1st Gyno Visit - WAAAAY OVERDUE!!!!

[phoenix-chan54.livejournal.com]

I'm 22 years old, and I've never been to a gynocologist (I know, I know). I've had sex before, but I'm not currently sexually active. My period has been irregular for quite some time now, and I really want to know what's up. Problem is, I have no insurance at all, and I'm basically unemployed. My question is, does anyone know of a good gynocologist in the Saint Petersburg, FL area that charges reasonable rates without insurance for a basic first exam (basically, what I SHOULD have done the second I started having sex). If you have prices, contact info, websites, etc. that's fantastic! Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Ok, so Planned Parenthood seems to be the unanimous consensus, so I'll probably try there first. I just need to ask for the basic full exam (pap, breast exam, and Q&A), and possibly going on Birth Control, right? And I'm definately asking about doing a payment plan/sliding scale thing. I could probably save up the $70 - $100 or so and just pay it if I had to, but shelling that out all at one time is kinda ouch for an unemployed lady like me. $10 or $20 payments is better. :-D

Comments

[anthylorrel.livejournal.com]

I recommend going to planned parenthood plannedparenthood.com. I go to their clinic on 56th street in tampa, and they will do a pap smear and exam for I beleive $80 total. They also have low cost birth control pills. I get mine for $22 a pack which is a million times betterthan the price at most pharmacies.

[anthylorrel.livejournal.com]

They have a branch in pinellas. Here is the info for you.

Planned Parenthood
10051 5th Street North, #109
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
phone: 727.898.8199

[phoenix-chan54.livejournal.com]

Do you know if those prices are standard for all their sites? I'm moving in a year, and it would be cool if I could just keep going to the same company, different site, but same price.

[anthylorrel.livejournal.com]

In my experience, the prices are similar, but not the same at all the locations. They usually vary between $5 or $10 for the procedures. They have all the numbers and prices for their locations listed on their website. Hope it helps. :)

[leia149.livejournal.com]

They also charge on a sliding scale. Depending on how much money you make, the rates are reduced as well, and they let you set up a payment plan.

I am so happy with my Planned Parenthood that I continue to go there with health insurance, and there are much closer Drs.

[archangelbeth]

Not all Planned Parenthoods are funded enough to charge on a sliding scale. Always call ahead and see if they can do this.

[leia149.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm good to know, I thought they all did this. All the more reason to donate to mine I guess.

[sarahness.livejournal.com]

I agree with the Planned Parenthood suggestion.

And I just wanted to add that I also had a late start on the GYN visits...as I had my first exam when I found out I was pregnant. Oops!

[cuteapple.livejournal.com]

Hey Ginny. I just sent you an email to your gmail that's listed in your profile. It's regarding the awesomeness that is PP St Pete. Let me know if it doesn't come though as I think it's just what you're looking for. =)

[oceanhippie.livejournal.com]

In in Central Florida. I went to the All Women's Health Center. I wouldn't recommend them if they are in your area. I got on the pill though (Sprintec) and it's only 9 bucks a month. My friend also went to the center for her first time (we're both in our 20's too-yikes) and had a horrible experience. She switched over to Planned Parenthood and loved it. So, I'd go with PP. :)
P.S. I love Saint Petersburg!

[marionravenwood.livejournal.com]

(basically, what I SHOULD have done the second I started having sex)

Just to reassure you, because you seem to be beating yourself up about it, there is no reason to get a GYN exam immediately after having sex. At 22 you MIGHT be due for a pap test, if it's been three years since the first time you had sex. The only reason why I think you might want a GYN exam is because of your irregular periods...but frankly a bimanual might not tell you much about that either.

[phoenix-chan54.livejournal.com]

I started having sex when I was 16, and the last time I had sex was April '07. Does that make a difference?

[marionravenwood.livejournal.com]

Based on the current US guidelines, yes, you are due for a pap test, but you shouldn't have gotten it when you first had sex, as you wrote. You shouldn't have a pap test until three years after first vaginal intercourse.

As for GYN exams, there's no evidence that they actually do any good for asymptomatic people. Now, you're not asymptomatic, since you have irregular periods, so since that's bothering you it's probably a good idea to see a doctor. The problem is that a GYN exam won't show many of the causes of irregular periods.

The point of my comment was that many people believe they need a GYN exam immediately just because they've lost their virginity, and there's no evidence to support this. Sexually active people (no matter how long they've been sexually active) might want STI screening or birth control, but you don't need a GYN exam for either of those.