If you are 18 years old and you have never been on birth control but you are sexually active, it's time to get to a gynecologist. You don't want to put yourself at the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, and there are other concerns you may already be exposed to.
Being sexually active is a huge responsibility, along with taking care of your personal health. Talk with the doctor about the following things, so you can protect yourself sexually.
Birth Control
In order to get any type of prescription birth control, you need to see a gynecologist to get a pap smear. It doesn't matter if you are interested in going on a birth control pill, taking the shot, inserting a ring, or using some type of intrauterine device, you'll want to get to the doctor so you can find out what's best for you. The doctor will talk with you about your daily habits and schedule, to see what form may be more reliable and affective. The pill has to be taken every day at the same time, but you can get a contraceptive shot in monthly increments for full protection without taking medication daily.
STD Testing
If you have already had sex than you have already put yourself at the risk of getting an STD. Human papilloma virus is a common STD that is spreading across America, and you don't want to continue spreading it if you have it. You could have STD's that need immediate treatment, like chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, or even AIDS. The doctor can do the pap smear to test for STD's and cervical cancers, and order blood work if there are further concerns.
Breast Examination
Even though it isn't typical or normal, there are girls that can get breast cancer, so it's important to have your doctor check you out in the office once a year. You don't need to get a mammogram in your teens and twenties unless the doctor finds something wrong, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
If you have been telling yourself that you need to get to the gynecologist to get on some medication for birth control, and you don't want an unplanned pregnancy, make an appointment and don't waste any more time. You need to make sure that your body is healthy from the previous sexual encounters you've had, and find out how you can prevent STD's from becoming a health concern down the road. Contact a solo practitioner for more information.
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