To think my body, my choice?

[flamingox]

I have just been for my postnatal check. The doctor asked if I had considered contraception- I said I would like to go back on the pill. She then went on to explain all about the implant and the coil and that the surgery offered both of them.

She then asked which method of contraception I would like - I repeated again that I wanted the pill. The doctor then said I need to go away and think about the implant and coil and come back in a week or two as it is "hard" to prescribe the pill. I feel like she didn't want me to have the pill - I have a normal BMI and normal blood pressure so no medical reason.

Surely it is my choice what method of contraception I use rather than using which method my doctor wants me to use?!

Go back - ask her to define "hard". Yes it's your choice unless they have grave concerns re your health.

That is bizarre. I wouldn't go away to think about it, demand the pill.

 what if you get pregnant whilst "thinking about it"? I can't believe you left without contraception.

@PickleForPresident normally I wouldn't but my LO had her 8 week injections 5 mins before my check up appointment was was crying and unsettled so just wanted to get out of there and get her sorted

I mean, you can literally order pill online with Lloys pharmacy... How hard can it be to prescribe.
Does she have lots of posters for the products she is pushing? There might be some incentives offered to her.

That’s really weird! How is it hard to prescribe the pill??

I need to go back on contraception after having DD a few weeks ago, I’ve no intention of getting anything that has to be inserted in to me. I’ve had the implant before and it was awful.

oftenhangry
No there won't be. Not even pens anymore!

@SinisterClownWatchingYou then I find it even more disturbing. Why push it

@oftenhangry
Why is it disturbing? The GP is recommending better, more reliable forms of contraception, with fewer side effects.

Have you had any previous accidental pregnancies due to contraception failure?

That's odd. Have you had previous problems with the pill?

Also how old are you and do you smoke?

@SinisterClownWatchingYou the GP is nor recommending. The GP is pushing it. There is a difference.
Recommending : You could use this instead, because I think it could be good for you, but if you don't want it, I can give you the pills. Think about it though.
Pushing: Use this instead. Just use it.

Assuming you're going back on the same pill you used before just order it online. It's a simple questionnaire, and there's usually a tick box about whether you'd like your GP notified.

I've been doing it for years. Saves an appointment, and it's still on my medical record.

That's very weird! Is it your age?

The reason GPs push the coil is because they are:
a: cheaper to prescribe
b: don't require you to come back every 6 months for check-ups

It's shitty behavior to put ahead of comfort, but for many women they are a better choice as they have less symptoms. HOWEVER, for some women they have horrendous symptoms and, unlike the pill, you can't just stop using it overnight so you have much less control over your body once in.

OP, a Dr might be reluctant to prescribe the pill based on your :
BMI
Blood pressure
Smoking history
Drinking history
If you get migraines or other side effects - could it be any of these?

Check with your GP surgery how they work but for what it's worth I find nurses much better for listening and prescribing than doctors, so see if you can have an appointment with them. Otherwise sexual health clinics are trained in exactly this so will be more knowledgeable and you might get further with them.

Not great. Just book for one week and say you have thought about it.

I'm 28 and don't smoke, drink very rarely drink. No health issues, healthy BMI/blood pressure. I really am at a loss - unless it is a cost issue.

I would see another doctor then, because this is one of the oddest things I've heard. Prescribing the pill is common place.

Go back and say that you have considered all options and the contraceptive pill is the one that suits you best .

If she tries to fob you off again by saying that it is hard to prescribe the pill then ask her directly to explain why this is so because as far as you can work out you have no obvious contraindications.

The pill is not difficult to prescribe. Either you're not telling us the whole story or you should be reporting her for this unprofessional action by her. If the latter - Get off MN and report get to the surgery

Are you breastfeeding?could that be why maybe?
My gp forgot to.ask me about contraception and rang me at home at my check up - hilarious but also not great

OP Do you remember the name of the pill you were on? At my surgery we have to get a repeat prescription request form, put the name of the pill on it, and they will ask a GP to sign the request for you. If you need to have a blood pressure check there is a machine in the hallway at my GP's. See if you can do it that way.

Oh yes as a PP said if you are breastfeeding you may not be able to go on certain pills, I had to restart mine when I stopped BFeeding at 19 mths, but it was a pill for acne. I could have had the mini pill instead. We just used other methods for that time.