Contraceptives

Following on from the last post on choosing the right doctor for your contraceptive ‘affair’, here are some ’starter’ questions on contraceptive options to take with you to the consult. Don’t be embarrassed, put off or rushed through a short consult when you talk to your doctor about choosing the right contraceptive for you - pay for a long consult if need be but DO empower yourself with knowledge before rushing off to the pharmacy with your script.

Even if you use the convenience of buying your oral contraceptives on line, discussing all aspects of birth control with a medical practitioner is essential when it comes to understanding and taking charge of your body’s health in regard to managing birth control- especially if you take oral contraceptives which affect your body’s hormone levels.

The doctor will know your medical history but maybe not know what type of lifestyle you lead so explain a bit about this first. Remember, this is your body, your future safety and happiness that’s at stake and you are about to make one of the most responsible and important decisions of your life, your partner’s life and the lives of your unborn children.

If you ask these questions and you don’t understand the answer you get back, be a little terrier and keep asking until you do.

1. Given my age and state of health/lifestyle, which method of contraception do you suggest for me?

2. Out of all the hormone based types of contraceptives, which is the most effective and are there any I cannot take due to my medical history or the medications I’m taking?

3. If I don’t opt for a hormone based contraceptive, what other alternatives are most effective?

4. Is an IUD an option for me and can it cause problems if I want to become pregnant later on?

5. How will ‘the pill’ affect my fertility and what do I watch out for re side effects?

6. Which form of contraceptive carries the greatest health risk?

7. If I ever want to get pregnant when should I stop taking the pill?

8. What should I do if I fail to use contraceptives during intercourse?

9. How and where can I get the ‘morning after’ pill?

10. I’m breastfeeding, what do I do about contraception?

11. Do you have information about natural birth control?

12. I don’t want kids for YEARS yet, is an implant a good option for me now?

13. Are there any other resources in my community where I can get help and advice on contraceptives?

14. We have enough children now, I need information on tubal ligation and vasectomy and whether or not these methods are reversible.

Here are a couple of books that I recommend, vastly different in price but both excellent.

The Contraception Sourcebook: From oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices to periodic abstinence and male contraception to the latest developments in the field, every form of birth control is covered in this book. Thought provoking and pragmatic, here at last is a comprehensive, intelligent guide to contraception.

Family Planning SourceBook: Family planning covers a wide range of issues related to pregnancy and contraception as well as how best to plan and prepare for having a family. The basic, straightforward information presented in this Sourcebook can help men and women deal with such concerns as methods of contraception and avoiding unwanted pregnancy. It also provides guidance on factors to consider when planning a family, why you should plan, and how to prepare for pregnancy.

When you ask your doctor for a prescription for your oral contraceptive, is it a quick ‘in and out’ visit? Are you in that clinic because it’s the closest to home or because old doc Brenchley has been the family physician since your mum took you there for your first measles jab? Or maybe you feel really uncomfortable about asking for contraceptives and have no idea where to go?

It’s time to be truthful, girls, the best person to assist you with your sexual health may NOT be the doctor who gave you your last prescription for antibiotics. Let’s face it, you shop around for the best insurance, pair of shoes and car so where your body and your health are concerned why would you not do the same?

It is SO important that you feel comfortable and relaxed with the person with whom you are discussing this most intimate topic. You should trust and have confidence in the person who is ‘partnering’ you in decisions that will affect your reproductive health and sex life. This new ‘relationship’ with your doctor is important- you want to invest in a ‘gold plated’ one as it will affect your personal lifestyle, your future and your ultimate happiness.

Ask yourself honestly- would I feel more at ease with a female doctor? Some clinics have doctors who specialise in reproductive health (gynaecologists) and also childbirth (obstetricians) Nurse practitioners can also write prescriptions and counsel you and many make great ‘confidantes’. YOU have the right to CHOOSE whom to trust this important aspect of your life to.

If you’re not sure where to go, ask a female friend or colleague for help or ring around some family planning clinics till you like the sound of a friendly, efficient voice on the other end of the phone! Do an internet search for your area. Check out health insurance plans and what costs you are liable for. Don’t feel that you are ‘locked in’ for life at one clinic -if you don’t feel comfortable after your first consultation, trust your intuition, go somewhere else! If you are a college student, find out who has a good reputation at the college clinic, what you are covered for and what medications, including oral contraceptives, will cost you.

When you make that first appointment to talk about birth control and oral contraceptives, check to see if you need to book a longer session. It’s a good idea to go between menstrual periods in case you need a pelvic exam. Oral contraceptives do not protect against HIV/STD’s so pick up some condoms on your way home too.
Information that your doctor will need if you ask for oral contraceptives (if you type it up once, it’s easy to update anytime and you’ll always have it handy if you change doctors)

• your medical and family’s medical history- (include all your close relations, your parents and siblings but also grandparents, aunts and uncles.)
• do you or your family members smoke, drink alcohol, or have specific medical conditions?
• do you have allergies?
• are you currently taking any medications (both over the counter and prescribed)?
• what is your menstruation history? (when did you have your first period? How long do they last? Blood flow- is it heavy, irregular? Are you periods painful ?)

If you use a diaphragm or cervical cap take it with you and don’t forget your medical insurance plan if you have one.

It’s YOUR body and your health and you have the right to have all your questions answered. The more information you can get the easier it is for you make a decision. The last thing you need is to feel embarassed, put off or intimidated by a health care provider who is eager to move on to the next patient. BE PREPARED for the consult before you leave home. Nervousness often makes us forget things so write down some ‘headings’ to remind you of the main things you want to find out.

Whether you are a ‘first timer’ about to begin your sexual journey or a seasoned veteran who could tell a few stories, it’s never too late to embrace the magic of your feminine power! Go forth, be safe and be protected.

For detailed information about different types of oral contraceptive pill, just click on each brand name below: Alesse, Desogen, Levlen, Mircette, Ovral and Ortho Tricyclen