To ask about contraception

[PollyParrot10]

Hi,
So I want to go on the pill, haven't taken it before. I am worried I won't be allowed it, am over 35 and BMI is 33. Would this restrict me? Also does anyone have any knowledge or advice as to types of pills available and what would be best?
I am asking because I am worried I will go to GP/nurse and be told I am too fat and it would be mortifying! Do they weigh you before allowing you to get it?

If you aren't able to take the combined pill then the mini pill would be suitable

it is what it is. Go and ask.

obesity does increase the risk when taking the pill, but there are alternatives.

They may mention your weight yes. This has happened to a couple of friends of mine. They may say you can’t go on the combined pill but can have the mini pill.

My bmi is not an issue but I can’t have the combined pill due to severe headaches the last time I took them and I’m also nearly 35 years old, so I don’t think I could have it much longer anyway. Anyway I’m breastfeeding so can’t have it - there’s loads of reasons people can’t have the pill; they are not there just to humiliate you.

You need to find the contraception that works for you and they have to take your weight into account. If you don’t want them to bring up your weight, simply say “I think my bmi is too high for the combined pill. Is that correct? It’s 33”. Head then off at the pass so they can’t go off in a direction that makes you uncomfortable.

Do you have any sexual health/family planning clinics near you?

My Gp seems a bit clueless about contraceptives but the clinic was really helpful. They had a book with all the different brands in and a risk matrix calculator for each type and looked at them systematically to see what to try. They did check my height weight and blood pressure and took a basic family history, though that felt very routine. Its more likely to be your age that will be a factor then weight, they can prescribe the combined pill for over 35s but usually its if there's no other risk factors whatsoever (and the extra risk factors are common things like having issues with headaches, blood pressure, or any family history of heart disease/stroke/certain cancers)

The most common pills for the over 35s are the mini pill (there's a few different types/brands) and low oestrogen combined pills. There are some that are less effective if you're overweight though I'm sorry I don't know what sort of threshold that would be.

There is another thread on here about this..