Question about birth control?

Mods feel free to move this as I have no idea where to post this...

Are there the same options in the UK as the US?

Not sure about all varieties of birth control, but mine (Yasmin) was available in the UK.

Nuvaring?

I think that most options are available. I'm pretty sure I saw Nuvaring as a possibility in the pamphlet I got at my GP.  They tend not to be brand-aware here, so make sure you know the name of the medicine itself! (Not so much an issue with BC here, but I've had some hilarious conversations with my GP about my allergy medication because I've tried SO MANY with only a few actually working).

Yasmin is avaialable but my new GP told me she wouldn't prescribe it for someone my weight so put me on Cerazette instead.  Greatest pill EVER - I'm one of the lucky women that doesn't get a period while on it 

Dunno about Nuvaring.

They just started offering the Nuvaring in the UK fairly recently.

Thank you Cali Girl! I'm happy to hear that because I've enjoyed Nuvaring but I was open to new options.

Here's a silly question: I got a 3 month supply of the pill and I'm on the last month. To get more do I go to the pharmacist or do I have to get another script from my doctor?  It doesn't say anything on the sticker about refills and when I asked the receptionist about having a (different) script called into the pharmacists so it would be ready when I got there* they looked at me like I was stupid and said they couldn't do that. Now I'm afraid to ask.

* I had a fever at the time and was walking

You can go request a refill, there should be a form to fill out and then the GP can write the script for you. Depending on the GP (and your medical history), sometimes they like to check in with you. Or, you can go to a local sexual health clinic, where they can give you 6 months at a time right then and there (no pharmacy visit needed).

Request a refill and form to fill out from whom?

Request a refill and form to fill out from whom?

At your GP's office.

My GP has a stack of forms by the prescription window that you just fill in your information and which medication you need a refill on.  The GP checks it over and unless they need to see you they write out the prescription and you come back and pick up the slip (if they need to see you the receptionist calls).  They also have a secure box on the outside of their surgery where you can drop a note in with your details and what you need outside of normal surgery hours.

Or, you can go to a local sexual health clinic, where they can give you 6 months at a time right then and there (no pharmacy visit needed).

Can I ask, what exactly do they do at the clinic before they give you the pill? Do they have different kinds? I have bad side effects to the point where I feel sick all day so I'm just wondering if they have a variety or if there is someone I can talk to at these one stop centres?

Can I ask, what exactly do they do at the clinic before they give you the pill? Do they have different kinds? I have bad side effects to the point where I feel sick all day so I'm just wondering if they have a variety or if there is someone I can talk to at these one stop centres?

They have a variety of options (although not as many as a GP might, I think). They do a quick weight/BP check and take a sexual history, but there is no actual exam (although you can book pap smears and STD tests there as well, at least at mine!). You have a chat with a nurse before you get anything.  I would suggest you take a list with you of the ones that make you ill/with their "medical" (as opposed to "brand") names, and they'll be able to suggest something. They see TONS and tons of people, just for this, so I felt like they had lots of info and experience.

They have a variety of options (although not as many as a GP might, I think). They do a quick weight/BP check and take a sexual history, but there is no actual exam (although you can book pap smears and STD tests there as well, at least at mine!). You have a chat with a nurse before you get anything.  I would suggest you take a list with you of the ones that make you ill/with their "medical" (as opposed to "brand") names, and they'll be able to suggest something. They see TONS and tons of people, just for this, so I felt like they had lots of info and experience.

Thanks this was very helpful. I get nervous about things like this since I look so much younger than I am and hate when people judge me so I like to know what I'm to expect.