Question about the Pill

[Charlie_199]

I was wondering if someone could tell me what they do to you when you go to the doctor to get on the pill? Cuz I'm thinking of going on the pill and I want to know what they will do to me when I go in there.

Thanks

 

[Weird Harold]

I was wondering if someone could tell me what they do to you when you go to the doctor to get on the pill? Cuz I'm thinking of going on the pill and I want to know what they will do to me when I go in there.

Thanks

I can't believe nobody has answerd this for you. Obviously, I have no direct experience, but I can give you some educated guesses.

First, it will depend on who you go to for the Pill and what your medical history (with them) is.

I suspect that, a minimum, you'll have to fill out a Medical History qustionaire and have your blood pressure checked.

If it's been a while since your last OB/Gyn visit, you might have a more thorough examination, up to and including a full physical and pelvic exam.

On the other hand, if you've got an existing relationship with a doctor and you go to them for your prescription, you might get away with a quick blood pressure check and be in and out without even taking your blouse off.

From the tone of your question, It doesn't sound like you have a regular OB/Gyn, so you're probably in for at least a cursory exam -- i.e. you're going to get felt up thoroughly in addition to getting your blood pressure taken.

 

[Lynxie]

Re: Re: Question about the Pill

I can't believe nobody has answerd this for you. Obviously, I have no direct experience, but I can give you some educated guesses.

First, it will depend on who you go to for the Pill and what your medical history (with them) is.

I suspect that, a minimum, you'll have to fill out a Medical History qustionaire and have your blood pressure checked.

If it's been a while since your last OB/Gyn visit, you might have a more thorough examination, up to and including a full physical and pelvic exam.

On the other hand, if you've got an existing relationship with a doctor and you go to them for your prescription, you might get away with a quick blood pressure check and be in and out without even taking your blouse off.

From the tone of your question, It doesn't sound like you have a regular OB/Gyn, so you're probably in for at least a cursory exam -- i.e. you're going to get felt up thoroughly in addition to getting your blood pressure taken.

Harold hit it right on - pretty good, for a guy!

Most (good) doctors will recommend that you have a full pelvic exam before they prescribe you any form of birth control. They just want to make sure that you're healthy before they start you on the medication. If you already have regular examinations, your doctor may not require anything - beyond a few questions about your sex life (in terms of how safe/healthy it is).

If you'd like to do some research before you go to find out about different types of birth control, Planned Parenthood has a very helpful website that you may find useful.

I know when I went to my local clinic to first get on the pill, I was pretty nervous. For a lot of women, it's the first time they're admitting "publicly" that they're sexually active. But all in all there's nothing to fear! Your doctor will probably be glad that you're taking a responsible outlook on your sex life.

 

[Weird Harold]

Re: Re: Re: Question about the Pill

Harold hit it right on - pretty good, for a guy!

I shouldn't have to answer these "girly" questions when there are so many females about that have direct experience.

I did forget to mention that a "Pap Smear" will almost certainly be required uness you've had one recently -- and probably again when you renew the prescription. (That was the thing that both my ex and daughters grumbled the most about when it was time to renew their PC prescriptions.)

 

[My Own Way]

If I might just add, not so much about the whole exam process cause you got two exceptional answers already, but in my personal experience, don't expect to get the right pill the first time. It took me two tries before I found a pill that my body responded well to...aka where i didn't gain ten pounds or was sick to my stomach. The pill is a fabulous thing, just be prepared and patient about finding the correct one for you.

 

[Cakegirl]

When I first got prescribed the pill, I had no exam. I just went to the doctor (he'd been my doctor for a while, but not long) for period pain, and he suggested I go on the pill. I was pretty young, so I told him I'd talk to my mum about it first. He may have taken my BP, but I can't remember. Anyway, I ended up talking to my mum, agreeing it was a good idea, and then calling the doctor to say "yes please" and arranging to go in later to pick up a prescription.

 

[My Own Way]

When I first got prescribed the pill, I had no exam. I just went to the doctor (he'd been my doctor for a while, but not long) for period pain, and he suggested I go on the pill. I was pretty young, so I told him I'd talk to my mum about it first. He may have taken my BP, but I can't remember. Anyway, I ended up talking to my mum, agreeing it was a good idea, and then calling the doctor to say "yes please" and arranging to go in later to pick up a prescription.

That was the same for me. I went on the pill when I was about 15 or 16 merely to control the hormones that were making my skin break out like crazy. Once I turned 20 though....20 seems to be the magical number I couldn't get a refill without having a pelvic exam. I also imagine that most doctors will assume that if you're coming into their office specifically for a perscription for birth control that you're having or planning on having sex...and I think in that case they'll almost always give you a full gyno exam....oh what fun that always is

 

[RalTex]

As a practitioner, I can tell you that the ACOG guidelines are:

PAP smear every year starting at age 18 OR at the onset of sexual activity.

After three consecutive negative PAPs, it is presumed safe to stretch that to about three years.

If you have been sexually active, one of the first things I would do before prescribing you the pill is..... a pregnancy test.

I frequently prescribe the pill without doing an immediate PAP but I will only give one month's supply to coerce the patient to come back to have the PAP done. This also helps reduce the tension of those jittery patients who are just squirming thinking about having to get all of that accomplished with an initial visit.

 

[Charlie_199]

Thanks guys for answering my question.

 

[fr34k_n45ty]

I've been on the pill for about 5 months now. I went to planned parent hood. It was really fast once they attually got me in the room. They made me wear this over sized paper towel.. then the doc did a breast exam... and felt around down there just a lil bit the stupid metel thing was hella cold. (fast, easy, simple, better then worrying about condoms and babies)

take care

 

[Silver Sable]

I had a horrendous doctor who refused to let me go without taking the pill even though I was not and did not plan to be sexually active. I ended up on it for 3 years and she wouldn't listen to my complaints about it. I gained weight at a rate of 3 pounds per month for the FULL THREE YEARS! If you can't count that is about 100 pounds. I felt emotionally disconnected and numb after the first two months. I didn't cry about anything including deaths of loved ones for nearly 3 years. I felt completely disconnected from myself, but I didn't have cramps and my periods were regular...

When I finally just stood up to her and told her I wasn't going to take them she finally told me that I just couldn't quite them cold turkey and that was very bad for me.

Well, I did stop taking them and I never gained another pound. I actually lost about 15 pounds in two months and I didnt' change anything else. I finally started to feel something and it was severe depression and I was out of control. My face broke out in the worst acne I have ever seen and I never had acne before that. I didn't have a period for over a year. When I did start having them the acne cleared up, but it was like I went through a second puberty or something. Now that it has been nearly 3 years since I went off the pill I feel much much better, though I still haven't lost all that weight which makes me angry and depressed at times. But I'm working on it.

Anyway, the pill isn't for everyone and I would honestly charge every woman who begins the pill to take a few months and listen to your body. Figure out what your body should be like and how you should feel and how you should not feel. Then get your pills. And if after 4-6 months you haven't changed then stick with it and enjoy... but there are other alternatives that do not require hormone therapy. Some people just cannot take it. And thanks to that crazy doctor I won't go see another unless I'm pregnant or dying. It just isn't worth it to me.

 

[tigerjen]

I went on the pill in 2002 after finding that I had been
having very irrregular menses due to extreme stress in
my life. Yasmin has worked for me like a charm.

Definitely see your ob-gyn and ask her or him if its okay
for you to go on the pill....there are several diff. kinds
out there in this day and age. But as someone has
mentioned already, the pill is not right for everyone,
as it could affect your body, esp. one has been smoking
or has another medical condition.

good luck!