My girlfriend wants to start taking the pill after a scare with a split condom. The morning after pill worked, but we're now looking into her being on the pill.
She's not quite sure who her Doctor is, so would my Doctor be able to prescribe it to her if she comes along to an appointment for example, or would we have to find a family planning clinic?
Also, she seems concerned about considerable weight gain after taking it, as one of her friends apparantly did. Is this usually problem? Thanks
2007-10-22 10:33:57 · 17 answers · asked by Lewis 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
p.s. From the UK
2007-10-22 10:47:53 · update #1
Lewis, a competent doctor will not prescribe the pill for her without a pelvic exam. She should have her own gynecologist if she's sexually active, but since she obviously doesn't, she can go to the nearest free clinic or Planned Parenthood for an exam and a prescription for the kind of pill that's best for her, at low cost.
The weight gain concern is legitimate but overrated. Most women gain little or nothing when they go on the pill, and lose little or nothing when they stop taking it. Would she rather have four extra pounds or your baby?
Be aware the pill alone isn't foolproof. I've got the daughter to prove it. Continue with the condoms even after she's on the pill, okay?
2007-10-22 10:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A doctor or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the Pill. He or she will do a complete physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam. The doctor or nurse will often prescribe 3 months' worth of pills and explain when to begin taking the Pill and what to do if pills are missed.
The doctor or nurse will usually ask the girl to come back in 3 months to have her blood pressure checked and to see if she is having any problems.
If there are no problems and a girl wants to continue to use the Pill, the doctor or nurse will probably write another prescription for 6 to 12 months. After that, girls who are having sex should get routine exams every 6 months to a year, or as recommended by a doctor.
2007-10-22 17:39:12 · answer #2 · answered by MAzembe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She can go to any planned parenthood clinics and get it for considerably cheaper (most times) than going to a doctor. She would have to make her own appointment with a doctor because they would have to do a full physical first, including a pap smear. It doesn't matter which doctor she sees though. She should discuss the weight gain concern with the doctor first. There are so many pills these days, she should be able to find one that works with minimal side-effects, but it might take some trial and error to find it. Personally I like Ortho-tri-cyclen lo best because it gives me no periods at all and no other side-effects, but each pill works different for every woman. Best of luck.
2007-10-22 17:38:55 · answer #3 · answered by Katie H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She'd have to go to a gynecologist. They're going to have to do a Pap Smear test, and a full examination, before they'll be willing to prescribe her any medication. I'd recommend finding a family planning clinic, because I'm sure you don't see a gynecologist. ;]
I've heard about the considerable weight gain, but really, it's not normally a problem. Again, it'd depend on the individual, the dosage, the brand of pill, and many other factors. She'd have to speak to her doctor (or the clinic doctor, wherever you guys end up going) in order to obtain more specific information.
2007-10-22 17:39:32 · answer #4 · answered by peroxidekween 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure that you can get them over the counter, but maybe it depends on the state. Yes your doctor should be able to perscribe them, assuming that doesn't change from state to state- they're not hard to get, you shouldn't need to go to a family planning clinic or anything. but if she does need a perscription, she should schedule her own appointment, not just come along. I think you need to do that in order to get a perscription.
I've never heard of weight gain related to the pill- it was probably the result of other factors but was blamed on the the pill
2007-10-22 17:43:27 · answer #5 · answered by pamplemousse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a lot of experience with different types of BCs (birth controls) but I would suggest you go to Planned Parenthood if she doesn't have insurance, some of their locations offer slidinig scales based on her income she won't have to pay as much as going to a regular doctor BUT if she does have insurance, she would go to her doctor, not yours, unless your doctor is a gynecologist. LOL. Also, the pill is cool, tell her that the most weight gain really comes from the Depro shot, but other than that, just try a pill that has been out for a while now, like Orthro Eva.............etc..............most BCs don't make you fat, but increase your appetite, and eating healthy snacks offsets that problem------believe me, she'd rather gain a few pounds from BC then from BF (birthing fat). Hope that helps.
2007-10-22 17:40:25 · answer #6 · answered by Mz. J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to planned parenthood in your area, if you don't have one then go to another family planning clinic. Weight gain should be the least of her worries if she's young, active and doesn't want to be pregenant. Weight gain isn't always a factor, it may just seem like most girls gain weight with the pill but most girls just start taking the pill when they would normally starting gaining weight at that time in their life. But go to planned parenthood it is private and can be free depending on age and income.
2007-10-22 17:39:41 · answer #7 · answered by Meg Bromo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. she will need to make an appt. with the dr. herself. he will need to keep a file on her, etc.. also, some pills work for some people and not others, so she may want to change to a different type if she doesn't feel so great with another one.
weight gain is sometimes a problem. but so is 9 months of a weight gain. and as always, it's best for her to talk to her mom about starting, sometimes you will be amazed at how moms can help in this area.
2007-10-22 17:39:52 · answer #8 · answered by Diane S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend to go to a Family planning clinic, they are affordable and they help you out. If she has a gyno i would recommend her to go to her doc. Well on the weight gain, it depends on the person, most people i know that use the pill have gain a slight amount of weight due to it.
2007-10-22 17:39:37 · answer #9 · answered by Liz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing to do is register at a doctor, It can be your doctor or a new doctor. He/She will check her blood pressure and perscribe the best one for her. Dont worry about weight gain, Although this can happen, she can switch around to find one that suits her... Good Luck
2007-10-22 17:38:46 · answer #10 · answered by fifi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋