Pelvic Exam, Pap Tests and Low Dose Birth Control
If you are a teenager and thinking of starting a course of low dose birth control pills, you may be a little anxious about going to a doctor for your prescription in case you are asked to have a pelvic exam or a pap test. Relax, don’t let this put you off seeking advice on birth control if you have a sexual partner, as it is unlikely you will need a pelvic exam in the first instance unless you think you may have an infection or severe menstrual issue. If you are 18 or over, health care providers suggest an exam as a general health check anyway. If you’re wondering what is involved in a pelvic exam, whether it will hurt or how it is carried out, this patient handout gives a good explanation.
Take along a friend if you prefer and seek a female doctor if you feel more comfortable- YOU are in charge of your sexual health so feel good about being responsible for yourself.
A Pap test or Pap smear is a screening test that helps clinicians detect cellular changes in the cervix (the opening to the womb at the end of the vagina) and will be recommended once you start having intercourse and /or oral sex . If you’re like me, you’ll want to know what the test shows, how the results are interpreted, why the results are important, what is ‘abnormal’ etc. and this leaflet gives a good overview. Pap tests are not only looking for cancer- they are to check the health of your cervix.
The only thing you have to find then is an appropriate way of managing your ‘contraception career’ for the next 30 years- it will be trial and error to begin with but if you’re looking for a low dose birth control pill that suits your metabolism and does not cause you any side effects there are several to check out within the pages in the side bar to the RHS , maybe start with Alesse or Mircette or if you cannot tolerate estrogen at all perhaps a mini pill (progestin only) will be suitable for you.
Don’t forget the Christmas Condoms- there are some good bargains to be had HERE as low dose birth control pills DO NOT protect you against STIs.
