Birth Control

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Birth Control
3
Mon, 09-15-2003 - 5:44pm
Hi Everyone,

Since my husband is on medication (cancer), I would like to start some type of birth control: pills, shots, etc. I'm 24 and never been to one (gynecologist) before. I'm afraid to go because i'm very modest about my personal areas; but I know I should on a regular basis to stay healthy. Anyway, my question is, can a general doctor perscribe birth control pills or give shots or do I need to go to a gynecologist? What can I expect when I go? am exam? how do you guys overcome this fear? thanks in advance

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2003
In reply to: coldreality
Mon, 09-15-2003 - 8:15pm
The exam itself really isnt all that bad. I was the same way so i took my best friend with me for my first one. I wouldnt have done it if i didnt have to, but i really needed the birth control pills. I almost started crying when they told me it was going to be a male, instead of a female. What made everything worse was that it was a new guy who was giving his first pap, and me only being 17 at the time my first as well. I had to go through everythign twice because the female (in charge) had to check to make sure he did everything correctly. All in all it isnt as bad as it is made out to be. It didnt hurt at all and i was quite fine having a conversation with my best friend while he was down there doing his stuff. (she was faced the other way, and kept cool with me since she had never had one herself). As for me, I get to go in next week and get my second one done. YAY!..lol. Its seems nerve racking at first but just do it. You will see its not all bad like it is portrayed to be.

Good Luck.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2003
In reply to: coldreality
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 11:20am
Welcome!

It can be scary having our first exam. But, it's not as bad as you think. If you need to feel more comfortable, bring a friend or your mom along. It's just something we have to do. It takes less than 10 minutes. I'm posting a link that my friend Judie wrote about the exam. She explains it very well!

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhgynconcern&msg=10304.2

Regarding birth control, have you been on the Birth Control board? Judie is the cl over there and she's great! There are a lot of women there that have the same questions as you. Here's the link to that board.

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhcontracept

To answer your question, a general doctor can perform your pap and prescribe birth control. You don't need to see a gyn just for that.

I hope this helps. Take care!

Kristin

 


 


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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-09-2003
In reply to: coldreality
Tue, 09-16-2003 - 2:51pm
I was 25 years old before I ever went to a gynecologist. I had taken a pregnancy test and it came back positive. Just like you I was petrified of what an exam would be like. I don't know whether a general practitioner would prescribe birth control for you. Please start off right by going to a gynecologist. They specialize in women's health and you need to go to the proper kind of doctor! I would ask my girlfriends or other women that you know and feel comfortable with if they could give you referrals to a doctor. You can also make phone calls and ask questions yourself. That's what I did. Ask to speak with a nurse in any office you call and talk with her about your apprehension. The most important thing is for you to feel as comfortable as possible about your first gynecological appointment. Ask what you can expect with a first visit. When you go, see if your mom or maybe a sister or girlfriend would go with you for support. My mom went with me the first time and just having her sit with me in the waiting room helped. My doctor knew ahead of time how nervous I was. He talked with me and put me at ease before proceeding with the exam. I would even ask if one of the nurses would hold your hand if need be. I'll tell you honestly- I had myself so worked up wondering about how painful a pap smear was going to be and it wasn't! And as far as being modest, I was the same way. I hadn't been unclothed in front of a doctor since I was a kid. You can also expect to have a breast exam. You will have an exam gown to put on if that makes you feel any better. Don't put off going any longer. You have got to start a regular routine of gynecological care for yourself. Please.