birth control options

[brandneweyes]

so i JUST posted something in a different place but now new issues have come up. im trying to start birth control but im on a medication that causes interactions and i would either have to get a copper iud (which i dont want) or be heavily monitored by a doctor. i don’t really want to tell my mom cause i feel like it’ll cause issues and i wont be able to see my bf, but if medical issues could arise i feel like i need to be open and figure out what would be best. or should i just skip birth control and rely on condoms? im nervous about that cause there’s a better chance that something won’t work or it’s not as protective so im unsure of what to do.

[HannahP]

Hi there brandneweyes! That's a tricky situation, I can see why you're feeling nervous. Have you already spoken to a doctor about the possibility of complications with your medication? If you can, I think your best bet is to see a gynecologist and ask for their advice on the best approach. 16 is a great time to start seeing a gynecologist on a regular basis just for your general health and wellbeing, so you could pitch the idea to your mom like that, instead of saying that you want to see a doctor to talk about birth control.

If it turns out that none of the options available to you are a good fit, condoms are a great choice — you're right that they aren't as effective as hormonal birth control, but used consistently and properly they still have a high effectiveness percentage. And if you double them up with another form of non-hormonal birth control (like withdrawal), they are even more effective. This article shows the effectiveness of different combinations of birth control: https://www.scarleteen.com/read/sexual- ... ond-method. So if that's your only option, it's not nothing! But I think that speaking to a doctor first so you fully understand what options are available to you and what they recommend is a good idea.

[brandneweyes]

hii, i havent spoken to a doctor yet but i plan to bring it up with my psychiatrist next time i see her (they’re mental health meds so she’d probably know most) before i consider starting anything and hopefully that’ll clarify any potential options. i’m hesitant to ask my mom about a gynecologist just because she might question it and i’m a little nervous about seeing one. in the meantime i’ll likely wait until i can know for a fact what won’t cause problems with my meds and might have to rely on very safe condom use

[Latha]

Hi Brandneweyes! Consulting with your psychiatrist sounds like a good plan.

Whether you see a gynecologist is your choice, but if you have any questions about what that would be like, we can help. Here is our guide to first gynecologist visits. Would you like to talk about what is making you nervous?

And, you know your mother best. What gives you the sense that she might question going to a gynecologist? What would the consequences be? I would understand if you are sure it is not possible, but it would be nice to make sure you have access to all the healthcare you need.

Some other ideas: If seeing a gynecologist is not an option, your primary care physician/pediatrician may be able to prescribe birth control and consider possible interactions. A pharmacist can also help with the latter. And I believe there is birth control that can be obtained without a prescription at pharmacies and supermarkets--the opill, a progestin-only contraceptive. If that would be easier to access, you might bring it up with your psychiatrist to ask what they think.