(no subject)

[mandolin64.livejournal.com]

hello again gang... i've had my period for almost 5 years now, and i'm still not regular... is this a bad thing? i've also never been to the ob-gyn... and i don't know if my mom would be too keen on it... i know that bc would regulate my period, can i get that without an exam? or should i go anyway... what else could it be?

Comments

[ex-debgirl0.livejournal.com]

why wouldn't your mother be keen on you going to an ob/gyn??? that's totally normal for a girl after she gets her period.

go to planned parenthood if your mother objects to you seeing an ob/gyn.

Seeing the gyno is a good thing!

[gaijina.livejournal.com]

If your mom needs convincing-- reproductive health is something to be concerned about long before you start having sex! While an irregular period is probably not a problem, it is always best to get things checked out if you are concerned. Once you're 18 you should have a yearly physical and a pelvic exam-- which you need in order to get bc pills. As long as you are healthy though, regulating your cycle with bc is not medically necessary, and you have to really consider side effects etc. before you start on this medication. Good luck!

[the-marionette.livejournal.com]

Irregular periods are not uncommon. It doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with you. Birth control pills will regulate you but they do require a prescription and are not covered by all medical insurances. And seeing an ob/gyn is a necessity once you hit 18! I can't imagine your mother not being keen on you seeing any doctor. If you do go on birth control pills, they do have side effects. One of them is a higher risk for cervical cancer so once you go on them you'll have to go back to your doctor regularly for a pelvic exam and a pap smear. Good luck :)

[hava.livejournal.com]

heya. i agree with what's been said already, so i won't repeat it. just wanna add that it's usually a good idea for a girl to get checked out (pelvic exam) regularly even if you don't want birth control. it's a delicate system you've got installed in your body, and it's generally good to make sure it's healthy and then keep it that way. everyone here knows how miserable it is when female biological issues get mucked up.. truly not something you wanna go through, especially as almost half of the population just doesn't identify with the problem that well. *sigh*

so, in general, get the exam, whether or not you decide on birth control. your mom shouldn't disagree on that as long as it's with a competent doctor (unless your religion forbids it, in which case birth control is also out of the picture).

[urania.livejournal.com]

and also: once you're 18 (yes i agree with all of the above, you should be getting regular exams), you don't *have* to ask or even tell your mother... if you know how to do the insurance paperwork and all that, which they can tell you. If you're getting b/c, in fact, there are often provisions for doing w/o parental consent before you're 18. which, if you're sexually active, is definately a thing to consider.... and if your irregular periods are giving you problems, may also be helpful too. see a doc, discuss with him/her... if he/she makes you uncomfortable (some do!) see if your plan lets you switch.

Re:

[mandolin64.livejournal.com]

see... my periods aren't like extremely painful, they're just majorly irregular.. and if i go on birth control, i'll have to go off it before marriage.. i'm not allowed (catholic) to use the pill as a method of birth control... but of course it's fine to use as a method of regulation and other medical reasons... how much would it be for me to go like that w/o telling my mom and stuff? she just gets weird about this stuff...

Re:

[urania.livejournal.com]

check with Planned Parenthood, I'd say... they can give you advice about places with sliding-scale pay (what it costs is based on how much you can pay). Also, check and see if your insurance will cover you going w/o parental knowledge... some will (i am under the military's Tricare Prime system, so I can go for b/c consultations without parental consent, and could hypothetically have even before i was 18.) Good luck...

[granolaah.livejournal.com]

as long as you don't use her insurance (it can show up on statements from insurance companies) your privacy will be protected anywhere you go. Check out low cost family planning clinics like Planned Parenthood in your area for the best care (the clinicians there know a LOT about well-woman gyno exams).

SEE AN OB/GYN

[scarlett75.livejournal.com]

I recommend that every girl see an OB/GYN within one year of starting their menses. Please share the reasons why with your mom!
1) Your doctor needs to have a baseline for wellness.
2) Your doctor will want to inspect the size and shape of your uterus through a painless (but possibly uncomfortable) pelvic exam. Nothing to be afraid of!!
3) Your doctor will want to examine your breasts to check for lumps, bumps, and a variety of physical attributes- again, so that you have a well breast to compare problems to down the road!
4) If you are sexually active, you need to be examined!!!!
5) If you have irregular periods (which are, by the way, perfectly normal in any person, especially young women) you need to be assessed for problems.
6) You need to see your doctor to ask questions!! Questions are GREAT!!
7) It's not a bad idea to start birth control!! (regulate periods and for safety!)

Your mom will probably surprise you!! If she is opposed, pointing out the necessity for a "well visit" as a precaution for future health problems will certainly make her think about it a little more!!

You cannot get birth control pills without an exam!! BCP's, like any medication, require careful dosing and instructions. And it's not a "one pill fits all" situation. Rather than approach your mother as "hey mom, I want to go on the pill...can you take me to the doc?". Approach her with "hey mom, I think it's time I see an ob/gyn to have a baseline wellness exam." And THEN mention to her that you have some questions about your cycle that you'd like to discuss with a doctor.

Hope this helps!