Problems getting birth control

[Horndog33]

OK, my girlfriend and I always use condoms, but last month she was over a week and a half late and I have a few questions. First of all, is it possible to get pregnant even if the condom doesn't break? And she also wants to get birth control. But we would have some problems getting it. First of all, we don't want her parents to know (she's 18) and also she has some health issues that might interfere with the birth control. She has thyroid issues and we want to know if anybody knows if birth control would effect her thyroid meds. She also takes Nexium. And also, we don't have much money, is there a way that we could get good birth control without paying a fortune and not having her parents know? We also don't have the money for a doctor's visit. Thanks!

[sera300]

Seek out either your local planned parenthood, if in college the health office, or if none of the above make an appointment with your local Gyn clinic through you County. They will go through a full screen of medical history; other medical issues are barriers.

She does not require consent for medical treatment or a prescription. First look and see if you have a http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ near you. No one can tell her parents.

Semen can leak from the condom at the edges; however she could have just been irregular. I assume she did get her period? If not, get to a doc ASAP. If using condoms you can add a Spermicide as well and eliminate this problem.

[Brandye]

As sera points out, the major reason for condom "failure" is leaking around the open end. Therefore, we recommend vaginal spermicide - jelly, foam, flim, suppositry, tablet (not all available everywhere) - in addition to the condom. This combination gives about the same protection as the pill.

With additional health issues, she should definitely discuss using any form of howmones with a doctor.

[dancingdoc2]

There are other methods of contraception for women other than these two. If you do not have a lot of spare money then one of the spermicides is not that expensive. There are barrier methods like the sponge, diaphragm, and, cervical cap. The "Today Sponge" is available over the counter without prescription. There are many other types in addition that she may want to also discuss when she goes for an exam.

At least use the spermicide in one of its forms in addition to the condom. These are available off the shelf.

http://www.arhp.org/crc/barrier-methods.html

http://www.arhp.org/crc/spermicides.html

[Horndog33]

Oh yeah, she has gotten her period. She thinks it was just stress because we are moving to go to college in a week. Thanks for everything.