Other Birth Control Method Questions And Concerns / Question
Published: March 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My question is: should i use birth control even if i haven't started my period?, and when i say birth control i mean the pill, shot, patch, or nova ring.-But don't worry condoms are a MUST for me but i want a second method of control. I figure that if my ovary releases an egg, before i have my first menstral period i will not know so the pill (etc.) would be good, but would the pill(etc.) mess up my hormones or even jump start my period? P.S. I am 15 years old, soon to be 16 (at least in my mind since i won't be 16 for about 5 months)-NOT 12 or whenever "most" girls start their period.
Signed: Birth Control Before My Period Starts
Dear Birth Control Before My Period Starts,
It's great that you are thinking ahead regarding birth control. It IS important to use a birth control method (such as the pill, depo provera, Nuva Ring, or the patch) along with a barrier method like a condom. This said, you really need to see a doctor to discuss both your lack of periods and your need for birth control/safer sex. A doctor can examine you and discuss any concerns that you have about your period and make an informed decision regarding prescribing you a hormonal method of birth control.
You did not mention if you have already begun to have other signs of puberty such as breast development, body hair, height increase, etc. There is a range of ages when puberty occurs, from as early as 8 or 9, until the end of the teenage years, so you are still in the "normal range." The menstrual cycle of teens and young adults can be less than predictable, so it would be difficult to determine when you were going to be fertile prior to your first period.
Using oral contraceptives (hormones) may or may not affect the onset of your period for the first time. However, if you are using a hormonal method of birth control and there is a medical reason why you have not started your period, the hormonal method may hide it. That is why a doctor needs to make the decisions on if you should be put on the "pill".
To find a doctor:
If you live in northern NJ you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475, your local Planned Parenthood or your local teen health center.
Also, check out our answer to "16, No Period Yet" to learn about other teenage girls who are also concerned about the onset of their periods.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
