NOTE:
These answers are for informational purposes only and are not
intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you have a medical problem, please
call 1-800-230-PLAN for
an appointment with the
Planned Parenthood Health Center nearest
you.
Before
asking our nurse, check these frequently asked questions
on the pill and these topics…
Pelvic
Exams • STIs • Breast Exams • 10 FAQ's
Birth
Control Pills
When
do I start my oral contraceptives?
The
Sunday after your menses (period) is the best day to start your oral
contraceptives. If you start your menses on a Sunday, start your oral
contraceptives that day.
What
do I do if I miss or forget to take my birth control pill?
Take your birth control pill as soon as you remember then take the next one
at your regularly scheduled time. You should use a back up method for 7 days
if you miss or are late taking a birth control pill.
What
will happen if I am late or forget taking a birth control pill?
There is a possibility of becoming pregnant as you may ovulate if late or miss
a pill. You may also experience some break through bleeding (bleeding when
its not your period) or your period may come early or late. This is why it
is very important to use a condom for a full 7 days if you miss a pill.
I
am bleeding and I am not suppose to start my period yet, what
is wrong?
This is referred to as break through bleeding and can be caused by missing
or being late taking a birth control pill. It can also happen with vaginal
infections and you must be examined to rule an infection out. Some antibiotics
can cause vaginal bleeding and you should use a condom while you are taking
antibiotics.
Do
I have to take the green pills in my pack while am on my period?
Although the green (brown) or the 4th week of pills do not contain any hormones
they may contain vitamins or iron which is good for you to have during your
period. They also are good reminder pills to keep in the habit of taking a
pill every day at the same time. We highly recommend that you continue to take
the fourth week of your birth control pill.
Get Pills without a Pelvic Exam
Check out the H.O.P.E. program. Get pills and other hormonal contraception
without having a pelvic exam for up to one year!
Pelvic
Exams
Why
is it important for me to have a pelvic exam?
Once
a woman begins having sex or reaches age 16-18, she should have
regular pelvic exams.
During
the exam, a healthier provider checks:
- The
reproductive organs — vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries
and fallopian tubes.
- Prescribes
and/or fit birth control devices
- Check
for vaginal infections or sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Screen
for cervical cancer, which can be treated and cured if found
early
What
is a Pap smear and why is it so important?
- A
Pap smear is a test that checks the cells on the cervix (the
opening of the uterus) for changes, which could lead to cancer.
- Regular
Pap smears and treatment when needed can prevent most cancer
of the cervix.
- Women
who have cancer of the cervix may not have any symptoms.
- If
cancer or pre-cancer develops, it can be found early and treated.
How
often should I have a Pap smear?
- Most
women need a Pap smear once a year.
- Your
health provider may suggest less or more frequent Pap smears
according to your health history.
Breast
Exams
Why
should I do Breast self-exams?
- Doing
breast self-exams is easy and the more you do it the better
you will get at it.
- Knowing
what your breasts feel like normally will help you identify
any changes.
- Early
detection is the key to successful breast cancer treatment and
survival.
When
should I do Breast self-exams?
- The
best time to do a self-exam is right after your period.
- If
you do not have regular periods, do it the same day each month.
How
can I learn to do a Breast self-exam correctly?
- Your
health provider will show you how at your pelvic exam.
- You
can pick up a brochure from Planned Parenthood of South Central
Michigan.
- You
can look up instructions on the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
web site at www.breastcancerinfo.com
Sexually
Transmitted Infections
Go
to ppfa for
a complete list of STIs and treatment options
What
is a STI?
- Sexually
transmitted disease (STD) now called sexually transmitted infection
(STI), is serious, sometimes painful, and can cause a lot of
damage.
- Some
STIs infect your sexual and reproductive
organs. Others cause general body infections.
How
will I know if I have an STI?
- Many
STIs have no signs or symptoms.
- Others
may have symptoms that go away after awhile even though the
infection is still there.
- All
STIs should be treated but some cannot be cured.
How
would I get a STI?
- STIs
are spread during close, sexual activity and during vaginal,
anal and oral sex.
- Some
are spread through infected blood.
- You
are at risk if you have unprotected intercourse (without a condom)
with an infected person.
- You
are at risk if you have multiple sexual partners as you will
be placing yourself at risk for "catching" anything
they may have"caught" from other sexual partners.
How
will I know if I have an STI?
- Again,
many STIs don’t have any signs or symptoms.
- Women
may experience an unusual discharge or smell from their vagina.
- Women
may experience pain in their pelvic area or deep inside their
vagina when they are having sex.
- Women
may have burning or itching around their vagina.
- Some
women will have break through bleeding (bleeding when not on
their period)
- Men
may have a drip or discharge from their penis.
- Men
may also experience painful intercourse, painful urination or
itching around their penis.
- With
some STIs both men and women may have rashes, bumps and
blisters near their sex organs, rectum or mouth.
How
can I protect myself from getting an STI?
- Not
having sex is the best way to protect you from an STI.
- Having
sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you
is also safe.
- Talk
to your partner about past sex partners and about needle drug
use.
- Look
closely at your partner for any signs of STIs — rash, sores,
redness or discharge. But remember, many STIs have NO VISIABLE SYMPTOMS.
- Use
a latex condom (rubber) for vaginal, anal and oral sex — every
time!
- Get
checked for STIs regularly.
- Know
the signs and symptoms of STIs.
- If
you get treated for an STI, your partner(s) must get treated
too (before you have any further sexual activity).
Bacterial
Vaginosis: The most common vaginal infection
- Bacterial
Vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginal infection.
- BV
is a condition in which the natural balance of organisms in
the vagina is changed.
- Normal
bacteria like Lactobacillus are particularly important to keep
the vagina slightly acidic to reduce the growth of potentially
harmful organisms.
- When
you lose these protection harmful bacteria increase.
What
causes BV?
- The
exact cause is unknown
- BV
seems to occur more frequently in women who have a new sexual
partner or more than one partner.
- BV
can be found in women who are not sexually active.
What
are the signs and symptoms of BV?
- The
most common sign is a "fishy" odor from the vagina.
- The
odor often becomes stronger after sexual intercourse.
- BV
may also experience a thin, milky white or gray discharge that may stain your underwear.
- Itching
and irritation is usually not a problem with BV.
How
is it treated?
- Upon
diagnosis a health provider will prescribe Metronidazole both
oral tablets and intra-vaginal cream.
- Over
the counter treatments are not effective in treating BV.
- Douches
and feminine hygiene sprays are not to be used to treat BV.
In fact these products may actually cause the development of
BV!
Should
my partner be treated?
- Most
providers will not treat sexual partners.
- However
if the infection returns a health care provider might recommend
it.
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