The absolute contraindications for Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) – these people should NEVER take OCPs – are: History of abnormal blood clots or stroke Active liver disease History of estrogen-dependant tumor Pregnancy Abnormal uterine bleeding Heavy smokers older than 35 High Triglycerides The relative contraindactions for OCPs (these people shouldn’t take OCPs unless necessary): Migraine headaches Poorly… Continue reading I read that you shouldn’t take birth control pills if your blood clots too easy. What other things prevent you from taking birth control pills?
Medical Questions and Answers
Who should be tested for diabetes?
In addition to pregnant women, all people over the age of 45 get their fasting blood glucose measured to screen for diabetes every 3 years if they don’t have any risk factors. The American Diabetes Association also recommends that patients get screened earlier and more frequently if they have any risk factors such as: Familyhistory… Continue reading Who should be tested for diabetes?
I just found out that my daughter is sexually active. Should I take her to the doctor and get a pap smear?
HPV is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease in the world and it is strongly linked to cervical cancer. Risk factors for cervical cancer (and HPV infection) include early initiation of sexual activity, multiple new sexual parters, high risk partners, and a history of stds. Screening for HPV related changes can be performed with a… Continue reading I just found out that my daughter is sexually active. Should I take her to the doctor and get a pap smear?
I had sex this weekend and didn’t use protection. What are my options?
Plan B (levonorgestrel) is the recommended method of emergency contraception if used soon enough after unprotected sexual intercourse. It is maximally effective 12 hrs after unprotected intercouse, but can work up to 120 hours. Most pharmacies have them available without a prescription. After 120 hours, a copper intrauterine device is an effective emergency contrception tool… Continue reading I had sex this weekend and didn’t use protection. What are my options?
I am 16 and want birth control. Will the doctor tell my parents?
Most states have allowed a physicial to provide care to adolescents without parental consent. These laws are often limited to issues regarding pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and emotional illness. Depending on your state’s laws, you should be entitled to doctor-patient confidentiality and your parents should not be informed of your choice for… Continue reading I am 16 and want birth control. Will the doctor tell my parents?