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Getting on birth control
17/f
I've had sex but now I'm planning on getting on birth control because I'd at least be responsible about it.
I don't want my parents to know.
I was thinking to call my doctors office and schedule an appointment but I have no job and I don't have a lot of money.
I live in California and I heard that planned parenthood might give you it for free. Does my normal doctor do that for you or is it only planned parenthood?
Thank you!
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Want to answer more questions in the Sexual Health and Reproduction category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Birth Control Pills?
By Federal Law anyone over the age of 14 has patient confidentiality when it comes to their reproductive system. The law is known as HIPPA. Since you are 17 you are have been covered by this law.
This means you can seek medical help, prescriptions and any other services for reproductive helth just as you would any other medical condition covered under your parents medical insurance. This would include coverage for your birth control medication. No one, neither your doctor, anyone in the doctors employ, the pharmacist or employees of the pharmacy can release any information concerning medical treatment without written permission from you. To do so is a 5 year prison term and $5,000 fine. Also mom can no longer demand to be in any exam room with you without your consent.
Knowing this there is no need to go to a strange doctor who does not really know your medical history. You can and should go to your own gynecologist and discus the proper birth control medication for you based on your known medical history. You are aware that the same medication prescribed for birth control is also the same medication prescribed to regulate you periods. Doctors routinely give this medication to young women who suffer from painful or excessively long periods.
My advice: If you have medical insurance with prescription drug coverage. Make an appointment to see your doctor. By law you do not need parental permission to do so. Discuss with your doctor what is the proper birth control medication for you. Then if your insurance has coverage for prescriptions, have the prescription for birth control filled at your regular pharmacy as you would any other prescription paying an applicable co-pay. This prescription for birth control is no mandate for coverage under federal law as well.
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I don't know if it's free, at least the one near me isn't, the one out here gives you a prescription and you get it filled. But who knows, maybe the one nearest to you is free. Each one varies really. I would suggest calling and speaking with them. If you're worried about money, the best thing to do is if it does cost money (such as a prescription) take it to your local walmarts pharmacy. They tend to charge less for generics and the lot. If it is too difficult for you to get prescription forms of birth control, you could always use alternatives such as condoms as well as spermicides. You can get them at your local pharmacies, and probably other shops around your area as well. But the best thing to do, is when you have time and are able to, call your local women's health center, or planned parenthood, and ask questions about birth control, pricing, etc.
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