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Original poster

Teen contraception

56 replies

Leftrightmiddle · 10/04/2026 23:28

My young teen 13 has been put on contraception for extreme periods. This has been working well. However, at a recent appointment this was noticed by a different nurse and she made it very clear she didn't think DD was old enough.
She was pretty judgemental and wouldn't accept the reasons.

The surgery have now said we can't renew the prescription as we have been told it isn't suitable.
I have asked for medial reasons and they just say she is too young despite a different Dr there prescribing it previously. She has had no negative side effects and they can't give a medical reason. Only that she is too young and they won't prescribe. They can refer to gynecology but they say the wait will be over a year and in this time they won't prescribe.

My DD is autistic and before we were prescribed the pill she wasn't leaving the house as she couldn't manage the sensory differences during the period or the unknown unpredictable nature of when it could happen. It was also very heavy

Does anyone have any advice? We are really unsure what we can do.

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Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 10/06/2026 18:49

BlueMum16 · 10/06/2026 18:48

So glad your DD has the prescription she needs. You will be able to refer back to the consultant letter every time the surgery query it.

That's a really good point thank you.

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BlueMum16 · 10/06/2026 18:48

So glad your DD has the prescription she needs. You will be able to refer back to the consultant letter every time the surgery query it.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 10/06/2026 13:06

Update

So we booked private appointment - a long distance but with a Gynaecologist specialist for teens.

We than had a call from the surgery saying they had received a letter form the NHS gynecologist with the long wait and that they needed to see her.

We had to push for a prompt appointment as they were only offering appointments that would have fallen after our private appointment and they couldn't clarify what it was about on the phone.

Eventually they agreed to a appointment that week.
We were given the medication as the letter from gynecologist said that there was no issue with a 13 yr old having the constructive pill.
So we now have it and have managed to cancel the private appointment which will save the cost of appointment and the cost of travel

I am still so annoyed by the whole process and feel the surgery/nurse have caused so much stress and hassle for no reason. But at least we now have the medication

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Hankunamatata · 18/05/2026 22:42

This drives me insane. As soon as young teen gets her period they should be able to avail of medication to manage their periods.

I went through hell in my teens with pmdd and being anemic and hating bleeding due to sensory issues.

Vivienne1000 · 18/05/2026 22:26

Leftrightmiddle · 18/05/2026 22:04

What reasons would it not be in her best interest?

Show quote history

If the GP felt the parent was making all the decisions, not the child. I am not saying it’s not in her best interest. But trying to give reasons why it was refused.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 18/05/2026 22:23

Bergamotte · 18/05/2026 22:19

I think there have been cases in the past of women with severe learning disabilities being put on contraception in order to stop periods, for the convenience of carers.
Then male carers / family members realised that they could sexually abuse the woman without the risk of pregnancy bringing it to light (and did so). For safeguarding reasons the routine use of contraception in people with learning disabilities is now discouraged.

Obviously this is completely NOT the case for your daughter though! On so many levels.
I hope you can find a solution soon.

Edited
Show quote history

Ah yes - I can understand that
Yes completely different situation. She is able to explain what she wants and why.

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Bergamotte · 18/05/2026 22:19

Leftrightmiddle · 18/05/2026 22:04

What reasons would it not be in her best interest?

Show quote history

I think there have been cases in the past of women with severe learning disabilities being put on contraception in order to stop periods, for the convenience of carers.
Then male carers / family members realised that they could sexually abuse the woman without the risk of pregnancy bringing it to light (and did so). For safeguarding reasons the routine use of contraception in people with learning disabilities is now discouraged.

Obviously this is completely NOT the case for your daughter though! On so many levels.
I hope you can find a solution soon.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 18/05/2026 22:04

Vivienne1000 · 18/05/2026 21:53

Not for contraceptive medication.
if it was deemed to not be in her best interest, they won’t give it.

Show quote history

What reasons would it not be in her best interest?

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Vivienne1000 · 18/05/2026 21:53

lottlecat · 17/05/2026 13:11

If she isn’t deemed gillick competent then it’s up to her mum to decide anyway surely?

Show quote history

Not for contraceptive medication.
if it was deemed to not be in her best interest, they won’t give it.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 21:01

Thank you
I tried some private places today but the Gynaecologist with earlier availability don't see under 18s
I will make some more calls tomorrow as a few places were closed today. Will also try and see the GP again

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AltitudeCheck · 17/05/2026 14:58

Presumably if your daughter went to a GP and said she was sexually active they would give contraceptives to avoid pregnancy? How frustrating that they won't issue this to manage her periods.

Have you checked online contraception services like Superdrug/ Boots to see what lower age limits they have? Would current GP prescribe period delaying tabs for the event/ competion at least? Is there another GP nearby that you could move to?

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 13:28

Mumofteenandtween · 17/05/2026 13:20

I am in England but I was able to get dd the mini pill (for free!) from our local pharmacy when she was 14.

In her case it was because she struggles with tampons but competes at high level at a sport where periods make things difficult.

The pharmacy won't discuss as the GP has refused to renew so they just said speak to GP.

The gyno secretary said the letter doesn't highlight her struggles and to ask GP to write again with everything included as that would change it to urgent not routine.
Have requested this but they said they can't without an appointment to discuss and they have no appointments available for a couple of weeks. So I think it will need to be a private gyno so we can be seen as soon as possible

DD has a competition coming up so we hope to get sorted before this.

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Mumofteenandtween · 17/05/2026 13:20

I am in England but I was able to get dd the mini pill (for free!) from our local pharmacy when she was 14.

In her case it was because she struggles with tampons but competes at high level at a sport where periods make things difficult.

CoyGoldenKoi · 17/05/2026 13:14

I would:

  • check NICE guidelines so you can go armed with evidence and facts
  • complain to the practice and ask for an appointment with the original prescribing doctor again
  • look at other reviews for other practices in the area which you could switch to. It is easy and doesn't take long to move to another practice if you're unhappy with that one.
Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 13:11

Vivienne1000 · 17/05/2026 13:08

Is this because she does not meet Gillick Competency, so the GP practice is not sure whether this is what she wants or what you want.
It can be a bit of a minefield to navigate.

No - that hasn't been mentioned by the surgery.

They briefly mentioned bone health possibly being an issue due to age but not specific to DD just in general. There wasn't any reason DD would be more impacted than any other teen.

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lottlecat · 17/05/2026 13:11

Vivienne1000 · 17/05/2026 13:08

Is this because she does not meet Gillick Competency, so the GP practice is not sure whether this is what she wants or what you want.
It can be a bit of a minefield to navigate.

If she isn’t deemed gillick competent then it’s up to her mum to decide anyway surely?

Vivienne1000 · 17/05/2026 13:08

Is this because she does not meet Gillick Competency, so the GP practice is not sure whether this is what she wants or what you want.
It can be a bit of a minefield to navigate.

lottlecat · 17/05/2026 13:04

Gosh my (autistic) DD got the pill at 12 due to being so distressed by periods she literally cried for days and would not leave my side. She didn’t eat, she didn’t sleep, nothing. I spoke to a GP who was highly sympathetic and said nobody should struggle with these things. DD now takes 6 packs in a row the takes a break for about 2 weeks. Has done for 4 years. The GP hasn’t even seen her as she never leaves the house but they have been amazing. I hope you get this sorted out - I totally understand how hard it is being in this situation for you and your DD.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 13:02

BlueMum16 · 17/05/2026 12:56

Not sure where in Wales you are.

We saw Dr Gail Busby at the Spire Manchester. She has a You Tube channel and is a gynaecologist for adolescent.

Our first appointment was in Manchester and second over the phone. I think she will do all appointments over the phone.

DD was prescribed combination Pill at 14 and takes it for 3 months continuously based on her advice. All documented and GP just asked for BP etc routinely.

Think first appointment was about £240 and second was cheaper, maybe £160.

It was worth it. We've had 3 years now without the stress of heavy periods spoiling her education and teenage years.

Show quote history

Thank you. I will see when she has availability as this may be sooner

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BlueMum16 · 17/05/2026 12:56

Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 11:17

Update 2.

Had a nightmare with referral. Local gyno don't see under 18s, so they passed it to pediatrics who don't see gyno issues, so passed to a second pediatric team who don't see gyno issues, who passed to a bigger hospital who won't see gyno issues who passed to the gyno team at the hospital who will see her but not for 12 months.

First period was a nightmare she didn't leave the house for over 10 days, next one is due soon so anxiety (and anger at the doctors) is already rising. She started researching other ways to get the medication or stop periods.
She worried she going to be cut from her team if she misses sessions (this has happened to others who miss too many), the activity is something she loves and has helped her confidence and self esteem immensely.

We have found a private gyno that specialises in teens but we can't get an appointment until next month. I'm also worried that they won't prescribe due to surgery refusal.

Not sure where in Wales you are.

We saw Dr Gail Busby at the Spire Manchester. She has a You Tube channel and is a gynaecologist for adolescent.

Our first appointment was in Manchester and second over the phone. I think she will do all appointments over the phone.

DD was prescribed combination Pill at 14 and takes it for 3 months continuously based on her advice. All documented and GP just asked for BP etc routinely.

Think first appointment was about £240 and second was cheaper, maybe £160.

It was worth it. We've had 3 years now without the stress of heavy periods spoiling her education and teenage years.

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 12:44

Iheartmysmart · 17/05/2026 12:42

Possibly a stupid question @Leftrightmiddle but could you order the contraceptive your DD needs online as if it’s for you? Not particularly ethical I know but it seems that stupid nurse has caused no end of issues with her ridiculous judgement and it might be a way around it in the short term.

DD has asked but I am very concerned that this could be seen as a safeguarding issue and cause other issues if it came to light

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Iheartmysmart · 17/05/2026 12:42

Possibly a stupid question @Leftrightmiddle but could you order the contraceptive your DD needs online as if it’s for you? Not particularly ethical I know but it seems that stupid nurse has caused no end of issues with her ridiculous judgement and it might be a way around it in the short term.

GinaandGin · 17/05/2026 12:01

Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 11:17

Update 2.

Had a nightmare with referral. Local gyno don't see under 18s, so they passed it to pediatrics who don't see gyno issues, so passed to a second pediatric team who don't see gyno issues, who passed to a bigger hospital who won't see gyno issues who passed to the gyno team at the hospital who will see her but not for 12 months.

First period was a nightmare she didn't leave the house for over 10 days, next one is due soon so anxiety (and anger at the doctors) is already rising. She started researching other ways to get the medication or stop periods.
She worried she going to be cut from her team if she misses sessions (this has happened to others who miss too many), the activity is something she loves and has helped her confidence and self esteem immensely.

We have found a private gyno that specialises in teens but we can't get an appointment until next month. I'm also worried that they won't prescribe due to surgery refusal.

I'm so sorry you and DD are going through this
What a palaver over the actions of one nurse

Original poster
Leftrightmiddle · 17/05/2026 11:17

Update 2.

Had a nightmare with referral. Local gyno don't see under 18s, so they passed it to pediatrics who don't see gyno issues, so passed to a second pediatric team who don't see gyno issues, who passed to a bigger hospital who won't see gyno issues who passed to the gyno team at the hospital who will see her but not for 12 months.

First period was a nightmare she didn't leave the house for over 10 days, next one is due soon so anxiety (and anger at the doctors) is already rising. She started researching other ways to get the medication or stop periods.
She worried she going to be cut from her team if she misses sessions (this has happened to others who miss too many), the activity is something she loves and has helped her confidence and self esteem immensely.

We have found a private gyno that specialises in teens but we can't get an appointment until next month. I'm also worried that they won't prescribe due to surgery refusal.

OP posts: