Q&A: Birth Control - Clinic Services/Confidentiality

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BIRTH CONTROL

For questions about Oral Contraceptives, see The Pill.

Note to readers: We are based in Maine, therefore we know the laws in this state, but not every state. If you have questions about the legal age you can be provided birth control or other services, please call your local family planning clinic in your state. Go to our clinics page to find your local clinic. Thank you.

How soon after the depo shot runs out can a person get pregnant?

Depo Provera prevents pregnancy for 12 weeks after the shot is given. It is possible to become pregnant after the 12th week if the shot is not given again at that time. Because it wears off over time, it may take longer to become pregnant after stopping Depo Provera than it would after stopping other birth control methods. You may become pregnant quickly after stopping Depo-Provera, but it may take you nine months or more to get pregnant.

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Was on Depo; trying to get pregnant

I had been taking the Depo Provera shot for a little less than one year, and I got my last shot at the end of November and I didn't get my next one because I am trying to get pregnant. I finally started my period on April 30th, and had a total of three periods during May all lasting from 2-4 days long.

It's now around the middle of June and I haven't had one this month yet, what are the chances that I am ovulating and able to get pregnant? I have taken some ovulation tests but no luck so far, I really want to have children and soon, was it normal to have three periods in one month? And is it a good chance of the Depo being out of my system?

DEPO OR THE SHOT
Depo is a great birth control method, but one thing that’s important to remember is that it stays in your body for a long time. Most women begin to have regular periods from six to twelve months AFTER they get their last shot. A few women get pregnant only a few months after their last Depo, and a few women remain infertile until 18 months after they stop the shot. The irregular periods you’ve noticed are normal after discontinuing any hormonal birth control method. The three periods you had during May are a sign that your body is trying to get back to a regular cycle, but bleeding is not a guarantee that you’re ovulating. Because ovulation kits are so expensive (from $50 to $200), you might want to wait until you are back to a regular menstrual pattern before investing in more.

GETTING PREGNANT
It takes an average of ONE YEAR of sex without birth control for two perfectly healthy, fertile people to become pregnant. In your case, it makes sense to begin that one-year countdown starting in November, 2005. That means that you may have a bit of a wait ahead of you. What can you do during the wait to increase your chances for a healthy pregnancy? Have a regular yearly check-up. The check-up should include a pelvic exam and a check for any infections that can decrease your chances of becoming pregnant.

Be healthy! Eat nutritious foods, exercise, and avoid alcohol and drugs. If you’re a smoker, now’s the time to quit. Smoking hurts you and is very unhealthy for babies before and after they’re born. Take a daily multivitamin that includes at least 400 mcg of folic acid. Folic acid can help prevent some severe birth defects.

COULD I BE PREGNANT?
You've missed a period this month. It's MOST LIKELY part of the irregular bleeding pattern caused by the Depo, but it could also mean that you're pregnant. Some common signs and symptoms of pregnancy include missed period, tender breasts, fatigue, increased hunger, food cravings, feeling sick to your stomach, and peeing more often. If you think you might be pregnant, there are good-- and relatively inexpensive—pregnancy tests available in drug stores.

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The pill & insurance

I was just wondering - I'm interested on going on the pill just to be safe. I was gonna get it at a family planning clinic and I have CIGNA HEALTHCARE. Is there any way that CIGNA gets birth control free?

CIGNA covers contraception. You most likely will have a co-pay. Family Planning has contraceptive methods on site and the charges are based on your income.

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Will Depo make me gain weight?

My husband and I are using condoms to avoid getting pregnant again, but we want to try another contraceptive. I want to try Depo injectable as to avoid taking pills daily, however, I don't want to gain weight. What should I do?

Many women worry about weight gain with Depo Provera. The research done regarding this does not support significant weight gain with women using Depo as compared with women not using Depo. But we do hear this concern from many patients. To avoid daily pill taking, but still enjoy the high effectiveness of a hormonal birth control method you could try the Patch or the new vaginal ring. An IUD may also be a good choice for you. Contact your local family planning center to discuss these options. Good luck!

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Pregnant again?

I had an abortion about 2 weeks ago and the doctor gave me birth control pills which I started the day after the abortion. About 2 weeks after I started the pill my boyfriend and I had sex. What are the chances that I'm pregnant again?

If you are taking your pill correctly then you are protected from pregnancy.

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Changed my pill schedule

I am currently on the pill, taking Cilest. I wanted my period earlier, so I stopped taking my pill 4 days early. I did not have sex whilst on my break, however I did have sex 2 days after I started taking the pill again, could I be pregnant? Please help, I'm very worried.

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant if the total time you were off the pill was greater than seven days. A pregnancy test can be done in about two weeks. You can use a test from your local drug store.

Please see your local family planning clinic or the provider that gave you the pills the next time you wish to change your schedule. Also, whenever you are not sure, use condoms as a backup.

Additionally, if this happens again, you can use emergency contraception up to three days after having sex.

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On pill - is it protecting me yet?

I am taking Alesse 28, and my boyfriend and I have been sexually active from the middle of May until June 12th. I skipped the placebo and went straight into the other package so I did not have my period. We were using the pullout method and then at times would use a condom. I was taking my pill every day just not at the same time everyday. What are the chances of me getting pregnant?

If you have not missed any active pills your risk of pregnancy is almost zero.

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Stop pills to get pregnant

How long after I stop taking birth control pills should I wait before trying to get pregnant?

You can begin to try to get pregnant as soon as you stop the birth control pills.

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Which method?

I've never had sex before and well I'm scared about it for one...and well me and my boyfriend are thinking about it because we're getting really close and have strong feelings for each other and we want to check out birth control options for me. I'm a teen of course and I don't want one that will cause me to gain weight or have problems, or make it so I can't have children. I was wondering what kind of methods I should look for.

You are wise to look into options before beginning to have sex. Before you jump into this phase of your relationship, please talk to a trusted adult about your decision to have sex. You should be absolutely sure and not feel pressured in any way. Trust your instincts; if it doesn't feel right to take this step now, then it isn't the right thing for you.

When you do decide, birth control pills would be a good option for you or the contraceptive patch. Depo Provera is an injection that one gets every three months. Any of these are good hormonal options for you. Call your local family planning center to make an appointment or find out their teen walk-in hours. Good luck.

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Birth control without parental consent

I was wondering, I am 14 and me and my boyfriend have had sex 3 times. We used condoms but I don't trust them completely. I don't think my parents would allow me to use birth control pills. Is there a way I could get them without guardian consent?

If you live in Maine, then yes, Maine law allows minors to seek birth control without parental consent or knowledge. You may see your own health provider or family planning to obtain them. If you live outside of Maine, please contact your nearest family planning clinic; they will help you.

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Depo - can I get pregnant two weeks after first Depo shot?

I'm on a contraceptive (Depo-Provera) and I just started this month, and my boyfriend ejaculated inside me like two weeks later. What are the possibilities of me becoming pregnant? Is there a need for an emergency contraceptive?

If you received the Depo shot within the first 5 days of your period then you are considered protected right away. Emergency contraception is not necessary.

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Depo Provera and antibiotics

Do antibiotics affect the potency of depo protection?

The short answer is no. The University of Illinois website claims that Depo Provera "Has no demonstrated interactions with antibiotics and most other medications, including anti-seizure medications." To be the safest, please call your local family planning center and talk with a clinician about any antibiotics or other drugs, prescription or over-the-counter, that you are taking in conjunction with Depo Provera or other hormonal methods of birth control.

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Depo Provera and bleeding

I have been on the shot for over 2 years now. I have had irregular bleeding which I understand is normal. However for the last two weeks I have been bleeding very heavily. This is more than I usually do during my regular periods and for a longer period of time. Also I have also been having abdominal cramping, headaches, and back pain. I read online that this is a warning sign and I should contact my doctor. Why is that? How concerned should I be? What am I at risk for??

Contact your local family planning clinic or health care provider immediately. These are not normal symptoms or side-effects, especially if they started recently. Your symptoms could suggest an infection which would need to be treated with an antibiotic.

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Ortho Evra patch...am I pregnant?

I am on the Ortho Evra Patch and my boyfriend and I have had unprotected sex. I am a few days late for my period, could I be pregnant? Could it just be caused by stress?

Stress can cause a delay of the onset of a woman's period, so if you have been under a lot more stress than usual, then this COULD be the culprit. If you have used the patch correctly then pregnancy is unlikely. But, to be safe, please consult your health care provider or local family planning clinic.

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I.U.D. family planning method

Hi my name is Maria and I'm very worried about something. I got pregnant while I had the I.U.D insert and I'm just wondering if they can remove it and if there is any risk of hurting the baby. I'm just 5 weeks into the pregnancy. Or should I get an abortion? Could you please answer me, please read this and answer me. Thank you I would really appreciate it.

Removing the IUD is the best action in all cases. The risk of miscarriage is lower with the IUD removed than keeping it in place. Our advice is to get the IUD removed as soon as possible. An abortion is not medically indicated just because an IUD is in place at the time of the pregnancy.

Have the IUD removed by your local family planning office or health care provider (do not try to remove it yourself), then you can consider your options of continuing the pregnancy or having an abortion.

Please call your local family planning office soon! They will help you and answer many questions you surely have!

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Billings method

When is one fertile and when is one not fertile?

You're referring to the Billings Method, also called Natural Family Planning. This is a complicated question and the answer is highly individualized. But in short, the "safe" time - non-fertile - is 24 hours after ovulation until the next period is due. For most woman, with a 28 day cycle, these are days 15-28.

This method, mainly recommended for couples in a long-term relationship, requires you to be completely on top of your periods and ovulation, writing everything down on a calendar.

Before you try this on your own, my advice is to talk to your local family planning office and go in for an appointment with your menstrual charts.

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Cost for shot?

My mom wants me to get the birth control shot, but she doesn't know how much it is nor does she know if our insurance will cover birth control. What could we do if our insurance company doesn't cover it?

Your local family planning clinic offers birth control shots. Most clinics' services are based on income, meaning you pay what you can afford according to your income. In most cases, family planning clinics require you to be a patient to get birth control, which involves having a yearly pap smear and exam. Please call your local family planning office for more information on prices and available appointments.

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I was just wondering if you have sex and the guy is using a condom, and the girl is taking birth control pills, will it prevent us from having a baby?

Birth control pills and condoms are an excellent combination of methods for the prevention of pregnancy and STDs. To ensure that you maximize the effective of both methods you need to take the pills each day consistently and to place the condom on the penis before it has any contact with the genital area. While abstinence is the only 100% effective at preventing pregnancy and infection, you are at a MUCH lower risk if you are using these two methods CORRECTLY, EVERY TIME." Kudos to you for doubling up on your methods! It's impressive and a smart thing to do!

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CLINIC SERVICES / CONFIDENTIALITY

Note to readers: We receive questions on occasion where someone has had a difficult time at a clinic, for a variety of reasons - they felt they were not treated with respect, didn't agree with the billing amount, are not satisfied with the services received -- if you encounter any problems with your family planning center, please, instead of writing to us, call your clinic and ask to speak to the Clinic Director and address your concerns with them. Additionally, if you have questions about what family planning counselors and nurses do, please contact your local clinic. -- Thank you.

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Need pelvic to get pill?

If I go to a Family Planning clinic will they insist on doing a pelvic exam before they prescribe the pill to me? I know I don't have to have one but I've heard of some doctors that won't put patients on the pill w/out one.

Family Planning Clinics may prescribe hormonal methods (pills, the Patch, Depo shot, the Ring) without a pelvic exam. The patient does fill out a detailed history and talks with the clinician but the exam is not done at that visit.

Most clinics will prescribe for three months then an exam is required. Call the family planning clinic you are interested in making an appointment and ask them if they will prescribe the pill without an examination.

If you have never had a pelvic exam and you are sexually active, then you will need to as it really is necessary to maintain good health. Look at it as taking care of your body. Once you have one, you'll realize they are no big deal. It is a great way to learn about your body because you can ask the clinician all kinds of questions!

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The pill & insurance

I was just wondering - I'm intrested on going on the pill just to be safe. I was gonna get it at a family planning clinic and I have CIGNA HEALTHCARE. Is there any way that CIGNA gets birth control free?

CIGNA covers contraception. You most likely will have a co-pay. Family Planning has contraceptive methods on site and the charges are based on your income.

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My niece needs family planning

Can a 16 year old girl go to family planning for birth control (the pill) without her parents' knowledge? She is my niece and I want to help her out but I'm far away. She's like any sixteen year old will not consider going to her parents, but decided to come to me, which is good also. She has had sex once, I would like her to get more knowledge, and I think she should go on the pill.

I am impressed that you want to help your niece. You must have a special relationship for her to feel comfortable coming to you.

All services at Maine Family Planning are confidential. They are also based on a sliding fee scale, meaning she would only pay what she can afford. If she uses her parents' insurance, tell her to ask the staff about how that would work with confidentiality (i.e. the insurance company sending her parents a notice of services).

Please see our clinic listing to help her find the clinic nearest her.

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Cost of visit

I am 19 and a full-time college student. I have insurance through my parents, but it is an HMO and I am not sure if my visit to a clinic would be covered under the HMO. My question is, is there a way to get how much my visit will cost before I go there? My boyfriend has offered to help pay for it, but between the two of us after paying bills we only make about $150-200 a week and I don't want to get to the clinic and not have my insurance cover the visit and not have enough money to pay for it, but I really need to be tested and be placed on birth control.

Most family planning clinics accept most major insurance cards and they will cover the services. You can call your local family planning office to see if they indeed accept your coverage (less the co-pay), if not what the visit would cost you. They will be able to give you this information over the phone.

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Can gynecologists tell if you had sexual intercourse?

My mother and I have been arguing non-stop and she goes up to my school every now and then to check to see if I have been in all my classes. Well, one day someone came up to her telling her that I have been having sexual intercourse. Well since she heard that rumor she is threatening to take me to a gynecologist to find out if I have been doing anything or not. Does she have a right to find out by asking the gynecologist? Something like that is my personal business, right? And can a gynecologist actually tell if I have been having sexual intercourse especially if I have no hymen? If so tell me how.

No, a gynecologist cannot tell. For more information about hymens, see our Female Anatomy section. Remember, your mother loves you and worries about you. Perhaps you don't think her methods of checking up on you are fair - in which case you should try to talk with her and see what you could do to make your relationship with her better. If that is not possible, please consider talking to another trusted adult, such as a clergy person, counselor, school counselor, teacher, or relative. Your local family planning center will have references to counselors as well. If you are sexually active, then you should be getting regular exams as well as reliable birth control. This is a hard time in your life and in your mother's; be patient, it will get better.

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Do you have to see a gyno before going on birth control?

I was thinking about going on birth control for a while since I heard that it clears up your skin plus I am in a deep relationship with my boyfriend and I don't want to risk anything between us. I don't feel comfortable going to a gyno I never been to one before but it's just the fact I don't like anyone examining a private part of my body.

You can get birth control pills and other methods without an exam. However, generally you do need an exam within the year. Contact your nearest family planning for more information.

Part of the adult responsibility of being sexually active is taking care of your body and having regular exams. Your local family planning center will make this as comfortable an experience for you as possible - they know it is hard the first time you go. A counselor would answer all your questions and your exam would be performed by a woman clinician. These are professionals who do this every day - there really is no reason to be embarrassed. Once you go, you will wonder why you didn't go sooner! Please - call soon - you'll be glad you did. Take care.

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First appointment

If I made an appointment, how long does the first one usually last? Also, what can I expect at a first appointment?

In general, it takes 1-2 weeks to get a new first appointment for a yearly check-up. Expect to spend about an hour to an hour and a half for your first visit. Yearly check-ups after that are around 30-45 minutes. The first visit includes: a detailed medical history and general information about how to contact you; a discussion with the counselor and/or nurse practitioner about your specific needs or concerns that day; Routine lab work; blood pressure; weight; a complete physical examination including a pelvic exam with a Pap test, and sexually transmitted infection screening if indicated (usually indicated if you are already sexually active).

If you are sexually active, or about to be, please visit family planning or your local health care provider soon!

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Definition

I'm really curious. I know about contraceptives, but when we talk about family planning, what exactly is it and what does it include?

An excellent question -- despite the title, "Family Planning," the services offered at Family Planning centers are much more than just birth control!

In general, we define family planning to include a wide range of reproductive health services such as physical exams, screening tests, counseling, education, and contraceptive methods.

Many clinics screen for much more than just sexually transmitted diseases - screenings also look for indications of urinary tract infections, bladder infections, diabetes, anemia, hepatitis, and more!

Most Family Planning clinics have Nurse Practitioners, who are highly trained in reproductive issues and, in Maine, qualified to write prescriptions.

Call your local clinic to learn what they offer.

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