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I've recently made up my mind to try and get on birth control. I'm 21 and have never had vaginal sex. The farthest that I've ever went is dry humping and manual sex. I'm not necessarily going to start having vaginal sex, because I'm not sure if I'm ready for the pregnancy risk that it carries (I know that birth control with a condom is not ALWAYS effective). The main reason is just because I want to do the things with my boyfriend that I'm already doing and absolutely not have to worry about pregnancy from that and to be prepared just in case in the heat of the moment, we decide to go all the way.
If I'm still a virgin, and have had no reproductive health problems and no problems with my periods or stuff like that, is it absolutely necessary that I have a pap smear or have any kind of pelvic exams to get on birth control if I go to the health department to get it? I've gotten many different answers to this question. I would just feel more comfortable if I didn't have to get that done just yet. Anything you could tell me would be appreciated. Thanks.
Posts: 9 | Registered: Dec 2011
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I always think planning in advance with contraception like this is super-duper smart.
So, per a pap smear and exam, it really depends on the policies of your healthcare provider. Mind, general GYN healthcare guidelines now say that someone 21 and over, regardless of their sexual history, should be getting annual paps and bimanual exams by now, so it's likely a good idea you hop on that, regardless. It's important for your health.
But it still is your choice, and some clinics -- like Planned Parenthood clinics -- and providers will waive an exam for the first year of a BC prescription, and then only require it to renew the prescription the following year. To find out what the place you want to go has as a policy with this, you'll just want to ring them up and ask.
-------------------- 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: 63296 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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That really helps. I know that I should be getting annual exams since I'm 21... but I'm just so scared that it will be too painful, so I would definitely rather wait until I've had sex since I'm not having health problems. I originally wanted to go to a Planned Parenthood clinic, but the closest one is like 78 miles, and right now, driving that far is just not an option for me, so I've opted for our local county health department.
I also wanted to see my family doctor, but I'm still on my parent's insurance, and this isn't something that I'm telling my parents that I'm doing. I didn't know how much I would have to pay at my doctor's office without any insurance and I understand that it is cheaper at the health department if you are not insured.
I've just sent the health department an email with the questions that I have asked you. Hopefully they'll get back to me, if not, I'll give them a call.
Once again. Thanks Posts: 9 | Registered: Dec 2011
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Can I ask why you think an exam will be painful? Or why you think it will be less so after having a given kind of sex, if that's what you're thinking?
-------------------- 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: 63296 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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