First exam...

[twigz72.livejournal.com]

Long time reader, first time poster... so, howdy :) I recently turned 18 and am leaving for college this weekend. My physician told me it would be wise to start on BC for some lingering skin/acne issues and for some moderate cramping that I've experienced over the last six months and to get my FIRST EXAM (eep!). So, I called student health services and made an appointment for September 1. I am not sure if I am going to be on my period then or not, because my cycle was pretty short last month (which it usually is not). Talking to my mom sort of eased my anxiousness about the whole "first time", but now I'm nervous that I'm going to be on my period then! Is it a problem if I am? I tried to read up about this, but had no luck. Thanks in advance :)

Comments

[sioneva.livejournal.com]

Being on your period is a problem if you're having an internal exam done (namely, they can't do it)--if you do get your period before you go in for the exam it should be easy enough to call and reschedule for later in your cycle. They'll understand!

[twigz72.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That's exactly what I needed to know. :)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_lindz/]

Exactly what the above poster said:

You can't have a PAP done while on your period. You can always call and reschedual if you do happen to get your period when you're supposed to go in for the PAP.

Good luck! Don't be nervous - it's really not as scary as some people make it out to be. :)

[twigz72.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I hope you're right :)

[darlahood.livejournal.com]

Cramps and a few zits is not a good enough reason to put chemicals in your body.

Just my opinion.

[twigz72.livejournal.com]

Well, when the cramps have surfaced in the last six months and affected my lifestyle (preventing me working out, attending social functions, etc.) and cause me nausea, I think they alone are reason enough to be on birth control. I referred to them as "moderate" because compared to several friends of mine whose cramps keep them in bed flat on their back for their cycles, they aren't "severe".

Also, my acne isn't a "few zits", but rather a problem that with consistent treatment, still has not subsided; enough so that my dermatologist recommended treatment with birth control, in addition to my regular physician. It is not a whim I have to go on birth control; I do not relish the thought of having a medication to keep up with (although I hope to use the patch since it is lower maintenance).

Lastly, although I have not been sexually active to this point, I am 18 years old and have a steady long-term relationship with a guy that I am very comfortable with on an intimate level, and having birth control is something that is an ABSOLUTE must for me personally, before I would consider having sex. I feel that this, in conjunction with my physician's recommendation is a valid reason for putting these chemicals into my body, as millions of other women have and do currently.

I hope you better understand now where I'm coming from, no offense meant/taken.

[lubedpumpkin.livejournal.com]

I've had acne since elementary school and I've been on the pill for 6 years. Don't expect miracles, unless you've tried everything else first (I haven't because acne meds aren't covered by my insurance.)

Either way, enjoy the Pill. It's the best thing I've ever put in my body (my boyfriend excluded! Ha ha.)

[stripling.livejournal.com]

the pill didn't clear up my acne. and also, it made my periods lighter, and cramping a bit less, but it made me an emotional psycho, and threw my eating habits way out of wack. pms case ALL MONTH LONG. it was brutal.

as for a pelvic exam- it's really just more uncomfortable than anything. doesn't hurt, just feels weird when they put in the speculum (or as my doc & i refer to it- the duck lips). You just have to think of it like a job. your doc probably does a few a day and it's a routine. just getting your machinery checked :)

good luck!

[tifyshan.livejournal.com]

I say try the BC pills. I have heard too many scary things about the patch and the number of blood clot-related deaths! I was on the patch for over a year! I have to say, my skin cleared up while on all 3 dif types of bc that i tried, but they caused OTHER problems. Like the "all month long PMS" mentioned by stripling, also, migraines, out of control appetite, weird smell "down there", spotting, tired all the time, and nausea. I have been off of hormonal bc for almost a year now and feel SO HAPPY!! I say try it though, everyone is different. You may be problem-free. I, on the other hand, had just about every problem you can get w/ them!!!

[stripling.livejournal.com]

oh oh, did i mention, bc pills totally dried out my vaginal fluids? tmi, perhaps, but that's another potential side effect.