What would be the easiest way to approach my mom about...?

Question

me going on the pill? Im 15 and Im not sexually active,but I get really heavy periods and painful cramps but Im afraod to talk to her about it.Plus Im terrified of going to the gyno.

Answer 1

I think it really depends on your ultimate motive. Is your one (and ONLY ...at this point in your life anyway) goal to help your cramps and periods become more manageable?
If you don't plan on having sex in the near future (6 mos. or so) then I would approach your mom about your heavy periods and cramps and ask HER if she knows of anything that can help... If she doesn't have any suggestions or maybe suggestions that you don't think are really going to help, you might say "Maybe a gyno could help....i have a friend who's gyno put her on BC pill just for her cramps and she's not even sexually active." That way, she really won't read into it (like most moms will:) and see the issue as the cramps and nothing more....not just finding an excuse to get on the pill and have sex.

BUT if you do think you will be sexually active in the near future, and see the pill as a potential way to "kill 2 birds with one stone," but you DON'T feel comfortable at all talking to your mom about sex, etc., you should make an appointment with your closest Planned Parenthood. They only charge based on your income (which as a student yours will be next to nothing---maybe $25 or so for the appointment??? Call for details.) They exist especially for young women like you, who need gynecological care (or sexual information) who may or may not be able to get the help or information from parents, friends, etc. They are extremely helpful, kind, and understanding. If you tell them it is your first gyno exam, and you are scared, they will explain every detail of what will happen until you understand it.

It is true, BTW, you DO have to see a gyno to get the pill. The only exception i have ever heard was a friend of mine who knew her family doctor SO well and she had been a patient since birth, but he STILL should have made sure she had a gyno exam. Just remember, it gets easier and less uncomfortable every time and the older you get. I'm 33, and for me it's about like going to see the dentist--not as much fun as a night out with your girlfriends, but nothing to be scared about :) Feel free to email me if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to about it...i remember so well what you are going through...not fun! take care...

(BTW, I STILL go to PP...just because i want to keep supporting them because of all the help they gave me when I couldn't talk to my mom.)

Answer 2

Oh dear....

When I was 15 I had he most horribly painful periods. Did so until I had my daughter. Basically came close to passing out and felt so SICK with it. First day mainly. Heavy? Yeah- kind of...

So I know how you feel.

But I tell you something for nothing- unless a doctor with genuine interest in YOUR health says that the best thing for your case IS to go on the pill I would not consider it.

Hormones to "fix" something which is not actually "broken" is never a good idea. It is like taking antibiotics when you don't need them!

ANYTHING like that which you put into your body had better be there for a VERY good reason.

Now- I have read MANY threads mentioning using the pill to control period regularity and feel that this is a newish thing. We used to take the pill to prevent pregnancy...

OK- before anyone thinks I am being old-fashioned- I am not. I have a 15 year old who is not sexually active (and yes, I am sure) and who has heavy and currently slightly irregular periods and I'd recommend that she go onto the pill AND use condoms when her time comes. Not because of her period but to prevent pregnancy.

:-)

Talk to your mum. SHE knows better than any of us what you are going through. She is also a woman who loves you and wants the best for you. And erm- nothing she hasn't dealt with yet herself!

Don't be terrified of the gynae. They are also normal people with the same issues you have. Promise. I have had male (yep!) AND female ones and believe it or not I went from preferring female ones before I had a boyfriend to preferring a male one after.

Just me. Once you have done it once (and you will one day see one!) it is easier the second time. Besides- it is more to do with shyness than pain- because THEY don't hurt you! Dentists do that... Bet you are not afraid of them! :-D

Talk to mum about what she recommends.

I'd be tempted to add my five pence and say that the pill is not the answer for your issue- there are better ways to deal with the pain. Pain relief taken when you feel the first twinges works! If you can interupt the pain signal early enough you can pretty much overcome it. Pain should really only be an issue on the first heavy day. Besides... The pill would control the regularity more than the pain. I had the same level of pain during my time with the pill as I did without it. OK, so mine WAS bad but it was clearly NOT having ANY effect.

Heaviness? Well- a doctor should be asked about that but at your age I will wager they will say that you have to give it time to settle down. Ask mum what HERS is/was like- mothers often have very similar experiences due to genetics. A good set of pads changed regularly (and I love those wings!) will really take care of that.

And when pregnancy control becomes an issue revisit the pill.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Having abnormally heavy or long periods is called menorrhagia. The underlying causes can be hormonal imbalances, fibroid tumors, an abnormal thyroid condition, an infection or a number of other reasons.

About 20% of women suffer from menorrhagia, so it's not uncommon. A hormonal imbalance is usually the reason for teenagers and premenopausal women. So this could very well be your problem.

If left untreated, heavy menstrual periods can cause additional health problems, such as anemia. The good news is that often the treatment and diagnosis of the underlying cause ends the abnormal periods.

Have an honest talk with your mom about your reasons for wanting to get on birth control. If you have very heavy periods, chances are that she has had the same problem. She should understand.

Going to the ob/gyn can be embarrassing, I won't lie. But they are professionals; it's their job. Plus it is something that you will need to do in the future anyway, for both preventive health measures and if you ever become pregnant.

Make an appointment with your ob/gyn. While waiting to see your doctor, read about abnormally heavy or long periods and the possible causes here: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/106869/possible_causes_of_heavy_menstrual.html

Answer 4

Well I can tell you what happened to me. When I was in high school I missed a week a month because when my period came the cramps were so bad I couldn't function. My mom figured that since it happened every month there had to be something wrong. So she set me up w/ a gyn that really dealt w/ teenagers and young adults. They gave me some pain meds that really worked and they also started me on BC to regulate and control my periods. Once I started them it let me go back to school and work. After I had my son I didn't have any signs and I had no pain, however when I had my daughter it came back and was worse then ever. 6 years ago I finally was told what was causing it. It is in illness called Endometriosis and it can cause very bad cramps along w/ other issues, (I get really bad migraines, sick to my stomach, vomiting.)

I think the best thing for you to do is just sit down w/ your mom and explain what you go through when you have your period. Be honest. If you can do some google or yahoo health searches about severe cramps and really bad periods. Then ask her to schedule you an appt and then you can talk to your doctor. About what is causing your symptoms and what can be done to help. You can also have your mom in the room when the doctor tells you the best way to handle your care. And going to the gyn isn't to bad. I was nervous to, but once your there and you get to talking w/ them and get more comfortable it will be okay.

Good luck.

Answer 5

The best way is the truth; tell her what you have put here. Don't get upset if she freaks out for a few minutes or thinks you might be having sex - it's just something most parents worry about. Tell her first about your painful cramps and heavy periods (or remind her if she already knows), and THEN mention the possibility of going on the pill.

As for the gynecologist - it's really not that big a deal; you have to remember that they see women all the time, and that you will be just one more body that they're checking for good health before prescribing.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Birth control would help with these things, but are you sure it's something you'd want to do? If you go on the pill, you'll gain probably about 10-15 lbs. Not to mention, birth control increases your chance of ovarian cancer.

There are tons of things you can do to help with these things other than birth control. Drinking alot of water, especially around the time of your period, helps to shorten your period. And there are tons of other things out there to help with that as well.

For cramps, Midol/Pamprin worked for me (and trust me, you have no idea what painful cramps are until you've been in my shoes). Also, when you get cramps take a warm bath. The heat from the water will help relieve the pain. You can also take one of those facemasks that you use for headaches and lay it across your lower stomach. This works just like a warm bath.

Try these things during your next period. If they don't work or if you think they don't work well enough, then talk to your mom about the pill. Don't be ashamed of it..I'm sure she's been through things like this too :-)

Answer 7

i had the same problem then i finally talk to her about it an went and the gyno is not scary. well when i went the pill messed me up even worse than i was cause it is easy to for get it then i went on the patch it makes you gain weight .well to cut this short i have been on almost every BC and the one i think works the most is the new NUVA RING it helps with the cramps and it lightens up the flow so just tell your mom and how you fill she should understand the pain of cramps ;) then i recommend the NUVA RING it does wonders

Answer 8

I would start by talking about your period. aviod the words birthcontrol pills until she knows your concerned about your period and not sex. My mother is easily upset by any mention of sex so I can understand your position. Just mention that your getting heavy painful periods and you were wondering if she knew how to help. Maybe she'll suggest it maybe you'll have to bring it up. Reguardless you would need to see a doctor about it so that's something you'd have to over come

Answer 9

I think you assure your mom that you are not sexually active and that you need to take the pills to regulate your period. If your mom takes you to the gyno herself, she won't have a problem with it ..it's best to be open with your mom about these things ..you will see that she will understand .

you can also build a good relationship with your mom.

Answer 10

You do not have to see a GYN to get birth control pills. Your regular doc will prescribe them. If you periods are that bad I am sure your mother has noticed so ask what suggestions she has for this and also just ask if you can see your doc to talk to him/her about your periods.