A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Hello everyone after a long decision ive decided to start taking the pill But want to ask some questions Please if anyone can help then great thankyou.........Do u have to pay for the pill?Where do u get the pill from?Is it good for you?can you stop and start when u want to for your peroid?And if im not having sex, can i stop? and if i start having sex again can i start basically stop and start ??My parents wont find out will they unless i ask them?Please please thanks
View related questions:
the pill Reply to this Question
Share |
Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, LilPixie +, writes (15 March 2010):
 You have to see your doctor if you want to start taking the pill. Some people have try out different brands before they find one that suits them. I went through 3, none of them were very good for me so I am now on the patch. You should start taking the pill on the 1st day of your period. If you start on the 1st day of your period, you should be safe from getting pregnant without using condoms, any other time you should use a condom for about 2 weeks after starting (but this depends on the brand). Your parents won't find out unless you choose to tell them. And even if they were to find out you're taking it but you don't want them to know you're sexually active, tell them that you take them to make your periods less painful. For more information check out the NHS website, they've got loads of information about the pill and also other types of contraception. And your doctor will also be able to answer any questions you have.
A
female
reader, k_c100 +, writes (15 March 2010):
 1. In the UK no you do not have to pay for the pill. The Doctor will give you a prescrption, and when you take it to the chemist you tick a box on the prescription which says something like "contraception" and it is free. If you are unsure ask the chemist when you are in there picking your prescription up.
2. You can get the pill from your GP (that is your best option if you have never taken it before) or a family planning clinic in your area.
3. The pill has a few side effects, like all medication, but none of them are proven to be a specific side effect from the pill (this means that while the frequency of them increases when taking the pill in some women, it is not a proven cause and effect situation). There are lots of different types of pill, and lots of side effects listed in the booklet but this is just to cover the pharmacutical company's back in case something goes wrong. I personally have been on the pill for 7 years and have never experienced one bad side effect. However every woman is different, so it is all about finding the right pill for you. If you are unhappy with one type of pill after taking it for a few months then go back to the doctor, explain your problem and they will find a suitable alternative.
4. You cannot stop and start the pill whenever you want otherwise you will decrease its effectiveness and increase your risk of getting pregnant. Pills come in 2 types - one where you take it for 21 days then have 7 days off (for your period) - this is the most common type of pill. The other pill, called the mini pill, is taken for all 28 days with no breaks but you still have a period as normal. If you want to change when you have your period each month you can do - by taking say 1 extra pill in the next pack. You can always take more pills, but never less (as in stop 1 day early) otherwise you will risk getting pregnant. You can also miss your period for a whole month if you want by just taking the pill without having a 7 day break in-between. But this is only recommended once every now and then, if you keep on doing it repeatedly then you will damage your body. If you want to stop having periods all together then there are other types of contraception your doctor can advise you about which will stop them entirely.
5.You can stop taking the pill if you stop having sex - but only if this is a long term thing. You cant take the pill one week if you are having sex, then stop the next day only to start taking it again 2 weeks later. You will get pregnant if you do this! If you are sexually active now, but then say break-up with a boyfriend some girls do stop taking it until they get into a new relationship (but only after they have finished the pack of pills they were on). But my doctor actually recommended that I didnt do this - she said it is best for your body to carry on taking it and it reduces the pill's effectiveness if you are stopping and starting all the time.
6. If you go to a doctor then no, they cannot tell your parents due to doctor/patient confidentiality. However you are 18-21 therefore you are not a child anymore, hence you should be able to tell your parents without being worried about what they will say. After all, you are being responsible by using contraception. They would much rather you take the pill than have a child at your age!
Remember the pill does not stop STD's hence you always should use condoms when having sex, until both you and your partner have had an STD test and come back clean.
These websites might help you
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Contraception/Pages/Contraception-hub.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Contraception/Pages/Introduction.aspx
I hope this helps and good luck!
...............................
|
