Female problem - no guys, please.

[User32402149]

Before it comes up, let me first say that I haven't taken this to the doctor because I don't have a doctor and I can't really afford to go see one at the moment. I do plan to go see one as soon as I can afford it, though.

For reference, I'm in my early twenties.

I have an awful menstrual cycle. I have:
1. An irregular, frequent cycle - Never at the same time, sometimes twice a month.
2. Very heavy bleeding - On the first two days, I usually go through a tampon/pad every 1-2 hours.
3. Severe pain beyond normal cramps - So painful that I have to drug myself up to the eyeballs and take time off school/work.
4. Cycles that last 7+ days - I don't think I've ever had a short/normal cycle.

I've been looking up ways to treat this because I know it's not normal. It looks like I have 3 options:
1. Birth control pills - I'm not too keen on the pills. I've looked at the side effects and a lot of them seem to outweigh the good. The cost would also be a bit of a problem.
2. Thermal Endometrial Ablation - Doesn't work as well for younger women as it does for older women. Younger women often need to have the procedure a second or third time for it become permanent.
3. Hysterectomy - It's really expensive (about $10,000). The recovery period is also pretty long.

If you could suggest something and/or give me your opinions, that would be great. If you're on the pill, I'd love to know how it works/doesn't work for you, and if you've had one of the above surgeries, I'd also love to know how it works/doesn't work for you.

I've trawled the internet but if you have an article that you think might be handy, I'd love to read up on it.

[Yevpraksiya]

You can't just get treated without seeing a doctor.

[Satchel of Richards]

I'm really sorry you're going through that. It sounds super rough, especially since I'm such a baby about just a plain regular cycle. gonk

Unfortunately, I can only offer you some personal experiences about the pill (and I don't know if that would even be the right thing for you or not), so I'm sorry if I'm not much help. The pill should regulate your cycle in theory (I don't know what your condition is, and I have zero medical knowledge, so I couldn't say for sure). I've been on 2 or 3 different ones. The first one was a tri-cycle one (where the dose varies throughout each pack), and it didn't work well for me. I do better on a single-dose all the way through type deal, but everyone has different needs. *shrug*

As for affordability, I don't know what resources are available in your area, but before I got health insurance a few months ago, I went to my county's public health department because I saw some ads on the buses about affordable birth control. They do a sliding scale type thing based on your income, so they can provide stuff at a reduced cost if needed. They'll probably want to do an exam though, especially since you'd be seeking it for such a condition, and it's routine for getting on the pill.

All that being said, I'd definitely see a doctor and try to get an actual diagnosis. sad

That's all I can really say, but I hope you're able to get this taken care of and feel better. heart

[Gabriel Snowleopard]

Trans guy here, so don't freak out sweatdrop I am also have an irregular cycle so I know how much that messes you up. ANYway, I have a friend that is on the pill now for basicly the same reason you are, and she loves it. She says it put her on a steady cycle, and generally made it much less intense. (lighter blood flow,less then a week,less pain.) The pill is actually not too bad, as long as you don't have high blood pressure or smoke a lot. For cost, you could go to your local family planing. They will give you free to very cheap birth controll, and have doctors that you talk you before they give it to you. (I went when I was about 16 for a while, and didn't pay a cent.) Don't know if they are age limits though, but it's most deffinatly worth looking into.

[YoshiKaji]

From what you are describing, that sounds like you have a condition called Endometriosis, and yes, you DO need to see a doctor since it is a serious condition. I have seen how much it can affect the person who has it(a very close relation of mine currently suffers from it). I know you have said that it is not affordable to see a doctor, but with this, you simply must get some medical advice and attention from a professional.

Helpful Links:
Endometriosis Info from the U.S. Library of Medicine
Mayo Clinic Endometriosis Page

[Speech_Impediment]

I started having an irregular period about 3 years ago, where it would have 2-3 months in between then be really heavy. The doctor that saw at a women's care clinic said that's my body going 'Hey, we haven't had one in a while, so here you go'.

I take Birth Control Pills, a generic brand called Junel, or Junel Fe, it costs me like two something for one pack, I'm currently getting 3 at a time, so it's coming out at a little over 7$. Not sure how much my visits to the women's care clinic costs, my insurance covers it, but I only go once a year to renew my prescription.

I haven't had any bad side effects, I used to take a name brand one and the experience was no different. It really does help regulate my period, I get it once a month like I'm supposed to, and they tend to go from being medium to light, but I've heard that that is normal when on the pill.

For the bad cramping, you might have PMS, I believe there are types of birth control pills that are better suited for the sever cramping that you described. But, to get any of these, you have to go to the doctor anyways, so when you do make your decision, be sure to let them know the whole story so than can recommend the proper things for you.

[KillerSharkz]

Yes I'm a guy. Yes I do know about this subject. I had to teach little kids sex education a few times. So i figure i can give you a little info. But you should see a doctor, because it can be serious but usually not. You can go find a Planned Parenthood office and usually its about $50 to $100 bucks to see them and check you out (sometimes free depending on the doctor who volunteering). You don't need insurance either. Here is the website https://www.plannedparenthood.org/. Birth control is not that expensive. There are many discount drug cards that are free to use that will reduce your cost. Here is one website http://www.goodrx.com/birth-control. You get a prescript print the coupon and you generally pay under 30 bucks for your birth control. You did really say anything about how old you are and if you want kids or not. If your young then i think you wouldn't know yet. The thermal endomentrial ablation is usually used if you have gotten 2 abnormal pap smears. so they burn off the lining of your uterus. Hysterectomy can be a full one or a partial one. But that is the complete or partial removal of the uterus and ovaries. That would would be the last choice.

I really think you should go to this website and read it carefully.

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003150.htm

I think you have what is called dysmenorrhea. It is usually treated successfully with birth control. The adverse effects of birth control are serious in very minimal cases but the majority on them have not issues.

[angel_259236102]

I think you are discounting the pill too easily. Just because the side effcts EXIST does not mean you will get them (more likely that you will get the minor ones if anything), and likely if you are in school you probably can get some sort of insurance to cover them or go to planned parenthood to get it cheaper. It is the cheapest option you have.

Personally I get nothing from my pill. No side effects, no weird anything. I actually have painful periods to that I have to stay at home and I have pills ALREADY that is for the pain (it gets to the point where I feel like vomiting for hours and then eventually do) and I have to take both to really calm it down and my doc said that it that didnt do it I hav eot go to a specialist.

[Vailwolf]

Unfortunately there is really nothing you can do other than see a doctor.

[Swift Kitano]

Covenant Dance

Before it comes up, let me first say that I haven't taken this to the doctor because I don't have a doctor and I can't really afford to go see one at the moment.

For reference, I'm in my early twenties.

I have an awful menstrual cycle. I have:
1. An irregular, frequent cycle - Never at the same time, sometimes twice a month.
2. Very heavy bleeding - On the first two days, I usually go through a tampon/pad every 1-2 hours.
3. Severe pain beyond normal cramps - So painful that I have to drug myself up to the eyeballs and take time off school/work.
4. Cycles that last 7+ days - I don't think I've ever had a short/normal cycle.

I've been looking up ways to treat this because I know it's not normal. It looks like I have 3 options:
1. Birth control pills - I'm not too keen on the pills. I've looked at the side effects and a lot of them seem to outweigh the good. The cost would also be a bit of a problem.
2. Thermal Endometrial Ablation - Doesn't work as well for younger women as it does for older women. Younger women often need to have the procedure a second or third time for it become permanent.
3. Hysterectomy - It's really expensive (about $10,000). The recovery period is also pretty long.

If you could suggest something and/or give me your opinions, that would be great. If you're on the pill, I'd love to know how it works/doesn't work for you, and if you've had one of the above surgeries, I'd also love to know how it works/doesn't work for you.

I've trawled the internet but if you have an article that you think might be handy, I'd love to read up on it.

eek Holy Cheese Nips, next time I see a post that says "No guys" I'm going to listen. >.< #cannotunsee

[Bucket]

I've been on the pill for eight years now. I've had to try several different ones before finally getting on one. My cycles were horrible. I'd have a period for three weeks straight with a VERY heavy flow, stop for five days, and be right back on the same thing. I was almost hospitalized for it and the only thing that kept me from doing so was getting on the pill.

When I was still allowed to have cycles, the pill worked wonders for me and evened out my cycle within four months of starting them.

You really need to see a doctor, though. Side affects rarely happen to people when it comes to birth control and the only times they really do is when they have severe medical problems and/or do not keep their doctors INFORMED. A doctor is the only person who can tell you what would be best for you and I guarantee any doctor will have you try the pill before anything else since the other methods can be costly compared to the pills which, if they're effective, would probably be more better for you anyway. A doctor can control the hormonal balance in your system more easily with the pills than anything else were it to be thrown off balance if I remember right that wouldn't be extremely expensive like the surgery.

So, find a planned parenthood or other organization that can help women with cheaper visits and whatnot. Go there, they will help you on cost and all that, and you won't be swimming in having to pay as much as you would at an actual doctor's office. I highly suggest a doctor no matter what because if you're irregular, they might also need to have you taking vitamins or iron supplements until things are stabilized.

[Mystique Ranchan]

You're in your early twenties so a period doesn't regulate till about mid twenties. Tbh, it's always best to go to the doctor even though you feel scared or nervous and asking us wouldn't be the substitute but I guess the pill. I'm not on the pill but I've had friends who have suffered severe cramps and bleeding and they've said the pill helps.

But like I said, go to the doctor. You're better of getting professional help which would fix the problem much quicker and give you reassurance.

[Nymeriaa]

Covenant Dance

Before it comes up, let me first say that I haven't taken this to the doctor because I don't have a doctor and I can't really afford to go see one at the moment.

For reference, I'm in my early twenties.

I have an awful menstrual cycle. I have:
1. An irregular, frequent cycle - Never at the same time, sometimes twice a month.
2. Very heavy bleeding - On the first two days, I usually go through a tampon/pad every 1-2 hours.
3. Severe pain beyond normal cramps - So painful that I have to drug myself up to the eyeballs and take time off school/work.
4. Cycles that last 7+ days - I don't think I've ever had a short/normal cycle.

I've been looking up ways to treat this because I know it's not normal. It looks like I have 3 options:
1. Birth control pills - I'm not too keen on the pills. I've looked at the side effects and a lot of them seem to outweigh the good. The cost would also be a bit of a problem.
2. Thermal Endometrial Ablation - Doesn't work as well for younger women as it does for older women. Younger women often need to have the procedure a second or third time for it become permanent.
3. Hysterectomy - It's really expensive (about $10,000). The recovery period is also pretty long.

If you could suggest something and/or give me your opinions, that would be great. If you're on the pill, I'd love to know how it works/doesn't work for you, and if you've had one of the above surgeries, I'd also love to know how it works/doesn't work for you.

I've trawled the internet but if you have an article that you think might be handy, I'd love to read up on it.

For the most part you and I sound pretty similar, haha (I chuckle awkwardly although I know it isn't funny to deal with at all). When I went to see a doctor, they had intentions of putting me on the pill to regulate me and relieve my cramps. Uuuunfortunately, I am not eligible for the pill because I was diagnosed with a blood issue (long story, boring tale). Point being, I bloody wish I was on the pill. It's worked wonders for plenty of people I know. I recommend going to a free clinic, or try Planned Parenthood. From what I understand you may be able to get the pill at a discount, though I don't know that for a fact.
Best of luck with whatever you opt for, hun!

[The Kitten Meow]

(っ◕‿◕)っ ♥ ----------

The other two options I don't know much about, but I recommend you find some way of getting medical advice. We - us gaians - are not medical practitioners, so we cannot give you definitive answers or even ones that would work best for you.

I personally use birth control pills (Levlen ED) and the cost isn't all that much. I pay $18 every four months because the pack I buy has 4 packages in it (each package lasts a month). I think it's very cost effective.

I started the pill because I never GOT my period, so it may not work for you, however a friend of mine started taking it for the same reason as you and she hasn't had any troubles.

---------- (╥﹏╥)

[chaos! in the living room]

Go to Planned Parenthood if there's one in your area and let them know what's going on. I get the same thing and birth control works wonders for me.