I need to get a urine culture with an antibiogram done, along with a urine test for ureaplasma and chlamydia. Regarding the latter, my doctor mentioned I could just head over to the infectious disease clinic. I saw online that it might also be possible at Rockefeller's. Does anyone know which place is actually the best option for this? When I asked the nurse about the specific sample needed for that second test, she told me I wouldn't need to provide it right there—which honestly left me a bit confused. If it's supposed to be a first-morning urine sample, I assume I'll still need to bring the container from home when I go?
Up until now, I've always just dropped off my urine samples for cultures at my local family practice, so I'm wondering if it's feasible to bring both tests in on the same day to either Rockefeller's or the infectious disease clinic?
Tiffany, if you've been sexually active, you really ought to be getting a Pap smear done at least once a year.
I honestly don't get why someone would hide their sexual history from their doctor—it just doesn't make sense. The whole point of seeing a specialist at a place like the Mayo Clinic is to get help, and if you withhold information like that, how can they actually provide the care you need?
Kyle Lee4 said:My period has been completely MIA for three full months now since I stopped taking the pill. Given my hormonal issues and PCOS, I suppose it was somewhat expected. Still, you really should be checking in regularly with a gynecologist about this. If any doubts arise, or if you just feel uneasy about what your doctor is telling you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion from another specialist. 🙂
Mine also skipped after I came off the pill. I really wanted to get things back to normal naturally, so I just waited and waited and waited—I actually went in for an exam and they told me my ovaries looked fine and that this is just a common thing after stopping birth control. But since it wasn't coming back, my doctor prescribed Duphaston. I had some hormone tests done during that time; my progesterone was a little low, but everything else seemed okay. Since that induced period from the Duphaston, I've already had two natural ones—they're a bit lighter than before, but my doctor says that's perfectly normal and the main thing is just that they're returning.
So yeah, anything is possible.
On a side note, I found being on the pill completely unbearable. I felt depressed, irritable, constantly "unwell," and I even dealt with panic attacks... It was just awful.
so... I'm thinking about starting birth control pills, and I'm planning to switch to a different OB-GYN. My period should be arriving in a few days or so. When I see her, she'll probably send me for blood work and all that, but what about the timing? 😁 If someone could walk me through how this works—the whole process of visiting the doctor to request the prescription 🙂 Besides, my cycles aren't always regular, so things can get a bit unpredictable, if you know what I mean 🤣 .. 😱 It’ll be my first time using these pills, and I’m really interested in trying them out 🥳 thanks 😘
🙂
You just head in there and tell her you want to start on the pill. Plain and simple. She’ll do an exam and most likely send you for some blood tests—though honestly, only a few doctors insist on doing full panels like that—but if I were you, I’d definitely push for them (things like a CBC, iron levels, cholesterol, clotting factors... you could even ask for hormone testing, though I doubt they'll order it unless there's a specific issue). It all depends on the doctor, really. Anyway, just stay brave and patient. 🙂
Have you started noticing any breakouts or acne lately? It could actually be from the birth control—though I know every OB-GYN is just going to tell you it isn't. They usually claim those symptoms, like the acne and extra hair growth, are just PCOS finally kicking in. How have your hormone levels and ovaries been looking? Did you end up seeing a dermatologist? Maybe you just need to give it some time—you know, let those hormones clear out of your system so your body can get back to its baseline.
vividgull51 said:What specific research should be conducted before starting any pill regimen?🙂
The absolute essentials—the stuff you really can't skip—are the basic blood work: a CBC, liver function tests, a coagulation profile, and cholesterol levels. Honestly, if you want to be thorough, it’s also a good idea to get your hormones checked, though I've noticed that most gynecologists rarely bother ordering those unless there's a specific reason to.🙄
Getting a coagulogram is pretty straightforward—you just head in for a blood draw. I’ve only ever used Diane 35 myself, and honestly, I never had to pay out of pocket for them—though it feels like they might be the only ones that work that way. You basically just get a prescription for a single box that covers you for three cycles.
I’m going to post this here—even though I know there’s already an open thread about Diane 35.
I was taking them for about a year straight. I finally stopped at the end of November, and my period came back totally normal right after I quit—but now, this current cycle without any pills, my period just isn't showing up. It was supposed to arrive on December 21st; if I had just kept messing around with the pills, I probably would have gotten it by then. At that time, I was dealing with some pretty intense PMS symptoms, but nothing regarding the actual period itself. I actually went in for an ultrasound on December 29th, and they told me both ovaries look clear—they basically said the period will come, just not anytime soon.
How late has yours been, and how much of a delay is considered normal?
How big are we talking when it comes to this fatty tissue? To be honest, I have a family member who dealt with the exact same thing—though in her case, it was under both armpits, with the right side being significantly larger, which eventually led her to get it surgically removed. The reality is that the size fluctuates quite a bit depending on whether you're gaining or losing weight. If someone actually wants to have it taken out, the best move is to consult a plastic surgeon. They’ll usually suggest getting an ultrasound or a biopsy first to see what we're dealing with before recommending the next steps—whether that means a full surgical excision or just some targeted liposuction. If you have any other questions about how this works, please feel free to ask.
For me, senna tea always gets things moving, but it takes a few hours to kick in. Another trick I use is boiled prunes—just let them soak in water for a bit, then pour off the liquid and eat the slimy flaxseed residue 😁 along with the seeds themselves. But honestly, none of this stuff works instantly.
Has anyone else here dealt with mental health issues since starting birth control pills?? Honestly, it feels like I can't even function normally anymore—I’m irritable, prone to crying, on edge, and just feeling depressed. Everything and everyone gets under my skin. I don't even recognize myself lately. I've been on Diane-35 for about a year now to deal with acne (which, by the way, is still there—just slightly less frequent, but definitely still an issue).
I have a quick question regarding an EKG. I'm wondering—should I be waiting for a formal report to come back, or is "that" pretty much the final word right now?
HDL is actually what people call the "good cholesterol," so if your LDL and triglycerides are looking solid, you probably shouldn't have much to worry about there—though as for the glucose levels, I really wouldn't know.
Thomas Palmer7 said:Hey everyone 🙂> I wanted to ask a quick question, just to get some input from you informed women out there 🙂>
So, I've been on the pill... I've been taking them for about 6 months now, but my OB-GYN told me they aren't really working well for my body and suggested I stop
Anyway, I took my last pill yesterday and I'm supposed to have a week-long break before starting a new pack... but I'm actually planning on stopping altogether And I did have sex yesterday while I was still on that last pill... So now I'm wondering if I was protected yesterday even if I don't start the next pack... I'm pretty sure I was, and I know this might sound a little silly, but I'd really appreciate it if someone could let me know Thanks
What was she basing that conclusion on? Was it her blood work results or something else entirely?