posted
Hi, Just wondering how much birth control costs if I have insurance? Is it just as effective to take a generic brand of birth control? I have blue cross blue sheild. It would be great to have an estimate. Thanks!
Posts: 140 | Registered: Dec 2011
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Robin Lee
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posted
As with any pills, whether you take generic or brand name is really up to what you and your doctor decide (there are sometimes reasons for taking one or the other), and, if you have insurance, what insurance will cover. So this is something you'll want to discuss with your doctor, who needs to prescribe the pills anyway. You could always give an information-seeking call to your insurance company to find out what their coverage rate is for your plan.
Because there are so many plans out there, they're really the ones you'll want to be talking to for specific information in your case.
As a measure, Planned Parenhood says on its site that pills can cost between $15 and $50 per pack.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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I've had my period for about 5 years now...at the beginning, it's been pretty normal (3-4 years), but in the last year or so, it's been changing. I can't guess and track the date anymore, because it comes at different times, my boobs hurt (ranging 1-2) weeks before, and this is the same with my cramps. My mom says that i'm all over the board, but right away said no to the pill. Is it normal for my periods to shift from perfectly normal to pretty irregular in a year?
If I have all of these things at random times, would the pill help me with cramps, when i'd get my period, and with breast tenderness? Would this be a good option? She said that I should see a doctor about it, which I will. Do you think they would reccomend the pill for me?
Posts: 140 | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
It would actually be very unusual for your cycles to stay exactly the same throughout the whole of your life: there will likely be a few shifts like this.
Whether or not the pill is something that would be good for you is something to discuss with a doctor. Keep in mind though that the pill doesn't actually regulate your cycle; what it does is create an artificial cycle, so you may find that when you come off the pill again your cycles go back to being irregular. Often the pill does help with cramps and breast tenderness, but for some women it doesn't. So, again, a doctor is the best person to talk to about this.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Thank you. I asked my mom about it tonight and her automatic respose was no. (I want it for my irregularities as well as to ease my mind on fingering and oral fears of sperm getting inside me for some reason---i tend to worry). I'm not planning on having sex, but my boyfriend and i have been dating for about a year and a half, and i'd really like it just in case.
If I tell my doctor this, would she end up telling my mom everything? I would like to keep it so that my mom just knows about irregularities, but I would like to tell the doctor the other part so she is more likely to prescribe me to the pill.
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posted
Your doctor can't tell your mom anything unless you want her to, so you should be able to say whatever you want to your doctor without worrying about whether that information will then be passed on to your mother. You can always ask, too, before you say anything to your doctor, whether that information will be kept confidential.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Ok, thanks! I know doctor's are supposed to not be biased, but the last time I went in just to check on if fingering, handjobs, or oral sex could get you pregnant..and if it could I asked maybe about birth control. My doctor said that it could get me pregnant if he touched himself then touched me and that if she was my mom, she'd be heartbroken if I asked for birth control.
I have to go into the same doctor and I don't want her to get upset if I say I want birth control (just to ease my mind of those activities). Is that a bad thing to go on birth control for? I am on acne medication and get cramps two weeks before my period (which is the only reason I gave my mom) so it would be great to get it for those two things as well.
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
As long as your doctor deems birth control pills to be okay for you based on your current health and medical history, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to take it. People take birth control for a lot of different reasons, and a lot of those are connected to making their lives easier. Lots of young women take it for cycle regulation who aren't at all sexually active.
Would you like to talk about some ways you can approach this with your doctor?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
I would love to. My mom believes it's just for my irregular cycles and wanted to go into the doctor with me. I want to also tell the doctor that I would like it for a security blanket for oral and manual sex, as well. Should I tell my mom that i'd like to go in by myself and call her in after I talk to the doctor so she can tell my mom what she thinks?
I'm already on a face pill that costs about $20 a month, so I'm trying to convince my mom that for balancing out my period, helping my long lasting cramps, and helping with acne would be worth the extra $10ish dollars (if that's what it is) (and for me, also not worrying about being pregnant, even if the things i'm doing aren't pregnancy risks (but are considered to be by doctors)). Is there anything else I should do so that I can talk to my doctor alone?
Also, why is it that she says being fingered with dried up sperm (or semen being dried- for the most part-) on hands is a pregnancy risk when you guys say it's not? I'm confused on what I should be believing...
I would really like to walk in and be put on the pill, even if my mom right away said probably not--she doesn't think it's a good idea for some reason (just because of my periods or maybe she's just nervous it's for actual sex and by giving it to me, she's saying i could--not sure if that is her thinking).
If I tell my doctor of the sexual reason for getting bc, do you think she'd be able to convince my mom to do that without telling her? my mom is scheduling an appointment for early next week.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
I don't know why your doctor has told you that dried semen is a pregnancy risk - that's just not accurate. Once semen has dried, the sperm in it are not viable anymore, and can't create a pregnancy.
Per your mother wanting to go in to the exam room with you, you are perfectly entitled not to want her there, and asking her to wait outside is, in my mind, perfectly reasonable. And really, you should also be able to explain everything to your doctor and ask her not to pass on that information to your mother.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Ok, thank you! And i'm not sure either, i asked about having some pre-cum or ejaculate that has been sitting on hands for a little bit and she said whenever a guy touches himself (with semen) and then you is a pregnancy risk and that I "very well could become pregnant". I was just a little confused there.
Maybe she meant that if the semen is still sticky but has been exposed to air and hands? Would that cause a risk? She left it very broad...maybe to scare me into not doing anything. I'm really not sure.
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posted
Your doctor was not correct, which may be due to outdated information.
Sperm cells and semen are diferent things. Sperm cells need semen (the white liquid you can see) in order to move around - they use it to move around. Once the conditions (temperature, moisture level, etc) has been slightly changed, the sperms cells can't go anywhere. If they can't go anywhere, they can't help to co-create a pregnancy with an ovum (egg).
So, it doesn't matter if they're dead or alive, the semen is wet or not, exposed to air or not (sperm cells contain air) - once the conditions of the semen are changed (from being on anything that isn't a vulva, penis or anus) the sperm cells aren't able to move around.
If someone wanted really to for whatever reason, they could possibly create a risk on purpose by ejaculating all over their hand then putting the fresh semen in or on the vulva straight away, but this would have to be deliberate as there would have to be a whole lot of ejaculate. That isn't likely what you're doing wih your manual sex (sex with hands on genitals).
Does that make sense?
-------------------- ~ Ray Scarleteen Volunteer
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. - Elie Wiesel Posts: 1231 | From: England | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
This was definitely the best description I could have possibly asked for. It makes sense to me and eased my mind:) I was so nervous from what I remember my doctor said Thank you!
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posted
I just started the birth control pill today and have a couple of questions:
1. Is it okay to take them with water? I've heard most people swallow them dry.
2. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to time taking the pill down to the minute or not...how percise to I have to be for taking the pill with the time I take it? Is up to 15 minutes or 1/2 hour an effective time frame?
3. How does the pill work when daylight savings comes up? Should I continue taking it at my normal time or change to the hour before? (Just kind of thinking ahead).
So excited to be on the pill. My worries with oral sex and pregnancy hopefully will no longer be there! thanks for all of your help!
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How will I know if the pill I have is working for my body and will protect me? (The doctor said I might need to switch a couple times, but I have no idea how i'll know if it isn't working...)
*Could you please attach a few articles for the birth control pill? Thanks so much!
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hi There,
Taking your pill with water is perfectly okay.
Taking the pill doesn't have to be a to-the-minute thing, though a lot of people do set an alarm to make sure that they take their pill. Basically, it's important to take the pill at the same time of day every day. One of the articles I'm attaching explains this in more detail.
No, it's not necessary to change when you take it based on the time change.
When your doctor said you might have to change pills a few times, I think she was talking about whether you have side effects from the pill, which can often be alleviated by trying another brand. All birth control pills do the same thing but are just formulated a little differently.
posted
Thanks so much! So taking them within a window of 30 minutes is okay? I have an alarm set for everyday, but just incase I can't take them right at that moment.
Also, My stomach has been hurting all day today. Is this a normal side effect? Should it feel better in the next few weeks as my body gets used to it?
I was just wondering on the effectiveness of the pill. Some websites say it's about 95% effective with perfect use...does that mean that even though they take it everyday at tthe same time and didn't miss one, they still got pregnant? Or did something else probably go wrong?
Posts: 140 | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Also, can I take pain killers, like advil while on the pill?
My stomach and back ache SO bad, but I don't want to reduce the effectiveness since I just started.
Posts: 140 | Registered: Dec 2011
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Yes, taking them within a window of 30 minutes is more than okay. It's more about taking them at the same time of day rather than at the same time.
You can absolutely take Advil or other painkillers while taking birth control.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Thanks so much! I have been having major back and stomach aches. Is this normal for starting it? Also, is the definition of "perfect use" not missing any pills ever? If I ever do decide to have sex and I take my pills correctly everyday, I should not need to worry about pregnancy, especially if using withdrawl and condoms along with the pill?
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Cramping can be a side effect of starting the pill, as your body adjusts.
Perfect use is taking all pills on time, plus being aware of taking any prescription medication that might interact with the birth control pill. There is never such a thing as absolutely know risk if someone is having vaginal intercourse or other genital contact without barriers. The possibility of pregnancy is something we take on when we choose to engage in intercourse.
However, when taking birth control pills as directed, and using condoms as directed, we can get as close to no-risk as it's possible to get without ceasing the activity altogether.
And, as an FYI, withdrawal isn't useful or necessary when using a condom. The idea of withdrawal is to not have ejaculate come in contact with the vulva. The condom, being a barrier, does that just fine. Make sense?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Is it okay to also use withdrawl though? I would be worried that a condom would break while he's ejaculating. I would rather have it out of me so the condom is working just to prevent pre-cum going into the vagina.
Is this a reliable method to use if everybody is careful putting condoms on, i'm taking the pill properly and he withdrawls while holding the base of the condom before ejaculating? Would this help bring me closer to that 100% effectiveness by using all three?
I'm not planning on having sex anytime soon, but i'd like to be educated for the future.
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
It would be important to hold onto the base, as sudden withdrawal could lead to the condom slipping off.
Honestly, there's nothing about ejaculation that would make a condom break (they're designed for that and incredibly strong). So no, using withdrawal in addition to condoms and pill really would not increase protection in any significant way.
If that would be a source of worry for you, then I'd say intercourse may very well not be something you're ready for right now, which seems to be what you're saying yourself.
And hurrah for education!
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Yeah, definitely not ready for that for a while!! (maybe a few years or even after marriage!!) once i really find that person!
Quick question: I know antibiotic pills can effect birth control effectiveness, but is a topical given to me by the dermatologist going to affect it? It is put on my face (like a gel) to reduce acne (it was supposed to be used with my acne pill which I wont take anymore)..will that effect the pill?
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posted
Topical antibiotics are not known to reduce the effectiveness of the pill, so you're fine to continue using whatever topical medication your dermatologist has given you.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
And this should NOT reduce the effectiveness? I've just heard that some antibiotics do this. Also, i've taken about 8 advil today to help with my stomach aches and back aches. Will this eventually go away or does this mean something is wrong with the pill I am on at the moment?
I've also heard people gain weight while on the pill. Is this true? Will it eventually stop as your body gets used to it? How long does it usually take your body to adjust to it?
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Yes, some antibiotics can interact with the birt5h control pill, but there are many different classes of antibiotics. Antibiotics delivered in topical form are not known to interact with the birth control pill.
Some people gain weight while on the pill and some don't. If it's something that happens for you, and is concerning, you can discuss it with your doctor and they can put you on another brand of pill.
No matter what is causing your pains, if they don't subside in a few days you might want to mention those to a doctor too.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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Question: I don't understand how some people get pregnant if they've taken their pill perfectly. I've seen a lot of blogs that have explained getting pregnant when they've taken the pill everyday at the same time and medicine has not interfered.
Again, I'm just worried for oral sex, but I would just like to know that if I take it everyday at 10 PM, i should be totally okay! I only use topical antibiotics medication sometimes for my face.
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
For the sexual activity you're engaging in, you'll be completely protected.
Yes, there are people who get pregnant while on the pill. This is really rare though. Basically, it happens because there is no form of birth control (aside from surgical procedures) that removes all the risk. It's important to remember too, not to believe everything we read on the Internet. Some of those stories are true. Some of them are made up. Some of them are written by people who either believe they were using birth control effectively and actually weren't, or people who want to say they were doing "everything right" though they knew perfectly well they weren't. IN short, unless we can talk to someone and ask them questions we don't know enough of their story to think that it might apply to us.
Again, for the type of sexual activity you engage in, you have nothing to worry about. For people who have vaginal intercourse, their level of protection on the pill is very high; if they use additional birth control such as condoms it climbs higher sometimes to almost perfect protection.
Does this all make sense? The bottom line is that you can trust the pill for your own personal needs, and in general.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
So in the future (long time from now..haha), if I ended up using the pill, a condom, spermacide, and withdrawl together, would that be considered almost perfect protection?
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Honestly, any more than two good methods and you're talking about overkill. .
I think that by saying that having vaginal intercourse some time in the distant future you're sayig that you're not ready for it now. I can definitely understand you wanting to larn as much about how birth control works as possible but I'm wondering how usefulgoing through these what-if scenarios is for you right now.
Sometimes it's good to just stick with the present and deal with what we've got going on right now.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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Also, if I take my bc pill an hour and a half late (I was busy last night) and took it at 11 30 PM instead of 10 PM, is that considered a "late" or "missed" pill? I just am kind of nervous considering if I do anything (like fingering, oral) anytime later this month or next month that it would affect it (again, Psychological thinking).
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posted
If you're using a combined pill (not a mini-pill/progestin-only pill), then you have a grace period of twelve hours before a pill is considered late, and 24 before it is considered missed.
By all means, you want to try and take it around the same time each day, because that creates a habit so you'll be much less likely TO ever take a pill late or miss one, but no, how you took it doesn't make your pill missed or late.
Too, as I think we've talked about before, manual or oral sex doesn't pose pregnancy risks in the first place, only STI risks, which require different protection than a pill to prevent.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63686 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
So an hour and a half late one time isn't a big deal? My phone on my alarm must have been on silent or something that I didn't catch it.
Can I count on that the pill will work for my body? I know you said a few women's body's don't work with the pill considering .3% or .03% still get pregnant from perfect use of the pill. That just confuses me.
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When it comes to be my withdrawl bleeding week, is it supposed to come on the first day of the "fake" pills? Or will it come later? I've heard the first month you take them, some people don't even get one...is this the case for most women? I'd just like to know what it will probably look like the first time I get it! Thanks!
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Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
No, the withdrawal bleed doesn't come on the first day of the placebo pills for all women. For some it does, and for some it doesn't.
And yes, it can be a little unpredictable for the first few cycles of taking the pill. The withdrawal bleed, at any time, may be lighter than what you're used to with your periods.
Have you had a chance to look at some of the articles we've linked you to? They might help you make sense of how the pill works with your body.
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4610 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Yes! I have read all of them and found a couple more on this website!
Question: How long does it take for the pill to become effective if I started taking it the sunday after my period started (Period started 3 days before that on Friday). I have been taking it for about a week and a half now.
I've heard that it's effective right away, a week later, a month, and 3 months ---so i'm just not sure.
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posted
There's no solid answer on that since everyone's metabolism is different.
But for most people who start on the first day of their period or on a Sunday start, the pill should be fully effective within one week so long as pills were taken properly (and continue to be).
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63686 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
Thanks for your reply. I guess I just got a little nervous because my boyfriend fingered me a about a week ago and I had been taking my pills for 5 days. I was just worried he might have adjusted and had precum on his hand at some point, even though he said he didn't (I'm scared he just might be saying that to help me). I never touched his penis, but he might have.
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posted
Even if you weren't on birth control of any kind, there wouldn't be a risk: as we've said, manual sex does not pose a risk of pregnancy.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
kittycat612 & soccer06: It seems that you are one person using two accounts. This goes against our guidelines which you agreed to when you registered both accounts. Please let us know if you'd like to continue posting here and if so, which account you will be using. Thanks!
-------------------- The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you. - B.B. King Posts: 1180 | From: WA | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
Hi, Sorry, my sister got an account a while after me and I guess I started using which ever one was logged in at the time. We can both use kittykat612.
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posted
We do ask that only each individual have their own account, so you and your sister will need to decide who is going to use which account, and let us know.
-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
We'll make sure to keep the accounts separate in the future. Sorry about all of this. I'll be using this account, and she'll be using the other. I informed her about making sure she uses her's and i'll be sure to log into mine (if hers is logged in already). Sorry about the confusion. We'll make sure to fix it.
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-------------------- "Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." -Arundhati Roy Posts: 5345 | From: Canada/Australia | Registered: Sep 2004
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