Planned Parenthood birth control without exam safe?

Question

I am 19 and have been sexually active for a year. I have only been with one person, as has my partner. Recently I decided to go to Planned Parenthood to get birth control. When I talked to them on the phone they said that since I was under 21 and had been sexually active for under 3 years, that I could get birth control without a gynecological exam. When I told a friend this, she claimed that not only was this unsafe but Planned Parenthood was unsafe and its perscriptions were expired. How much of this is true?

Answer 1

Hello--

I would call them back and speak to someone else. People can certainly make mistakes. If they give you the same information again, call another planned parenthood in your area (or close to your area) and tell them about what is going on and what information you received from the first place. Truth is, you can't get hormonal birth control without a pelvic/pap and review of your health history. I've never heard of places just handing them out. That's why you should 1. call back and 2. call another clinic--kind of like calling another doctor's office to get a second opinion.

Planned Parenthood is far from unsafe. Planned Parenthood is mainly known for providing abortion services (even though not all PP clinics do), so you might want to ask your friend what her values are about abortion. Clearly if she is anti-choice she will dish out foolish comments like PP's prescriptions are expired. They are not, by the way. Planned Parenthood is a highly regarded medical service, and has been serving women and their communities for decades. Please don't let others' poor opinions cast a dark cloud over you and the decisions you make that govern your own body. <3

Answer 2

Everyone I've talked to in relation to using Planned Parenthood has said that a gynecologic exam is necessary before they will prescribe birth control pills. It is not only a safety measure for you but a legal protection for them because there are some women who have a certain medical history such as like with having high blood pressure that can't take the pill, or even certain gynecologic problems that make taking the pill out of the question. (this also goes on in regular gynecologist's offices)

But I would recommend calling Planned Parenthood again to see if the next person that answers you gives you even more information.

And I would also ask for more information about the thing about the pills because I heard that once too about the expired pills, and from someone else that the next time you go in to get birth control pills that you may not get the exact same brand of pills as when you first came in.

Answer 3

I went to pan parenthood when I was 15 so my mother would not find out and they insissted on a exam for the first visit, and theis was18 years ago. I got my birthcontrol from them but it was no expired, they are regulated by the federal goverment and are inspected often. They do not have to have a doctor on site but there has to be a nurse on site during office hours. Plus they gave a free STD testing since my boyfriend of forever at the time was cheating.
Ask them by they told you there did not have to be a exam, that is a very important part not only because of being sexually active but it can be a helpful tool with cervical cancer.
When you are doing something like this, you are your own advicit and you have to protect your self and your body. Ask all the question you want, it is all about you they are there to answer them and help make you feel confortable.
It makes me proud to hear young girls are stepping forward and prtecting themselves and taking responsablity. Good for you