Birth control Pills for Teens?
September
07 ,
2008
I would like to continue what i started last month and write about some questions that were asked of us in our questions section. I wonder if you guys might have some comments or thoughts on the matter.
I've recently had increasing numbers of requests form younger girls about using birth control pills for non-contraceptive purpose like to shorten their periods or to make them lighter or less painful. personally I have seen some of these young women get great relief. I would love to hear from you if perhaps you have used them when you were younger, or maybe your daughter or friend has had a similar experience.
Here is her question:
I'm 15 years old, in good general health, and I'm wondering if I should/could consider birth control pills as a possible option. I get really heavy periods, bad cramps, and mittelschmerz. I am just getting tired of feeling like I am always in pain because of my cycle, and always taking painkillers. I don't want them for preventing pregnancy, just for the effects they would have on my cycle. Am I a good candidate for the pill?
Thanks for your time,
S.A.
The answer from the Doctor at AskMyGyn.com:
Birth control pills can generally be used by girls your age without a problem. In fact, many girls do it for the same reasons that you are giving, for heavy and crampy periods. The pills will generally help you have more regular, lighter periods. You should speak with your doctor about getting a prescription for birth control pills. If you don;t have any other medical problems, your doctor will probably say it is just fine. remember that you will also be protected fro pregnancy, although this does not mean that you have a free pass to have sex. You can still catch sexually transmitted infections, and you will need to be safe about sex.
Talk with your doctor and parents before you decide to engage in sexual activity.
Can you have a yeast infection without any discharge?
September
05 ,
2008
There is a common misconception, that if there is no vaginal discharge, then you can't possibly have a yeats infection. this is not always true, as many times a woman can have irritation for a vaginal yeast infection, but not have obvious vaginal discharge. there usally will be some discharge - but it may not be enough for you to notice). let's look at this question that was asked to our team of Doctors:
Hello,
I am having no discharge but moderate itching in and outside of vagina. I am also extremely soar and sensitive. The whole area is bright red and it hurts.
A.T.
Dear A.T.
It is most likely that you have a yeast infection, and if so, it will probably respond to over-the-counter yeast medicine like monistat. This can happen even without any discharge. So it is worth trying the medicine. There are other possibilties as well though, including various sexually transmitted infections. It can also be caused by skin irritation because of sensitivty to a substance like a new soap or detergent. If the problem persists despite the treatment, you should see your doctor. It usually obvious on exam what it is, and most of these things can be easily treated.
