Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]
in Women's Health ·
Hey girls!
So, here’s the deal: my periods are absolutely brutal—they aren't always on schedule, they last way too long, and the bleeding is super heavy. I’ve tried standard over-the-counter painkillers, but honestly, they barely touch the pain. On top of that, my skin has been breaking out like crazy lately. Since I am sexually active, I’ve been thinking about starting birth control pills for a while now.
I’m definitely not looking to play doctor with my own body, though—so I’m planning to see a gynecologist and I want to make sure I get some blood work done first (specifically a coagulation profile and fibrinogen, if I remember correctly).
I’ve heard that some doctors don't bother running those specific tests, so I was wondering which OB-GYNs you all recommend. I’d prefer someone in the Chicago area, but I'm open to other places nearby—I just need someone truly professional since this will be my very first exam.
Also, what are your thoughts on the pill? Which brands? Why did you choose them?
I'd love to hear about your actual experiences—any side effects you dealt with or general advice you might have.
And what about alcohol and smoking? Does that mess with things?
Lastly, does anyone know roughly how much exams, the pills themselves, and the blood work usually cost?
So, here’s the deal: my periods are absolutely brutal—they aren't always on schedule, they last way too long, and the bleeding is super heavy. I’ve tried standard over-the-counter painkillers, but honestly, they barely touch the pain. On top of that, my skin has been breaking out like crazy lately. Since I am sexually active, I’ve been thinking about starting birth control pills for a while now.
I’m definitely not looking to play doctor with my own body, though—so I’m planning to see a gynecologist and I want to make sure I get some blood work done first (specifically a coagulation profile and fibrinogen, if I remember correctly).
I’ve heard that some doctors don't bother running those specific tests, so I was wondering which OB-GYNs you all recommend. I’d prefer someone in the Chicago area, but I'm open to other places nearby—I just need someone truly professional since this will be my very first exam.
Also, what are your thoughts on the pill? Which brands? Why did you choose them?
I'd love to hear about your actual experiences—any side effects you dealt with or general advice you might have.
And what about alcohol and smoking? Does that mess with things?
Lastly, does anyone know roughly how much exams, the pills themselves, and the blood work usually cost?