90s birth control

[Georgiemack]

A couple of my friends have been chatting quite alot on how difficult it was to get the pill in the 90s. We are all approaching the big 50, and used the same Gp practice back then. In those days it was normal for a doctor to do routine checks etc. There was one doctor who only gave me 6 repeats for the pill without my having to have a consultation. A couple of the girls have said that yes it was routine to have an exam pretty much every 12 months or so. Looking for assurance more than anything. There was no underlying reason i can remember why i would need to be examined more than the others. Unless they have their timeframes mixed up.

The pill increases your risk of DVT.
If you had other risk factors that may be why?

I used the pill in the 90s, it was always only a 6 month prescription and it couldn't be ordered as a repeat. I had to make an appointment to see the gp where they'd do a health check I.e. blood pressure, weight, breast check, and ask about my general health. Smears in those days also included a breast check.

It was through this that they realised I had blood pressure issues at an early age. Even latterly with the mini pill which I stopped about 8+ years ago, maybe more, I had to make an appointment every 6 months but it was just a general blood pressure check and I think weight of I remember correctly but it was more a tick box rather than a health check.

Breast exam etc? Was your doctor in Reading?
It is normal to do checks. At the same time I was sexually assaulted by a doctor in Reading using the same reasoning.

I used the pill from the early 80s to early 90s. I remember having a thorough check up including breast examination before first being prescribed it, but not after that. I can't remember how long my repeat prescription was for though.

I was on the pill from 1996 and yes you needed to see the doctor every 6 months for it.

I went on the pill at 18 in 1996, the male GP who prescribed it offered to examine my breasts which I declined as I didn't feel comfortable and it wasn't an issue I remember having to have blood pressure measured every six months to get repeat prescription.

Very normal. I went on the pill in the 1980s ( I am 60) and was weighed and BP taken every 6 months. Smear tests were less frequent, as were breast exams, but it was all done. In my case , there was a female GP who covered most of these appointments.

It was annual check ups for blood pressure etc from what I recall. I'm the same age. Getting an appointment scheduled at a convenient time planned weeks ahead was easy

Went on the pill in 1991, prescription from the family planning clinic. Was 20 at the time. Used to have to see the gp or return to family planning for a repeat and have blood pressure taken but no smears or breast exams

I live in Germany and here it is normal to have a pelvic exam if you want to go on the pill.

I have never really got why - I know a smear test is a good idea periodically but surely it is a good idea for non pill takers too.