AIBU to think this isn't great? Been prescribed contraception without any checks

[hellisotherpeopleandhorlicks]

I'm postnatal and looking to go back on the pill.
I haven't been on the pill since 2018, as I was trying for a baby, got pregnant, had DS...
When I phoned during lockdown the first time round I got told they wouldn't even see me for that or prescribe as it wasn't urgent - fair enough.
I left it and tried when restrictions were lifted and couldn't get an appointment.
I phoned Friday and was prescribed my old pill, prescription sent straight to the chemist, without even speaking to a doctor (Just the receptionist relaying my queries), no blood pressure checks, no questions about if I'm now suffering migraines etc (as you have to avoid certain pills if so), they've just prescribed the same one I was on.

Am I being unreasonable to think this is a bit dodgy?
I feel like perhaps things could be overlooked and the wrong pill prescribed like this? Is this standard now?

When was the last time you had contact with a medical professional? My dd was told as long as her blood pressure had been taken in the last 6 months (for another reason) it could be prescribed remotely otherwise she needed to have it checked which a hca was doing under a gazebo in the car park 2 mornings a week. She did have a video consultation with the practice nurse (nurses can prescribe it)

Combined or progesterone only

don’t take it then 🤷🏽‍♀️

I get that it feels dodgy. I would maybe feel similar. But then I kind of think the pill is over policed in this country. When I lived in Asia I could buy it off the shelf.

And I was very shocked to see that you can get viagra without any checks in the U.K. now-surely a drug like that you should have your blood pressure etc checked! Weird comparison I know, but it made me wonder why taking the pill required so many checks but something like viagra doesn’t.

So what I’m saying is that maybe it’s not as bad as you think?

Though I dunno, maybe an actual doctor will be along soon

I think they are wisely balancing the risk of meeting your needs and helping you prevent an unplanned pregnancy with the risks of adverse events on contraceptives. They will likely ask you to come in for a follow up bp check sometime in the next 6 months, but if you have no history of hypertension and your health is otherwise good, then it sounds like they are making the best call they can given limited services. If you're concerned about your bp, you can buy a home machine or see if you can access one in a chemist at the moment.

I don't know, I think it's fine. You said [you] haven't been on the pill since 2018, like that was so long ago, it was only two years ago! It worked for you then, what would have changed?

If you have started suffering migraines I'm sure you would have mentioned it during the call.

I think it's patronising when you get lectured as if it's the first time you are learning about the idea of the ocp. It's been around for decades and we all have smart phones, we can inform ourselves in seconds. I think the ocp should be available otc.

I just think it's weird as they've always made such a song and dance about it previously when I requested to have it on repeat and I was told I HAD to come in to have my blood pressure checked for it

Two years isn't a long time but a lot can have changed in that time medically!

Maybe I'm just being over cautious it just surprised me a bit, I think because as I say they've always been really strict on it previously

I haven't had my blood pressure taken since I had a c section which was nearly a year ago in answer to the previous poster who asked

Blood pressure monitors are inexpensive and can be bought easily online. I'd check your BP yourself so you have a baseline. Recheck once a month.

I agree with @workhomesleeprepeat. Contraception is readily available elsewhere and can just be bought over the counter. I actually stopped the pill because all the BP checks drove me up the wall. I'd be grateful I didn't have to go in to be honest. That said, I do totally understand why you'd be anxious. Buying contraception over the counter for the first time is a weird experience and not one we are used to in the UK.

DD got so fed up with the GP insisting she came in for checks before they would prescribe, and that is was then impossible to get an appointment, she told them to not bother, and ordered off the internet. Much less hassle. She is young and fit, we have a BP monitor at home, which she gave her readings to the online pharmacist, and her weight, job done. I think she did it through Superdrug.