Last December, I got off the patch because I could no longer take the bad side affects and I couldn't afford to pay for it anymore. (My health insurance wouldn't cover). In June, I took ECP but after going through all of that...my period never quite regulated itself. It used to be on a perfect 28 day schedule even before I started the patch. Now it comes every 32-43 days. I know it takes a few months to get back to normal but almost a year?

I think my cycle is all off because the GYN doctor I went to, said I didn't need a pelvic exam and gave me my BC prescription without it. I don't think the patch was right for me because I had bad side affects. So once I get my health card, I'm going to schedule an appointment and get it done the right way.

If you can make anything out of my post and give me some insight, it's very much appreciated!

The hormonal birth control should not affect your period once you are off of it.

In addition, many doctors will give birth control without a pelvic exam; if you have been monogamous and your partner has been monogamous since the last one, for example, if you're not a smoker and have no family history of heart attack or stroke, or simply at their own discretion. Scarleteen does endorse getting regular physical exams, including pelvic exams, but that doesn't always have to be when you're getting a prescription for birth control.

But yeah, if you are concerned, and if it's been more than a year since you've had one, it would be good to schedule that exam when you get your card.

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Laurel Lemming
Scarleteen Advocate