[confused_girl]

Hi Guys,

This is my first time ever at this forum and I need your help! I am 23 years old and I have never visited a gyno before. After suffering through one of the most painful periods this past weekend, I have put my foot down and I am officially going to the gyno on campus on Wednesday. The information that I have gathered so far from the internet and friends, I suffer from PMDD which will most likely result in the Doctor putting me on Birth Control Pills. since I don't have sex (and don't plan to until I am married), I have never paid attention to any of the Birth Control Pills out there. Can you all please help me? I am totally freaked out about going to the gyno alone and I just want to know what to expect.

The symptoms I have/had during my period are:
Headache, lack of appetite, irritability, nausea, backache, bloating, moodiness, forgetfulness, severe cramping, tenderness in breasts, disturbances in sleeping patterns (excessive and lack of), severe fatigue.

My mom never went to the GYN until she was sexually active and doesn't expect me to either. So, talking to her would not end well AT ALL! (yes, I have tried). I would really love any help that you can give me.

[Mes T]

You don't need to talk to your mom anyway. You're an adult.

The best advice I can give is DON'T just blindly accept whatever birth control brand they throw at you.

Women react differently to different brands. You might be extremely happy with the very first one they put you on, or you might need to switch once or twice.

I would recommend staying away from Yaz, as I've pretty much only heard people have problems with that one, but it seems to be extremely popular. If they do put you on Yaz (or ANY pill, for that matter), ask LOTS of questions. In fact, bring a written list with you. Why this brand over others. What are the hormones in it and how much of them are there. Why aren't you recommending brands X Y and Z, which are a lot cheaper. What side effects should I watch out for. Etc.

Main point is, ask lots of questions. It's your body, after all!

[confused_girl]

You don't need to talk to your mom anyway. You're an adult.

LOL! I meant for advice not her opinion. But you are right!

[LanaBear]

I took Nordette which is a low dose BC pill. I'm susceptible to migraines, so I wanted a low dose pill. I was on it for years and it worked fine for me.

[Fish]

I'm on Loestrin 24Fe and I love it, no side effects at all (except a 2-3 day light period with no cramps!). I used to get horrible cramps and my breasts were soooo tender the week leading up to my period but now, nothing!

[Disco]

Don't worry about the gyno.
As far as I know they won't be doing anything 'down there' if you're a virgin.
If the doctor doesn't ask you then tell her yourself. Most likely she will ask you though.
She will probably ask questions like when you first started, how long you've had periods for and such.
If she will have a look 'in there' then she'll be either using this stick like object with a camera in the top of it, she'll use a condom on it and lubricates it or she can use this another thing that she sticks in and screws open to see the inside of the vagina better.
They can feel a bit sore and uncomfortable, but it's bearable.
If they use those things just be very calm, it'll be ok.

And yeah don't let the doctor give you the first pill that pops in their head.
Make sure they know your medical past well.
When you do get a pill then it can make you feel sick, just saying, so you know what to expect.