and don't have an abnormal smear, I wouldn't worry about having to get them every year.

dicksbro 06-03-2004 03:20 AM

August, didn't sound like a stupid question to me. In fact, it sounded pretty smart.

Listen to these ladies. Not only are they smart, but they're truly caring!

LixyChick 06-05-2004 01:09 PM

Welcum to Pixies august! I hope you've come back to read the advice given here! It's all true and wise! Don't think that you've asked a stupid question. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask! Please keep us up to date on your feelings hun!

One thing I've noticed...

It seems to me that the Health Care system in the US, because it is an individual's responsibility to carry and not universal, is expensive but involves a more extensive exam process. Judging from the responses above...all the ladies in the US had to have an internal exam before being prescribed BC. I think that "the exam" is a necessary part of a woman's life, and whether you get it as a part of your regular appt. for birth control (initially), or just request it as a precautionary measure towards your own peace of mind...it is the wisest and most responsible thing you can do for yourself, as a woman, on a regular basis! It's only embarrassing if you let it be. Pride, not embarrassment, should follow you through the process. The "knowing", that you are doing a good thing FOR yourself...should be it's own reward.

Now...go get that exam...and hold your head high that you've done something wonderful for YOU!


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