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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT FAMILY PLANNING Here
are some of the questions that people have asked in the past.
BIRTH CONTROL QUESTIONS
Q: I am 17 years old. i am currently on birth control pills that are not prescribed to me. i am having my period twice a month. i am curious how much it would cost for birth control pills and a papsmear. A: Family PACT a State funded program will cover you for any reproductive services that you might need. (ie: Pap smear, birth control, male and female exams, STI testing and treatment). Therefore, if you are under the age 19, your services are free. Regarding taking pills that are not prescribed to you, it is never safe or a good idea to take medication that has not been prescribed for you, including BC. When medication is prescribed for a person, the physician takes many factors into consideration such as weight, blood pressure, pulse, any other medications taken, (even over the counter medications), and any other health problems. Now that you know the services are free, please visit your physician or nearest Family Care Center for your own exam and presciption.
Q: Do you have to have an appointment for a birth control order and a STD,HIV testing done if you go on Wednesday the "Teen Day"? A: No you do not need an appointment to go to the clinic during the Wednesday afternoon teen clinic time. You can walk in. The test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is by urine and this is very important for you to have before you start your method. You can have all the tests you need done when at the clinic. The tests are done to be sure that you do not have any infection. The clinic closest to you is Riverside Neighborhood Health Center at 7140 Indiana Ave.
Q: I am interested in taking the pill, but what brands do you offer, generic or brand name because I would like to go on Ortho-Tri-Cycline and I did not want to take a generic brand of birth control. And one more question, I used a condom and spermicide for my protection, but I heard that using spericide can break down the condom and not work is that true.?? A: Many birth control pills are available in the brand name. Just ask your clinician when you are seen in the clinic. However the generic ones are also very safe and effective to take. If you are using spermacide with the condom this does give more protection againist pregnancy. The spermacide does not break down the condom. If you are having problems with the condom breaking then you need to look for another brand or size to meet your needs.
Q: I went on vacation and didn't want to have my period so I didn't take the sugar pills at the end of my pack. I just started a new pack. Now I am having my period in the second row of the new pack, way to early. I have been having it for 10 days now and I don't know what to do. A: After consulting with our Medical Director and Supervising Public Health Nurse, they agreed with me that your best bet is to continue taking the pack of pills you have now and then begin a new one following that (including this pack's sugar pills). Your body should regulate itself shortly. If this does not happen, please check with your doctor or clinic for further suggestions.
Q: How long does it take for the Depo Shot to work? A: At our clinics, we tell our patients to protect themselves for two weeks after receiving their Depo Provera shot for the first time. That usually means they use a condom during that time. However, remember, since Depo Provera and other birth control methods do not provide 100% protection against STD's (only abstinence is 100%), we also counsel the patients to guard against sexually-transmitted diseases each and every time they have any form of sexual intercourse. The best thing to do is seek further counseling from your medical provider, who will be able to further answer questions about Depo Provera and other concerns you might have.
Q: A friend of mine and I have debated if wheter the use of a contraceptive gel 'not over the counter' would be effective within 12 hours after unprotected intercourse. Will you please settle this dispute by answering this question for me . A: Contraceptive gel is not the most effective birth control method used alone. At best spermicides are only 74% effective if used within 15 minutes of sexual intercourse. However, used with a condom, they can be up to 97% effective if used together and correctly. (Using condoms will also aid in preventing STDs and HIV infection). It also depends on using the contraceptive spermicide 15 minutes BEFORE sexual intercourse. Contraceptive gel is not going to be effective against pregnancy AFTER having sexual intercourse if no other method was used. Sperm cells can swim very quickly on their journey towards the egg in their quest for creating a pregnancy. Therefore, if a couple has unprotected sex, they must then turn to Emergency Contraception Pills if they want to try to prevent pregnancy. These questions and other concerns may be addressed by contacting your partner's doctor or clinic. If you need to locate a Family Planning clinic, please check the governmental White Pages in your phone book under Family Planning services.
Q: i am sexualy active and dont want my parents to know..can i go to a local clinic and get birth control? and if so what is the process i have to go through and how much money will it cost me? A: Your questions are easy ones to answer. You may come to the Reproductive Health Services Young Adult Clinic (YAC) any Wednesday afternoon (except on holidays) between 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., which is located at 17830 Arrow Boulevard, 2nd floor, next to the Fontana Courts building (corner of Arrow & Alder). You don't need an appointment. You can come in on a walk-in basis. But I would suggest that you arrive as soon as possible after school so you won't have to wait long. Cost is based on your income, not your parents' income. If you do not work or have a part-time job, you probably qualify for free services. You can also call 1-800-722-4777 to make a regular appointment for the Fontana clinic (same location). Don't delay! Come in ASAP, even if you just want to talk to someone.
Q: if my moman is on the pill cani go with out useing a condom with out her getting pragenet and it wont hurtif i cumin side her if she is on the pill. A: If your partner is on the pill, she is less likely to become pregnant. If both of you are disease free, monogamous and have been checked recently, then it is up to you both to decide whether you wish to continue using a condom to prevent unplanned pregnancies and also sexually-transmitted diseases. A visit to your physician or local Family Planning clinic will help you jointly decide after receiving exams and counseling. If you do not have a doctor, please check your government white pages under County Family Planning for the location nearest you.
Q: I had an xray and shows the iud upside down, they said its need to be removed, I'veen having cramps, I had 3 years whith the IUD and last month they did'nt find the string so they made an xray, how bad is it that I had the iud upside wrong? because they give me the appointment until the end of the next month. Please explain that to me. A: You must immediately contact your physician or family planning clinic to arrange an earlier appointment. Make sure to explain that you are experiencing pain, and the findings of the X-ray. Ask questions so that the provider fully explains the situation to you.
Q: I am planning on getting "the shot." I was wondering if this will create any problems if i would like to have children in the future? A: Using the "shot" or Depo-Provera, should not interfere with your chances of getting pregnant in the future. However, it's best to make an appointment with your physician or nearest Family Planning clinic (found in the Governmental White Pages of your telephone book) for a complete reproductive health exam. Prior to your appointment, write down all your questions so you can ask about all your options and concerns.
Q:
I have been taking Levlen (birth control) and
I just started about 8 days ago, prior to that I was on birth control
about 2 years ago. Both were not being used to prevent contraception,
but to make my periods regular. While being sexually active with my
fiance we have been using the "pull-out" method for quite
a while. This time he pulled out way too late. Has the birth control
been taken into effect, or do I have to worry about being pregnent?
It's only been 8 days since I have started this pill. HELP! A: If you have been using your new birth control method, Levlen, as directed continuously for only eight days and prior to that were using withdrawal, you may have gotten pregnant before the Levlen has taken effect. I would strongly suggest that you make an appointment for a reproductive health exam if you have not already done so. At the very least you can ask for a pregnancy test to alleviate your anxiety. I have a feeling that you have had this appointment recently in order to begin this new method. In that case, call and ask your physician your questions directly. That should be part of the service. Your physician will also be able to instruct you on the effectiveness of your method and the reliability of withdrawal (with and without using other methods).
Q: can a person with polycyctic ovary sydrome have a iud? A:
An IUD will not meet the need for the hormone medication that is usually
given for polycystic ovary. Some physicians are treating the polycystic
ovary problem with birth control pills, the patch or the ring in addition
to other medications. I cannot answer your question completely without
knowing many other factors. The best thing to do is to make an appointment
with your doctor or nearest Public Health Family Planning clinic (can
be found in the Governmental White
Q:
My girlfriend and I have engaged in sexual
activities for about 5 Months now. She has been on birth control for
about 4. The first time she took the pill, her period was a little
late and she didn't get it until about three days later but ever since
has been two to three days. We have before done the "pull-out"
method and she usually takes her pill around the same time everyday.
We have done the pull out while on the pill but we did it like one
day after her period had ended. A: Since the birth control pill is not 100% effective (only method that is 100% is abstinence), it is theoretically possible that your girlfriend could get pregnant from the sperm contained in the pre-ejaculatory fluid present before pull out. However, to be more sure that she has an even smaller chance of getting pregnant, I would suggest that you use a latex or polyurethane condom at the beginning of your foreplay activities. For more information and options, please consult your physician or the local public health department family planning clinic in your area. Public Health clinics are listed in your government white pages of your phone directory.
Q: If me and my girlfriend had sex one day and she forgot to take her birthcontrol that day, but she doubled up the next could she get pregnet A:
There
is a possibility of your girlfriend getting pregnant if she misses
even one of her birth control pills. Hopefully she consulted her clinician
or physician and he or she advised her to double up on her pill to
decrease her chances of a pregnancy. You both may want to discuss
an
Q: Do I have to have parents permission to get birth control or come in to the clinic? A: No, under California State law a minor (12 and over) can obtain Family Planning services without parental consent.
Q: How Old Do I Have TO BE To Purchase Condoms? I Am Already Sexually Active. A: No age exists in California for purchasing condoms. However, if you visit our walk-in Young Adult Clinics (YACs) or make an appointment at one of our regular clinic locations, condoms are included with the visit. For almost all teens, their entire visit is FREE! If you are from San Bernardino, drop in at our San Bernardino Clinical Services on Monday afternoons (except holidays) from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. The address is 799 E. Rialto Avenue, which is on the southwest corner of Lena Road and Rialto Avenue. This clinic is easy to find and is about 2 miles from the Carousel Mall to the east, close to the former Norton Air Force Base. If you feel comfortable with talking to your parents or an adult friend, teacher or relative, they might be able to guide you in your quest for good reproductive health. However, feel free to send me any additional questions you have. Thanks for your question!
Q: I am just interested in learning more about the many different types of contraceptives and their uses. A: In addition to the information available on our website, I would like to refer you to your local Department of Public Health. Their Family Planning program would have information on the methods available to you in your local area. You can also read a little booklet, Managing Contraception 2003-2004 or log on to: www.ManagingContraception.com. Don't forget to check with the agencies in your area as to availability.
Q: Can a yeast infection make the pill less effective? and Must the pill be taken every day at the same exact time? A: You question is a two-parter, so I'll answer each part separately. 1. A yeast infection will not change the effectiveness of the "pill." However, if a woman has a bacterial infection and is given an antibiotic, that drug could change the effectiveness of the "pill" or other hormonal birth control method. She should use a condom (or abstinence) as a back-up plan to her hormonal method while using antibiotics. 2. For the best results, the "pill" should be taken at the same time every day to systematically control her hormone level in her body properly. It also helps her to remember to take it if she is on a regular routine.
Q:
I
am taking the antibiotic Keflex and have currently been on birth control
pills. I know I need a back up due to the antibiotics. Is a vaginal
contraceptive film an effective backukp in this A: I'm glad you realize the need for an effective back-up method while taking an antibiotic. As to your choice of back-up method, if abstinence is not a practical solution for you, you may wish to use a spermicide and/or a condom to protect against pregnancy. Please contact your nearest Public Health Family Planning clinic or your personal clinician for further guidance. I'm guessing that the Phoenix area has several from which to chose. Thanks for your questions and for visiting our website.
Q: Hi, I was wondering how much the birth control patch costs, if I would go to the teen clinic? Also,how often would have to go to the clinic after getting it, like do i have to go every month for a new one, or do i get a few? What kind of exams do i need to take? Thank you so much, hope to hear from you soon! A: The patch can be obtained from the clinic after an examination which includes the Pap Smear. If you qualify for Family PACT then the exam and the patch would not be a cost to you. Family PACT is like an insurance for low income individuals. You could apply for yourself not have to give information about your parents insurance. Otherwise the visit would be low cost. The clinic will give you 3 patches for one month at first to see how you like it. If you want to continue then they will give you a 3 months supply. Call the clinic nearest you for an appoointment.
Q: My husband is not comfortable with a vasectomy. I'd like to have my tubes tied. How much would this cost? I don't want any more kids! A: Although the RHS clinics do not perform this service for our female clients, our staff will be happy to give you a referral to agencies that do. Please give our operators a call at 1-800-722-4777, Monday--Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We have English and Spanish-speaking staff members to assist you.
Q: (As a teenager,) do I have to pay for my visit or birth control? A: No, Family PACT a State funded program will cover you for any reproductive services that you might need. (ie: Pap smear, birth control, male and female exams, STI testing and treatment). Therefore, if you are under the age 19, your services are free.
Q: Will I gain weight on the Depo? A: To be honest, there can be weight loss or gain. There is an additive that will increase your appetite, therefore you really need to take notice of how physically active you are and the kinds of food you might be eating. If you watch those things you will be fine.
Q: Can sperm go through a condom when you use that spermacide stuff? A: The only way sperm would go through a condom is if the condom itself had a hole in it. The spermacide will not break down the latex or polyurethane condoms.
Q: Even if I take the pill everyday, I have heard that it sometimes doesn't work? A: The pill works all the time - as long as it is taken every day around the same time every day! That is really important. The effectiveness is 97-99% if used correctly.
Q: Does smoking make the pill less effective? A: There has been a lot of research done on smoking and cirth control pills, and almost everyone reaches the same conclusion - smoking makes the pill less effective. Make sure you discuss this with your medical provider.
Q: My girlfriend has been on the pill for a month, can I cum inside of her without having to worry about weither or not I should pull out? Should I still pull out even though she's on the pill? A: The birth control pill is very effective when it comes to pregnancy prevention, so it is safe. But, it is important to remember the pill only protects against pregnancy not STI's (sexually transmitted diseases).
Q: How long can sperm live outside of the body? A: Sperm is amazing stuff. It can live outside of you body for probably about an hour. Thank you for visiting www.birthcontrol4u.com |
