(no subject)

[xallix.livejournal.com]

When is it a good time to start seeing an OB/GYN??

Comments

[mrshellion.livejournal.com]

Some women go when they begin menstruating, some when they have intercourse for the first time. I started going when I became sexually active. Not necessarily with intercourse, but just with men in general. I was 16.

I found it was right to go when I was considering having sexual intercourse. I was 16.

[hercellardoor.livejournal.com]

I started when I was 13, because there was a strong history of "female problems" in our family and I had lots of hormonal and cramping issues with my period.

[amylynn.livejournal.com]

as early as you think you might need to. ;)
you're supposed to definitely go when you turn 18, or when you start having sex, whichever comes first. however, there's no reason you couldn't go earlier than both of those things...

[xallix.livejournal.com]

Oh well I'm 19. I had sex for the first time in August, so like 6 months ago. I've only had sex with the one person. But he's been with quite a few people. Like 30+, that I for sure know of... Who knows how many I don't know of. I knew that awhile ago he had an std. I can't remember for sure but I think it was ghonarea (please excuse my horrible spelling) but I was told that after you take the meds for that it goes away. But when I talked to his mom she said he still goes to the doctor for something and still takes meds for somethig, but won't talk to her about it. So I'm not sure what it's for... I don't want to talk to my mother about this, and don't exactly know how to go about seeing a doctor to get tested.. It all makes me kind of uncomfortable... But I'm a little worried.

[shellyday.livejournal.com]

if you have a planned parenthood or other clinic near you, you should be able to get a way reduced rate and they can test you there.
good luck.

[isolt.livejournal.com]

I knew that awhile ago he had an std. I can't remember for sure but I think it was ghonarea (please excuse my horrible spelling) but I was told that after you take the meds for that it goes away. But when I talked to his mom she said he still goes to the doctor for something and still takes meds for somethig, but won't talk to her about it.

Please tell me you've been using condoms? If you haven't been, *start*.

Oh well I'm 19. I had sex for the first time in August, so like 6 months ago.

If that's the case, you should definitely get checked out. When you go to the gyno you can ask them at the same time about STD testing. If you've been sleeping with this guy for 6 months, then you should also get an HIV test (the antibodies for HIV take 6 months to show up, so generally it's pointless to get tested before then).

If you don't want to talk to your mom about it, you don't have to -- you're 19, you're an adult, and doctors have to respect your confidentiality. The easiest was to go about seeing a doctor would probably be to go to a Planned Parenthood, which is easy as pie -- they're in the phonebook. While you're on the phone with them, talk to them about how much it would cost for them to see you. They have a sliding scale which adjusts to however much they think you ought to pay; you should check out where you are on that scale, and make sure you have the money. :)

hope that helps you :)

[xallix.livejournal.com]

Never used a condom :( I know it's really stupid!!!

And I have pretty good insurance so I just need to get a doctor. I haven't been to one in years. Insurance will probably cover that. I'll just have to pay the co-pay right? If I go through planned parent hood that will cost me money, and I am poor, I honestly have about $1 to my name. Through the doctor my mom will give me the money for the co=pay and I can just say I am getting a check up... I just am not sure if it's covered?????

[isolt.livejournal.com]

Planned Parenthood can also charge it to your insurance. I tend to like them a lot; they've always been there for me when I needed them :)

Gyno visits are essential for women's health, I'm 99.99% sure that your checkup will be covered, and probably also the STD testing, though I'd need someone to back me up on this. You should get the STD testing even if it's not covered. You'll just have to pay the co-pay, like you said, and I'm sure your mom would be all in favour of you getting a checkup, just based on your age.

Since you've not been using condoms, you might also want to ask your doctor about other forms of birth control while you're there. There are a lot of options out there. BC pills aren't really that much - about $12 a month. I don't know about pricing on other forms of bc. At your age, getting pregnant would be way more devastating than getting an STD (unless of course you got HIV). I know it would be for me.

Another thing that might not be a bad idea is to make a checklist of all your concerns to take with you when you go to the doctor so that you don't forget to ask them anything :)

By the way, even if you come out clean on your tests, that doesn't mean that your boy is clean as well - either make him present a doctor's note before you let him have condom-free sex with you again, or make him wear a condom every single time. If he's such a big asshole as to be both unwilling to wear a condom *and* get tested in this day and age, then he doesn't deserve to have sex with you, or anyone else. If you're worried about condom costs, I know a ton of people that don't even buy them, because there are so many places that give them out free.

Sorry to go into lecture mode on you - take good care of yourself sweetie :)

[webbittown.livejournal.com]

whenever you think you need to go.

It is OK to tell the doctor everything.
Don't jeopardize your body.
We want to keep reading your journal entries..

If you even think you might have STD's
you owe it to yourself to get tested.

Good Luck