(no subject)

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

So, here it goes.

I'm in a long distance relationship, and I'm flying to see my boy for 2 months on July 8th. We both would rather not have sex at all than use condoms, because, at least in our opinion[s], it dulls the experience so much, and not just physically. Therefore, this mama's gonna need some form of contraceptive. I don't have health insurance, and I'm not working. I called my local health department and was told that because I have no proof of income, I'd have to pay full price for birth control pills. [Ahem..wtf?!] Anyway, I was considering using contraceptive film. Pros? Cons? Other suggestions?
Thanks, loves.

[EDIT] So I checked my local PP's website, and it says a pack of pills is $22, which is pretty pretty doable, but what other random tests [and fees] are involved?

Comments

[nirbhao.livejournal.com]

pros:
• almost no waiting before it's effective
• no mess
• neither partner will feel it
• every bit as effective as any other spermicide

cons
• you will have to wash your hands and then dry them before inserting the film
• you have to use it each time you have sex

rock on you educated lady!

[infiniteblue25.livejournal.com]

Ask your parents? Are you a student? maybe they will accept financial aid statement as proof of income? Otherwise, I'd say look for a free clinic...there may or may not be one in your area.Do a websearch for that. Are they telling you you have to pay full price for a pap too? because only having to pay for pills isnt bad at all. If it comes down to it you could lie about your age and tell them you are 16 or something.. They rarely charge minors anything at Planned Parenthood (which is NOT always the local health department but a seperate place)Actually I dunno if you would be covered on the pill by July8 if you started taking it now.. I guess it depends when you start in your cycle.Maybe ask for the shot (depo or monthly)? OR maybe where your boyfriend lives has a better Planned Parenthood/Health department?

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

I've heard other people with the same problem of having no proof of income. Its a messed up situation for sure.

I second the advice to try planned parenthood if there is one around. I know that they would have put me on that "take charge" plan really easily...even if you have health insurance through your parents but don't want them to know you've been getting BC or whatever, you are eligible for reduced prices, IIRC.

Good luck.

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

Oh, i'm almost 19, and having my parents know is no problem. It just happens that I sort of..work for them, and under the table? I'm basicly a full time nanny to my two younger siblings. It also happens that I don't have health insurance, and am, apparently, therefore screwed.

I'm probably going to do the whole Planned parenthood thing, as soon as I figure out how to budget what looks like about a $140 visit, along with scraping together money for two months in Providence.

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

Did you talk to planned parenthood about reduced cost exams? Because the Take Charge program they have will give you help if you have no insurance too...they are really helpful. :)

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

What's this 'Take Charge' jazz all about?

[atalanta0jess.livejournal.com]

I'm kind of pulling this out of my butt...I'm sure there would be a website with more info, but don't have time to look it up right now. But planned parenthood has a program called Take Charge that gives free/reduced cost birth control and I believe exams as well, to people that don't have insurance, or don't want to have BC appear on the statement, or whatever.

I don't qualify for it because I do have insurance, but I remember looking at the form for it, and it was super easy to qualify I think. I remember thinking that I could avoid my copay if I lied about having insurance...they don't check or anything. Its definitely worth checking out, especially because I don't think there are a ton of hoops to jump through.

[anowyn.livejournal.com]

I don't know what to say, but, I do want to say I know how it is to be in a LDR! I'm going to be moving in with my boyfriend and closing off the distance in a week. Moving from Seattle to OK. We don't like condoms either, but I talked to my dad about it and he scheduled an OB/GYN appointment for me and now I'm on Yasmin.

Every Wednesday at Planned Parenthood they have a Teen night where you can register to get BC for free, but as far as I know they only give out one type...

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

At this point, I don't care. I'd just really like to be able to go see him for the 2 months and NOT be paranoid after every time we have sex that I'm pregnant. [I'm HUGE on that, because I'm highly irregular, and I go months without a cycle. My last was mid-March, I believe, even though I've never kept track. And I know, I know, "Get Thee to a Gyno!!']

[ihateyardsticks.livejournal.com]

i didnt know planned parenthood charged for birth control...i got three months of ortho tri cyclen for free...maybe its different in different areas?

[pirogoeth.livejournal.com]

Not every PPh has enough federal funding to afford handing out free birth control. Many work on a sliding scale basis, so it MAY be free for you depending on your income, but they may charge a small fee. It all depends on how much funding the state gives them. :)

[ihateyardsticks.livejournal.com]

oooh that makes sense...high five!

[pinksoundcheck.livejournal.com]

I think it's cool that you're planning on getting on birth control and all, but it scares me that you're not going to use condoms!? Have you and him taken HIV tests? Checked for STDs? I mean, these are serious issues that you should consider before getting into bed with anyone. I'm only mentioning this because I speak from experience. I'm not HIV positive, but I have been exposed to HPV and that shit sucks.

[constructingme.livejournal.com]

i went to a PP in new york city, and had pay stubs so was put on a sliding scale. my visit was $36, and i was being picky and wanted to go on yasmin which they didn't have, so i also had to pay out of pocket for that: another $36. i think it does vary from town to town though. are you a student? because sometimes proof of being a full time student can get you lowered rates. how are you supporting yourself? if you live with a partner or parent or off of some savings of something, maybe there's a way to prove your lack of income.

also, if your parents are employing you under the table, then maybe you can ask them to help you out since they're saving money on payroll taxes.

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

I called today. They don't offer the 'Take Charge' program, due to lack of funding. Anyway, I was told that my visit would be $51, which includes the first pack of pills. I'll have to pay for my second, and then I'll be set.

[xtokyorosex.livejournal.com]

I just realized..this is weird, being that the site lists a different price.

[brieboo.livejournal.com]

Have you ever had a job? Perhaps you could use your two weeks' notice (if you got fired, anyway, and if it were fairly recent) as proof of *no* income? I don't know, I've never had this issue before, that's just the first thought that popped into my head.

[moochar.livejournal.com]

Since you are kinda working under the table (I call it more of getting an allowance from your parents & babysitting at the same time:)), why not just say that you aren't employed currently? I'm sure you can just say you are a student. My cousin gets free services beacuse she's unemployeed.