Birth control

I've never actually been to a gynecologist, and im not on birth control either. And i really dont want to take it. Im afriad birth control will mess up my system and make me sick, because my sisters took it and they got sick and very moody. Also, my family has a history of blood clots and i've read and heard that taking the pill could cause blood clots. Is that true? I don't think i should take birth control, what do you think? And should i go to the gynecologist?

[Kim1989]

they were more than likely on a birth control that doesnt work for them.

why do you want to take birth control. is it for pregnany prevention, acne, cramps.....?

[tiredbuthappy]

you should definitely go to the gynocologist. She/he can explain all of your birthcontrol options. Ideally, you should go to the gyno prior to becoming sexually active. If you already sexually active, then you definitely need to go. The routine annual exam is slightly uncomfortable, but not bad and over in a minute. Most importantly, it can save your life. There are many different pills out there now, so there may be a good option for you. Discuss your family history with the gyn.  

[Hope2OneDay]

You should definitely see a gynecologist.
Birth Control isn't the only reason you see one. It's to make sure you're healthy (no cancer, no std's, etc...)  

As for BC, there are numerous kinds on the market. When you make an appt for a pap smear, you can discuss  your family history and see what will work best for you.

[findinghumility]

I agree with the above that it's always good to see and OB and get your yearly check up!  There are a lot of options out there too besides birth control if you are not a good candidate for it.  My husband and I have used the Sympto-Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning (uses multiple signs caused by naturally occurring hormones that allow you to know when you are fertile, or infertile.  It's 99% effective in perfect or typical use) for the last 5 years with no problem avoiding or conceiving. Honestly we have way more friends with "accidental pregnancies" who are on BC then among our friends using NFP.  I too was not a good match for BC due to a progressive kidney disease. And don't let people tell you it's the same as the "rythm method" of earlier generations because it's nothing like it.  We learned in a hospital from an RN and had a Family Practice Doctor that taught it as well. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely something to look into if you have legitimate concerns regarding traditional BC.

[AnnieBrooke]

There are also IUDs.

[rellik]

I dont want to take birth control at all, i think its a terrible idea. My boyfriend wants me to take it, i guess because he's affraid im going to get pregnant.

[peekawho]

Well, yes.  There's that.  Your boyfriend is quite properly afraid you might get pregnant.

If you think birth control will mess with your system, make you moody, make you sick, and possibly give you blood clots....pregnancy is 1000 times more likely to do those things.

At 17, you really want to be preventing pregnancy for a good while yet, while you complete your adolescence and finish school, and start working.  

[AnnieBrooke]

This is a shorter copy of what I wrote on your other post, in case you don't see it.

If you keep having sex without some kind of protection, your odds are very good of becoming a single mother at 18.  Nature designs us to be most fertile at your age, and if a pregnancy comes, boyfriends tend to be very unreliable.  (Even husbands sometimes find it tough.)  

Many women on this site have done poorly on one pill and really well on another, and others do well with other forms of birth control, such as an IUD.   A gynecologist can diagnose properly exactly what is going on with your system to give you irregular periods, and then recommend a birth-control method that will be right for you, and will certainly take into account your fear of blood clots.  You are risking making a huge mess of your life if you keep taking chances with sex.  Not only is pregnancy a real risk but you also risk getting a sexually transmitted disease, some of which do not go away.  If you think you are ready to take on the adult responsibility of the consequences of having sex, you have no excuse for failing to do a grown-up thing and see your gynecologist every year.  Good luck.