Getting the Pill?

[jchang]

Uh, I have a bunch of questions about the pill as a contraceptive, sorry if this is in the wrong forum. Or if the questions seem a bit obvious or anything.

1. Weight gain while on it..? Has anybody actually gained weight without alteration of diet or excercise?
2. When going to a clinic for it, what examinations are necessary before the nurse practicioner/doctor can prescribe it?
3. Would the prescription be confidential if you were under age of majority?
4. Can you just start on the pill at any time or do you have to wait until a certain point in your cycle?

Thanks to all who can answer, ^^;

 

[Damia]

Casting my mind back ........9 years

Hi honey

dont worry about it there are no such thing as stupid questions, like i said its been a while for me, and i,m in the UK _ things may be different elsewhere but.....

1. Weight gain while on it..? Has anybody actually gained weight without alteration of diet or excercise?

didn't gain any myself, friends have done - i guess its one of those 50/50 things

2. When going to a clinic for it, what examinations are necessary before the nurse practicioner/doctor can prescribe it?

lifestyle questions - do you smoke ect?, family medical history

blood pressure

weight and height

3. Would the prescription be confidential if you were under age of majority?

Pretty sure all doctor related stuff is Although depending on your doctor you may get a bit of a lecture about safe sex ie other precautions you still need to take.

4. Can you just start on the pill at any time or do you have to wait until a certain point in your cycle?

I was put onto microgynon i started it on the first day of my next period.

important thing to consider is that there isn't just one type or pill, so if you do find yourself having any side effects you can always ask to try another type, one of my girlfriend went through about 4 different ones before she found one that was comfortable for her.

feel free to PM if you have any other questions

Take care

XdamiaX

 

[SweetErika]

Uh, I have a bunch of questions about the pill as a contraceptive, sorry if this is in the wrong forum. Or if the questions seem a bit obvious or anything.

1. Weight gain while on it..? Has anybody actually gained weight without alteration of diet or excercise?
2. When going to a clinic for it, what examinations are necessary before the nurse practicioner/doctor can prescribe it?
3. Would the prescription be confidential if you were under age of majority?
4. Can you just start on the pill at any time or do you have to wait until a certain point in your cycle?

Thanks to all who can answer, ^^;

Welcome, and make sure you read the sticky threads at the top of this forum...tons of great info on the pill and everything else!

This page from the Planned Parenthood website has excellent info and answers to your questions. If you have more specific questions, call or visit your local clinic, and they should happily tell you what you want to know.

I was on tons of different pills for 8 years. I did gain weight on some of the higher dose pills, but nothing serious. The main reason for weight gain is eating an extra snack when you take the pill, and I'd always suggest researching and starting with the lowest hormone level possible.

You need to have a pelvic exam when you feel you're ready to have sex or starting at age 18, and once a year after. Most doctors and clinics won't prescribe the pill without a pelvic and full physical.

Ask the doctor or clinic about confidentiality, and reassure us you're an adult.

The person who prescribes the pill should answer all of your questions on when to start, there's a handy little fact sheet with the pills, and if you're still confused, you can always ask a pharmacist or call Planned Parenthood.

Be smart and use condoms.

 

[jchang]

Thank you for your help, damia, and sweeterika. I think it'll be easier to go now that I know what's in store. ><

 

[Leeleigh]

If you live in the US, your best bet is to go to Planned Parenthood as they do work with Teens, as Erika said... and as she also pointed out... use condoms: even if you are on the pill. The pill will help prevent a pregnancy, and please note that I say will help.. its not fool proof. But the main reason for the condom is that the pill will not prevent STD's, AIDS/HIV, warts, herpes and hepatitis.

Make sure that YOU take care of yourself... insure you own safety... The life you save by doing this may be your own.

 

[RedIntense]

Check out the planned parenthood website, www.plannedparenthood.org I believe. It is a wealth of information. As to your specific questions, the different pills have different side effects. Many women have to try several different types before they find the one that works best for them. As for the exam, it depends on where you go, some doctors will require it and some won't. Its a good idea to get one anyways, though, especially when you are sexually active. They call it a yearly exam for a reason, and it is meant for your benefit. Your health isn't something you should take lightly. As for confidentiality, call you doctor's office and ask them. You don't have to give your name on the phone. And its the only way you can get a guaranteed answer.

 

[sexy98115]

bc pill advice

I was on 3 different bc pills for 6 months each. I gained 25lbs with out eating anything else. I couldn't stop gaining even though I was exercising more. I felt like I was living out side of my body maybe a better way to explain that feeling would be a lack of control of my own body. I was moody, almost suicidally depressed, i cried for no reason at all. It also messed up my cycle. I was on a very low dose pill.

I would seriously consider non-hormonal treatments.. condoms, foam, cap, etc.

 

[SweetErika]

I was on 3 different bc pills for 6 months each. I gained 25lbs with out eating anything else. I couldn't stop gaining even though I was exercising more. I felt like I was living out side of my body maybe a better way to explain that feeling would be a lack of control of my own body. I was moody, almost suicidally depressed, i cried for no reason at all. It also messed up my cycle. I was on a very low dose pill.

I would seriously consider non-hormonal treatments.. condoms, foam, cap, etc.

Yep, I was on one or two like that, one gaining a full cup size in a month. The NuvaRing is supposed to have fewer side effects as far as hormones go, so that might be something to ask about. Finally, I just decided my body needed a break after 8 years, and have never felt better. We're using condoms, which my doctor considers a good method since we've never had a problem and could handle a pregnancy at this point.

 

[Eilan]

Ir's been about 10 years since I was on BCPs, but here's what I remember:

1. Weight gain while on it..? Has anybody actually gained weight without alteration of diet or excercise?

I didn't. Your mileage may vary.

2. When going to a clinic for it, what examinations are necessary before the nurse practicioner/doctor can prescribe it?

I had to have a pelvic exam/pap test. If you're sexually active, or about to be, that's a good idea, anyway.

3. Would the prescription be confidential if you were under age of majority?

I REALLY hope you're referring to someone else and not yourself, because you have to be 18 to be on this site.

4. Can you just start on the pill at any time or do you have to wait until a certain point in your cycle?

I was told to start my pill pack on the first Sunday after my period started (if your period starts on Sunday, you can start the pills that day). I don't think that there's a real reason for this except that you might be more likely to remember to take the pill. *shrugs*

 

[SweetErika]

I was told to start my pill pack on the first Sunday after my period started (if your period starts on Sunday, you can start the pills that day). I don't think that there's a real reason for this except that you might be more likely to remember to take the pill. *shrugs*

You can either start on the first day of your period OR the first Sunday after it starts (even if you've stopped bleeding). Sunday starts are often easier to remember and match up with the days printed on the pill pack...otherwise you have to cover the days with little stickers. I always used the Sunday start. But, if you don't start them on that first day or first Sunday, you may ovulate, and can't rely on for birth control. I think you're supposed to throw the pack out and start with a new one next month (I always kept the monophasic packs for when I lost a pill, went out, or couldn't get to the pharmacy before I needed them).

 

[chris9]

I started with the pill almost 6 years ago. I gained about maybe 2 pounds but it evens out over the time. I was a virgin when starting so my doctor only did an outside examination and something (don't know the word right now -it enables the doctor to take a look inside with a sort of camera in black and white, usually done during pregnancies) to check and made me come back for a full examination 3 months later. I tried three or four types of pill mainly to find one that helped me with my acne.
I think for me it helped taking the pill for my first time, as this just isn't so easy and a couple being so cool to make a condom really safe. Using both is best though because of those STDs.

 

[zerimar1231]

1. Weight gain while on it..? Has anybody actually gained weight without alteration of diet or excercise?

I haven't gained weight on Ortho-Cyclen, but that's different with every woman, my friends gained weight but i didn't.

2. When going to a clinic for it, what examinations are necessary before the nurse practicioner/doctor can prescribe it?

I had a pap smear even though i was a virgin, if u're older than 18 you should have it done. Ps: it doesn't hurt, it just feels weird.

3. Would the prescription be confidential if you were under age of majority?

If you go to Planned Parenthood it's confidential, they'll give you the pill right there.

4. Can you just start on the pill at any time or do you have to wait until a certain point in your cycle?

I forgot about that, ask the doc or read the birthcontrol packet. If you have any questions on the side effects of different types of birth control than you can go to www.walgreens.com and there you find diff info on prescription drugs!

 

[fr34k_n45ty]

1. I gained about 20lbs on the pill in 9 months, i've just gone it because of the weight gain.

2. They prolly run a preg test if you have been active, then they do a breast exam, take ur weight, poke around and ur ready to go. (you can find detailed information an the planned parent hood site)

3. I believe over the age of 16 everything in confidental.. i could be wrong but i know if you ask they will unless they feel that you are being harmed in some way

4. it says to start you pill the first sunday after you start your period or start the sunday that you get it, i've also read that you can start it any day you want, it just help you remember what day otherwise.

make sure you write down can questions you have cause once they lock you in the white room and ask you to put the big paper towel around you... you'll prolly forget them