Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 09:07     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Lots of misinformation here. Teens don’t need Paps or pelvic exams to get birth control pills. OP should advocate for her daughter to get access to a range of options without that barrier.



https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/pelvic-exams-pap-tests-and-oral-contraceptives/


But sexually active women of any age should have paps and pelvic exams in order to establish a baseline for healthy pelvic health going forward. If she’s sexually actively she needs a pelvic exam and Pap smear.


Did you read that article? Teenagers don’t need Pap smears. They aren’t accurate at that age. And pelvic exams are not necessary for birth control, and pose a barrier to teens getting birth control. I have no idea what you mean by “baseline” either.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 09:05     Subject: Re:What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:A girl who is mature enough to be having intercourse is mature enough for a pelvic exam.

OP I think 14 is too young. Can’t you keep her away from unsupervised contact with boyfriend? Until 16


This is what my mom said to me. She didn’t even come into the building with me, she waited in the car. I referenced that moment 15 years later when she thought she had the right to come to my ultrasound appointments when I was pregnant (as a married adult).

I’d ask your daughter what she’s most comfortable with, OP. She’s being honest with you and trying to be responsible, even though it isn’t the decision you would make for her. Now that the situation is here, you can be supportive and loving and forgiving or you can leave her unsupported.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:31     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Lots of misinformation here. Teens don’t need Paps or pelvic exams to get birth control pills. OP should advocate for her daughter to get access to a range of options without that barrier.



https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/pelvic-exams-pap-tests-and-oral-contraceptives/


But sexually active women of any age should have paps and pelvic exams in order to establish a baseline for healthy pelvic health going forward. If she’s sexually actively she needs a pelvic exam and Pap smear.


What in the world is baseline pelvic health? I agree that regular exams are necessary, but it has nothing to do with establishing baselines. We’re not talking about mammograms here.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:29     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Lots of misinformation here. Teens don’t need Paps or pelvic exams to get birth control pills. OP should advocate for her daughter to get access to a range of options without that barrier.



https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/pelvic-exams-pap-tests-and-oral-contraceptives/


But sexually active women of any age should have paps and pelvic exams in order to establish a baseline for healthy pelvic health going forward. If she’s sexually actively she needs a pelvic exam and Pap smear.


Sorry this is outdated and not true. Current guidance on paps is first at age 21 ( and soon to be updated to later than that stay tuned.) The days of “pap as soon as you’re sexually active” are over as we have much better research now and evidence-based screening guidelines. Same with the pelvic exam - an invasive exam that is not helpful or needed for teens who aren’t experiencing symptoms of concern. Testing for STDs doesn’t require a pelvic exam.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:28     Subject: Re:What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:I'm the oddball here, but if she isn't grown enough to consult with a doctor, drive herself to the doctor, or handle the consequences of sex (children), perhaps the discussion needs to be that they aren't ready for sex. Flame away.


Handle the consequences- children? I wasn’t going to wait until I was 30 to have sex. That is when I was ready to handle the “consequences” (children). Birth control.

This US does not make it easy for teen girls to ask for help re: sex. It’s shamed. And it’s nearly all on them.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:18     Subject: Re:What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
I'm the oddball here, but if she isn't grown enough to consult with a doctor, drive herself to the doctor, or handle the consequences of sex (children), perhaps the discussion needs to be that they aren't ready for sex. Flame away.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:07     Subject: Re:What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Oh, and I hope she’s had the HPV vaccine too?
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:06     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:I would go to a gyn at this point, not a pediatrician. Of course she should have a pelvic exam and std testing. This is all a part of growing up and if she’s made the mature decision to be sexually active she needs to understand what goes along with that.


This. Pap smears suck but they are necessary especially once a woman becomes sexually active. Good for her for using a condom. Hopefully her boyfriend treats her well and she knows all about consent and also not letting a dude always pressure into sex just because they had sex at least once. Is she mature for her age? 14 is insanely young, no?
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:02     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/recto-vaginal-exam-514003
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 08:00     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:Lots of misinformation here. Teens don’t need Paps or pelvic exams to get birth control pills. OP should advocate for her daughter to get access to a range of options without that barrier.



https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/pelvic-exams-pap-tests-and-oral-contraceptives/


But sexually active women of any age should have paps and pelvic exams in order to establish a baseline for healthy pelvic health going forward. If she’s sexually actively she needs a pelvic exam and Pap smear.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 07:58     Subject: Re:What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:Columbia has a great website called Go Ask Alice. I would tell her about it, it’s reliable information on a lot of stuff I wouldn’t want to talk to my teen about.

IUDs are great but it’s essential she use a barrier method for STDs. I dunno about getting on birth control at that age for that reason. Maybe just condoms would be better.


It’s a hard decision. I’d definitely have a morning after pill in the house, like Plan B, if only condoms. The shelf life on those pills can be pretty long, so it’s ok to keep on hand, and best considering effectiveness is tied to how soon after sex you take them. They are designed to delay or stop ovulation. They can be purchased online or at drugstores.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception/whats-plan-b-morning-after-pill
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 07:55     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Lots of misinformation here. Teens don’t need Paps or pelvic exams to get birth control pills. OP should advocate for her daughter to get access to a range of options without that barrier.



https://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/pelvic-exams-pap-tests-and-oral-contraceptives/
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 07:53     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Still in shock but 14 year old just told me she and boyfriend are having sex. His parents saw condom at his house. I am taking her to regular pediatrician to get birth control. Anybody done that before? Do I get to stay in room? Have say about type?

I am as scared as I was when about to see OB GYN. Dr office said they do prescribe for teens


It might be worthwhile to call your ob/gyn to ask a bit about the process, and consider whether that is a better alternative to her pediatrician.

Also just talk with her and ask if she’d like you there. Agree with researching options beforehand, as well as what goes on during a pelvic exam, so she has that background and can come in with questions (and so can you, if she’d like you there).

This is an important step for your daughter. I would prep her to ask for a smaller speculum if she is alone. (It would have been nice to know that someone was going to stick their finger in my anus, as well.) I didn’t know about smaller sized speculums until my third ob gyn who said they were using one after I told them it didn’t hurt the way prior visits did. Pelvic exams don’t need to be hurtful, or scary. Or felt in any way as punishment.


I think it’s required in NY.

Umm, I’m 38 and have been going to the gyn for 20+ Years in addition to having 3 children and I’ve never had someone stick a finger in my anus in any sort of exam.


I don’t think so... since I’ve lived in NY since I was 22 and had all 3 kids here.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 07:53     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
OP, I would take her to Planned Parenthood. They are by far the most knowledgeable and accessible reproductive providers I’ve seen, with the best bedside manner. They’ll also have literature and websites to share with her designed for teens. And most cities have Planned Parenthood clinics, so she’ll be able to use them wherever she goes to college.
Anonymous
Post 05/25/2021 07:51     Subject: What to expect at pediatrician visit for birth control?
OP, clearly you care about whether she gets pregnant.

Given this, she should (or you should) consider purchasing Plan B, or the same medication by another maker, for your house. The odds of it preventing pregnancy increase the earlier it’s taken after unprotected intercourse (or if she thinks her method or prevention may not be foolproof (e.g., she missed a pill as well as not using protection, if that is what she’s using).