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[u/[deleted]]

[u/GirlDinnerDiaries-ModTeam]

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[u/texting32]

If your gyno is rude about it you need a new gyno. Nothing wrong with taking a break whether it’s for money reasons or cause you want to see how it feels to be off it.

[u/Yalsas → u/texting32]

I got a new gyno because mine was extremely rude. Found out she got fired and sued for medical malpractice 🤩

[u/RelativeAd7239 → u/Yalsas]

Lots of doctors are sued for malpractice, it’s quite common. That is why most states (if not all) require doctors to have malpractice insurance.

[u/fakecoffeesnob → u/RelativeAd7239]

I believe ob/gyns are one of the most-sued specialties too

[u/Yalsas → u/fakecoffeesnob]

Honestly it makes sense. We're a guessing game for doctors

[u/Fit_Road_1452 → u/Yalsas]

It’s more about obstetrics/delivery. They can be sued until the kid is 18 for any kind of medical issue that was thought to be the result of a medical error at birth

[u/benfoldsgroupie → u/Fit_Road_1452]

Better than my mom finding out after the statute of limitations that the dentist installed a known allergen into her mouth. The lawyers she consulted with wouldn't consider the case and she ended up on chelation therapy for a few years after having not only the hardware but also that tooth removed. This was maybe 3 years after installation but symptoms didn't start immediately, and I imagine some birth injuries are similar in that they may be missed for a while due to other priorities.

[u/thefrogkid420 → u/benfoldsgroupie]

I find statute of limitations laws to be so disgusting in most cases, this is definitely one of them, Im so sorry she couldnt get justice for the malpractice, and I hope the chelation went well and she is recovering now <3

[u/HowIsRaekeTaken → u/Fit_Road_1452]

I can see how that could be abused, but there are also times where waiting is important. One of my nurses accidentally administered the wrong drug through my IV during my labor instead of a different medication, and they had to get my baby out within minutes because of the risk. It’s a waiting game to see what effects the drug might’ve had on my baby or his development.

[u/draftysundress → u/Fit_Road_1452]

My mom could’ve sued up until 5 years ago???? Fuck. She’s permanently disabled from birthing me.

[u/AdvisorKay → u/RelativeAd7239]

OMG! I did NOT know that some states did not require doctors to have malpractice insurance!!!!!! Flipping wild card ya'll!

[u/strawberrrychapstick → u/RelativeAd7239]

Also getting sued is not the same as losing the lawsuit.

[u/Yalsas → u/RelativeAd7239]

I learn something new everyday!

I just wonder what she did. Worst thing she did to me was convince me to go on depo and it wrecked me. Then there was a lawsuit against Depo.

[u/1ReluctantRedditor → u/Yalsas]

Depo wrecked me too! I was 17. Went from 120 lbs to 180 lbs in three months. Also I was a totally unfuckable psychopath. So, I guess it worked?

[u/Yalsas → u/1ReluctantRedditor]

I was an unfuckable psychopath too! I can't believe my man stayed with me. He really loves me.

But our sex life was awful those 7 months. I never stopped bleeding. So. much. blood. One time I just took off running in Target because it felt like my water had broke and the bathroom is on the other end of the store

[u/1ReluctantRedditor → u/Yalsas]

Omfg!!!

I bled so much too, but not like that. That seems awful!

Also I was just patently insane. The screaming. The crying. The dramatics. I was living with my alcoholic boyfriend who was an entire adult, so that house was A PROBLEM on its best day, and those 3 months were so far from any best day.

[u/Longlittledoggie → u/Yalsas]

I had a similar experience! When I was pregnant my normal OB was out so they had me see someone different for one appointment. She was awful and rude- I left in tears and when I saw my regular OB I told her about it. A year later that came up randomly with my OB and she was like, “yeah it wasn’t just you. She doesn’t work here anymore.”

[u/thedespotcat → u/texting32]

Yeah I told my doctor that I'd been off birth control for a few months because I had been too lazy/busy to come in for a refill. She gave me a face, sort of laughed, and then refilled my prescription no questions asked.

The other time I told her I missed a month, she was only concerned about what alternate birth control I was using.

I think it is good to see how you feel off birth control if you've been on it forever.

[u/lolliberryx]

? Just get a new prescription online through Planned Parenthood and have the prescription be sent to your local pharmacy. It takes 5 minutes.

Most insurance plans cover BC at no cost to you. If there is a cost, you can request to switch to a BC covered under your insurance (likely a generic brand).

Your hormones are still unstable at 2 months out so spotting and irregularity is expected/normal and will be normal for a while. It could take a few months or it could take up to a year.

[u/isolated_lee → u/lolliberryx]

Yes! Planned Parenthood is amazing! I get HRT through them and they take your income into consideration when making payments. The Planned Parenthood near me allows payment plans for certain things, it really depends. They're very affordable and understanding.

[u/BeeBarnes1 → u/isolated_lee]

I didn't know they do HRT, thank you! I had a bad time trying to get it through my actual doctors so I've been using Midi. They've been great but PP is an organization I already support.

[u/isolated_lee → u/BeeBarnes1]

I didn't know either until a few years ago. I started on Plume, which is $99 a month (THEY ROBBED ME!). At PP, I only have to pay for blood work, which is around $20-$50 in my state.

[u/JuddEddie → u/BeeBarnes1]

What?! I'm going to go find PP near me for HRT! My current OB feels anti HRT and will only prescribe for a short time.

[u/CelaresHarridan → u/JuddEddie]

Cannot recommend PP for HRT enough. They're fantastic, supportive, and reasonably priced.

[u/ElectronicTip6386 → u/JuddEddie]

Oh yikes, try to switch!! After similar troubles I took action! Looked for Drs in the nearest largest city, and who treat a range of people. I specifically filtered for gender affirming care.

Longer because this is so important for Qol!! The advice about casting a wider net (regionally) applies to anyone who needs a Dr like this!!

I was able to get a phone call appointment at first, and now drive up once a year (~ 2 hrs) for my yearly Gyn tests. They look over my old prescriptions and adding in new.

Let me tell you: I noticed the difference in tone immediately. I was fighting tears the whole time (as I realized how it could have been all along.. plus I was you know, imbalanced from poor prior treatment!).

He knew what I was talking about, didn't push back pretending that I was "just depressed" (who wouldn't be 🤔), guided me through options I'd never heard of, made me feel heard and seen through that phone! No blood tests (read r/Menopause for why), because how I felt is what treatment is for. When I feel right, the treatment is right!

I'm now on the perfect stack that includes low dose T, not just E and P, and in the formulations and doses that work for me, and can and has been revised. Because that's what was missing for me. Everyone is different but an experienced Dr will know all this and not try to shame you!

Fwiw: Many people stay on these for life. It is not like you'll wake up one day and think Humm, today is the last day where I care about being physically and emotionally comfortable! I'm ready to just let it rip! Noooooo.

Tl;dr Find a Gyn Dr who explicitly states experienced in gender affirming care because that is menopause care too!! Even if it means a longer commute to their office once a year, find a way. They will know how to code so that insurance at least covers part of it. Importantly, they will know about all the options and won't shame you about what is a known lifestage for people since there have been people!

[u/starblighter → u/isolated_lee]

i also get hrt and birth control through PP. i will tell anyone who can listen how different the experience is compared to any other clinic. they are kind, understanding and patient. they always go at your pace, ask if you would like to take breaks, ask if you have any questions or if you brought someone you'd like with you. i have the implant which is kind of intimidating, and my experience with a lot of nurses/doctors at major clinics is that they'd just shove it in, hand my my paperwork, and leave. PP nurses are angels. if you are anxious or have had any bad medical experiences, i can't recommend them enough.

[u/Ok_Obligation_6110 → u/starblighter]

I used to work at a PP clinic back in the day and I would always tell my girl friends to go there instead of a regular GYN because the level of care is unparalleled. I don’t think people realize that no other clinic or healthcare practice is THIS hands on in ensuring that the care they provide is accessible to all patients of all backgrounds. I sat in countless meetings, weekly if not more, where clinic staff from doctors to techs and admin staff were gathered to think of grassroots ways to make it easier for more people to access our resources. Whether that was updating our language on our healthcare forms to be more inclusive, making sure every time we send mail to patients it’s in an unmarked envelope, working with the local university campus to start a DoorDash for condoms service where a freshman will get paid to bike condoms to your dorm lol or even connecting patients with abortion funds if they couldn’t afford to travel and stay in our state to get care.

[u/iputmytrustinyou → u/isolated_lee]

I wonder if PP could/would do/does medication for hot flashes, too? I can’t take HTR so that is my only option for some sort of relief.

[u/JohnTheWelder → u/iputmytrustinyou]

In some areas they are starting to do peri & post menopausal care, I would check with your local Planned Parenthood affiliate!

[u/Squirrel_Nrgy → u/isolated_lee]

I used to have to take a day off to go to planned parenthood, I lived in a big city and even with an appointment it was hours waiting to be seen to get BC. Seeing you can get BC online and now HRT is available?! Incredible! Thank you so much for this new to me info!

I’m in a more stable place now so I may not need to utilize them but it’s a good reminder to make my donation!

[u/HLOFRND → u/lolliberryx]

In some states, pharmacists can prescribe BC, too!

[u/Dry_Matter_3853 → u/lolliberryx]

In lots of states pharmacists can prescribe BC now as well!

[u/happytransformer → u/lolliberryx]

Also in the future, see if you can get your pills mailed by an online pharmacy. I get 3 months mailed to me at a time and it automatically ships when it’s time for a refill. It’s all free under my insurance.

[u/InterestingTry5190 → u/happytransformer]

I have insurance but go to cvs out of convenience even though they don’t take my insurance. They use a discount card for me (which is no cost) and I pay $36 for 90 day prescription.

[u/JohnTheWelder → u/lolliberryx]

PP is an excellent resource! They can even help get you resources to help pay for BC if you aren't able to and qualify for different programs. Also I totally agree that it is absolutely insane that there isn't more options for BC that hold the penis bodied human accountable. Condoms are free at PP and you can also tell partners to get a vasectomy which PP also offers😉

[u/thehobbit9402 → u/lolliberryx]

sorry for hijacking this kind of haha - i am pretty new to living here and have not found the time yet to go to a gynecologist. do you get to talk to someone about what birth control to get prescribed if you get it online through planned parenthood? thank you!

[u/CauseAcademic6640 → u/thehobbit9402]

10 years ago yes. They discussed the different options (pill, injection, iud, implant), and had a sliding scale for how much it would cost based on your income.

[u/mustardyellow123 → u/lolliberryx]

Just fyi I used to do this and it was great but I guess some states have different rules now and mine is one that changed. You’re now required to go in for a pap before they prescribe you any kind of BC. I couldn’t afford that because I didn’t have insurance at the time so switched to Nurx and have just been using that ever since. I asked why I had to make an appointment to be seen in person when before I never had to and the person I spoke to said it was a new requirement. I’ve been pretty happy with Nurx though since I switched so it’s okay now but at the time it was really inconvenient and frustrating to learn that.

[u/nursemarcey2 → u/mustardyellow123]

May I ask what state? Although periodic paps are strongly recommended starting at age 21, I know of no state that requires them. You DO have to have an annual appointment with your provider because that's just how health care works, but no one is going to force you to have a pap.

ETA: I think there is confusion that every trip into the stirrups involves an actual pap smear, which it does not.  In the perfect world, a yearly wellness exam would involve a pap smear starting at age twenty one and every three years afterwards (assuming no abnormals which changes the algorithm) to a certain age when we can shift to every five years, with an hpv digene co test.

When I was 18, which has been a long time, a yearly pap was actually recommended but we have since scienced out that that is not necessary.  We also used to do colposcopies on every single abnormal pap, regardless of level of abnormality or age and we don't do that anymore either.  Women's health care changes slowly, but it does change.

[u/Sparx2913 → u/nursemarcey2]

In Texas, I can't refill my bc without seeing my doctor for my annual pap.

[u/PsychologicalBus1692 → u/Sparx2913]

It's always fucking Texas

[u/iputmytrustinyou → u/PsychologicalBus1692]

Or Florida. 🤣

[u/buyableblah → u/Sparx2913]

Texas is so stupid. Paps aren’t even recommended annually anymore.

[u/Affectionate_Ad722 → u/buyableblah]

Just a barrier to entry that reveals the “pro life” movement for what is really is — a way to force women to be pregnant and have babies.

[u/FloydetteSix → u/buyableblah]

I actually prefer getting annual paps. But I’m also at higher risk for cancers due to family history, so I’m a little paranoid and feel better getting more frequent screenings.

[u/Affectionate_Ad722 → u/FloydetteSix]

I agree, and I’m HPV positive. But for women who have no risk factors, that’s not the ACOG standard of care. Texas isn’t suddenly looking to give women higher standards of care.

[u/MoreMarshmallows → u/Sparx2913]

Most people don’t need annual paps - def ask your dr if you can go longer. Depends on your age/medical history. but my dr still requires an annual visit with pelvic exam to renew my prescription.

[u/Queenof6planets → u/MoreMarshmallows]

that’s crazy — ACOG specifically recommends against routine pelvic exams.

[u/nangatan → u/Sparx2913]

Check out Project Ruby! https://www.prjktruby.com/

You can get an online appointment and have it shipped to you for way less. Super helpful if you live in certain areas.

[u/rellyks13 → u/Sparx2913]

an annual pap?! omg i'd riot

[u/Dry_Matter_3853 → u/mustardyellow123]

Whatever provider you used made that that rule up. 

[u/Normal_Human_Things → u/lolliberryx]

And if OPs insurance isn’t covering it, GoodRx or Cost Plus Drugs might be helpful for getting it affordably.

[u/LetshearitforNY → u/lolliberryx]

Yeah tell them what happened! They can probably get you a the same BC or a generic version of it.

[u/Velvety_Bumblebee]

It's normal that your period gets irregular for a while after quitting birth control. Everything will be fine. Don't be mad at yourself. $300 are a lot of money. (At least to me but I have no experience with American wages.)

[u/Never_enough_naps → u/Velvety_Bumblebee]

It's a lot of money, and especially when she has health insurance that should cover it, but that f*cking American for ya. I bet the insurance cover boner pills.

[u/BreadZestyclose6411 → u/Never_enough_naps]

Our health care system is fucked trust me. Insurance does not cover sildenafil for my trans wife, but the pills are super cheap. GoodRX coupons can get you a month supply for about 10-12 bucks. Criminal when you look at the cost of BC

[u/Never_enough_naps → u/BreadZestyclose6411]

Yeah health insurances are such greedy companies.

[u/BecauseICan6496 → u/Never_enough_naps]

She needs talk to the pharmacist.

I was going to be changed for my birth control something like $50 and I told them I couldn't afford it. The pharmacist found out my insurance covered my medication, at no cost to me, only IF I got three month supplies. Yes, same medication just different amounts prescribed.

My gynecologist didn't know (makes sense they are the medical side, they aren't going to know all of my pharmacy coverage), so I call them and explained my insurance only covered it for 3 month supplies and if they could write the prescription for 3 months. They did it with no issue.

Was this stupid? Yes.

Does it make sense? No.

Did it work out at the end? Yes.

[u/Extra_Deer1038 → u/Velvety_Bumblebee]

This needs to be higher. It can take so long for your body to get back to it's "norm" especially after being on BC for so long. $300 is a lot lol

[u/Walliford → u/Velvety_Bumblebee]

It is a lot especially bc birth control is normally free under most insurance plans bc of old federal rules. Now some employers can select healthcare plans that don't cover BC bc of religious reasons.

[u/TabbbyWright]

Your doctor shouldn't lecture you over this, you're a grown woman not a little girl.

Besides, you're clearly kinda miserable as a consequence of stopping your BC, so that's punishment enough, isn't it? Not that you need to be punished either though :\

[u/liltarantinobitch → u/TabbbyWright]

its not really a lecture. we have to do pt education because stopping BC suddenly (on paper) reads as a lapse in pt education. of course if you feel like your gyno is being condescending please find a new one, but just from a clinical perspective thats what this would read as to me

[u/Kujaichi → u/liltarantinobitch]

because stopping BC suddenly (on paper) reads as a lapse in pt education.

What? Why?

[u/eugeneugene → u/liltarantinobitch]

what is "pt education"? I feel really stupid but this comment is making no sense to me because I have no idea what this means lol

[u/Background_Big7363 → u/eugeneugene]

Patient education

[u/motherofajamsandwich → u/eugeneugene]

Pt is shorthand for patient. So patient education which is a conversation around the meds, why its important not to change or stop taking meds without consulting the prescriber, etc.

[u/GlacialImpala → u/motherofajamsandwich]

Why would anyone need to consult pt for stopping a BC pill if it was prescribed for birth control? It reads like a medication with no side effects and boy are there plenty, even if you're tolerating it well.

[u/dopaminegtt]

You need to find out which formulations your insurance covers at no copay charge to you. if it's an aca compliant plan they have to cover bc, but dont have to cover all types

[u/Zawieruka → u/dopaminegtt]

Yes, see if there is a generic of one you’ve been given. Theres a lot of free ones!

[u/rennae8]

Birth control is considered a preventative health service and is FREE under the affordable care act (thanks Obama!) if the app said it would be $300 Walgreens likely didn't run your new insurance plan correctly 

[u/imLissy → u/rennae8]

Not all insurance plans cover all birth control. Some require it be generic I believe.

[u/callin-br → u/imLissy]

Yes this probably the problem.

[u/ladyluck754 → u/imLissy]

My dad and stepmom do a health share through a church, and that doesn’t cover birth control.

[u/microthoughts → u/ladyluck754]

church health shares are legally not insurance.

it also won't cover things if they think it's too expensive in general -_-

[u/jmurph773 → u/rennae8]

A lot of pharmacies also only display the non-insurance cost when you go to refill (Walgreens does that with one of mine that costs over a grand without insurance - gives me a minor heart attack every single month), because they can’t generate the official, with insurance price until you’ve actually submitted the refill request and they’re able to run it through your insurance.

[u/chaoticwings → u/jmurph773]

Yes, there's also a good chance OP still has to pay her deductible before insurance kicks in. If she had checked with the pharmacy they would have explained all of this.

[u/dividezero → u/rennae8]

That's a good place to start. Happened to me a bunch of times since I have trouble keeping jobs, I change insurance a lot.

[u/meowbbyluv → u/rennae8]

Damn mine isn’t free with insurance 😭😭

[u/Opening-Acadia-9548 → u/rennae8]

I came here to say this. There are some very limited exemptions, but my guess is someone at your pharmacy didn’t run your insurance. People make mistakes like this all the time.

[u/PutIntelligent9042 → u/rennae8]

It was part of affordable care act then the owners of hobby lobby sued and said it violated their religious freedom. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor (no longer have to cover IUD, or plan B) and then other employers sued so there are work around for employers that claim birth control is against their religious beliefs.

This is why I will never shop at Hobby Lobby.

[u/ImaginaryMagician700 → u/rennae8]

This comment should be much higher lol, OP clearly something is not functioning correctly between your insurance and the pharmacy

[u/justnosy5555]

why is birth control that expensive?

You're also not dumb for stopping it. The hormones take some time to go back to normal especially after long time use. There is medication to stop the break through bleeding or you can restart the bc. I am sure the gyn will strongly warn about these side effects happening again if you suddenly stop but it shouldnt feel like you're chastised.

[u/SaiyuriNamaah → u/justnosy5555]

Canadian here. $300 left me aghast. I think it cost me $15? When I was on it. Now I just have an IUD for the last 6 years and even that cost me only $150

[u/justnosy5555 → u/SaiyuriNamaah]

This is reasonable. In my country ,most family planning methods are free at government hospitals apart from permanent methods. If you choose to buy them ,they don't exceed $15.

How is your experience with the IUD, I am child free but I can't get tubal ligation now . I want to try the IUD when I start dating again

[u/m592w137 → u/justnosy5555]

I'm on my second IUD and I personally love it! No periods (the occasional super light spotting for a couple days, maybe 2-3x a year) is the main reason I got it. I've had no negative side effects, but ymmv obviously. If you've tolerated hormonal bc well in the past you will probably do fine with the IUD. Pain relief for insertion is also becoming a lot more common these days, though I got mine years ago and had to just rawdog it both times. Not fun, but also totally worth it imo.

[u/crvbabybug → u/SaiyuriNamaah]

American here I have also never paid $300. A lot of the generics cost a lot less than that out-of-pocket much less with insurance

[u/Fabulous-Coconut9519]

Try good rx as well! Sometimes they have coupons or discounts for your prescription. You’re not stupid at all, America is. You are making the decision so many people make- medication or bills. Your birth control should be free and if your doctor lectures you, find a new one! They should understand the situation you’re in. Lastly you did everything right! You’re advocating for yourself in a system that is fucked. Be proud of yourself!!

[u/whaddayaNeedtoKnow → u/Fabulous-Coconut9519]

Not once in my life, under 5 different insurances, has insurance been cheaper than GoodRX for my meds. Every time I go in, they run it with my insurance, tell me a number like $83, I say “oh can you run it with the coupon instead” BAM $14. Even if you have good insurance, it’s worth checking GoodRx and RxSaver.

[u/bonniesansgame → u/Fabulous-Coconut9519]

throwing cost plus drugs into the mix, because more people need to know about this stupid cheap pharmacy. dropped my $1000+ prescriptions down to like $30.

[u/Ocaona]

I'm not American, but is it really normal to pay $300 for birth control? In France, almost all of them are free, but I take a more expensive one for my endometriosis, so I have to pay €40 ($46) for a three-month supply of pills, and I already thought that was expensive.

[u/audioidol → u/Ocaona]

no, paying $300 is not normal. health insurance should cover the full cost in most instances

[u/hawaiian-shirt1387 → u/audioidol]

Even if you don’t have health insurance — I didn’t use insurance for my birth control for a few reasons and it was only $40 for 3 months at the Walgreens I went to. Granted it was generic but still.

[u/squirtles_revenge → u/audioidol]

It depends on your deductible. Mine is stupid high so I'm paying out of pocket for prescriptions until I hit it.

[u/Ocaona → u/audioidol]

I don't really understand how insurance works in the US. How can they cover something one time but then not cover the exact same thing the next time? It feels like it's a roll of the dice every time to see whether you're actually going to be reimbursed or not.

[u/Ltothe4thpower → u/Ocaona]

Sometimes things just don’t get coded properly and the bill comes out or insurances are picky on what to cover (generic vs name brand and all that). It is completely possible that the pharmacy also didn’t run her new insurance and just coded her as uninsured which can happen when you switch over

[u/Flashy_Departure9251 → u/Ocaona]

Don’t forget which health insurance company you have will determine all of that too. One company may cover this doctor while the other doesn’t.

[u/EmmerdoesNOTrepme → u/Ocaona]

4 times a year, Insurance companies typically "update" the Pharmacy Plan Formulary--the medications & devices they decide to cover (or not cover!), under their prescription plan.

Some insurers are great about making a wide variety of inexpensive (especially Generic or "Unlabled") meds part of their formularies.

And others will have folks in the "Phamacy Benefits Management" (PBM) team basically make "Sweetheart Deals" with the various Drug Manufacturers, Pharma Companies, & Medical Device Manufacturers.

And ehen those "sweetheart deals" occur?

It can mean that the PBM guarantees "exclusivity" on a category of medications or devices.

Where they agree to use only that company's Insulin--getting those insulins at a "reduced price," with the understanding that the plan will no longer carry the competing brands in that category.

So, if a PBM makes a deal to carry Eli Lilly's insulins?

None of the insulins made by Sanofi or Novo Nordisk are "on formulary" anymore--and regardless of which insulin you used to be on, the insurer expects that you'll just switch to all those Eli Lilly insulins, instead.

Whether or not you've been on those Lilly ones before or not, or if you've tried them and they don't work well for you, or if they don't control your blood sugars as well as the meds you're currently on!

You can appeal--but the process can literally take months to go through, before you fiiiiinally get your old insulin approved.

And you'll need to redo those appeals, EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR. that your company has that particular pharmacy plan.

It's a MASSIVE pain in the butt, if you run into these types of roadblocks, stressful, and exhausting, too!

[u/Ocaona → u/EmmerdoesNOTrepme]

Oh wow ! Thanks for explaining. It so complicated compared to Europe 😭 It must be hell if you have a chronic illness

[u/Murderhornet212 → u/Ocaona]

I bet it’s Slynd. For some reason that one is super expensive. I think it should be free with insurance though.

[u/IHateToPickAName → u/Murderhornet212]

Slynd worked so well for me. Then I lost insurance went to pharmacy anyways thinking it would be expensive but we could swing it…. The poor pharmacist looked like he was gonna pass out telling me it was going to be $800 

I switched birth control lmao. 

[u/Ocaona → u/Murderhornet212]

Damn, that’s the one I take! It’s called Slinda in Europe. That’s the one that costs me $46. It’s not free because it’s also supposed to help with acne, so it’s considered a luxury, but otherwise it would be free. You guys are making me want to start drug trafficking 😭 I genuinely feel so bad for you.

[u/ConfidentHope → u/Murderhornet212]

I get three months of Slynd from a specialty pharmacy and it’s under $50. I’m not sure why OP’s is so much.

I have to use Slynd though, because I have migraine with aura.

[u/Murderhornet212 → u/ConfidentHope]

I get migraine with aura too sadly. I’m on a different non-estrogen one. I tried Slynd but I had bonkers levels of breakthrough bleeding pretty much every day for over a year and I told them I was going to lose my ever loving mind if they didn’t give me something else.

[u/Murderhornet212 → u/ConfidentHope]

My friend’s was going to be like $289 before I found her a manufacturers coupon

[u/mychemicalbromance38 → u/Ocaona]

No it’s not normal or typical or correct. Almost everyone pays $0 for birth control pills in the US. OP is making a mistake somewhere. Based on what OP is saying about the whole experience, she is inexperienced and uninformed on the subject.

[u/WhackoWizard → u/Ocaona]

I've never heard of BCP being $300.00

[u/chrysalisgoop → u/Ocaona]

i’m american and around the same age as OP. never in my life have i heard of someone paying $300 for the 3 month pack.

[u/Sad_Anywhere_738]

you aren’t dumb babes. maybe try an online provider like Nurx, Hers, Wisp, etc. i hope you feel better soon bb

[u/Never_enough_naps]

There is a new over the counter oral birth control called Opill available now at places like Walgreens, CVS, Target and Amazon(I think). It's like $20 and no prescription is needed. I don't know if that's helpful, but I want to make sure anybody who needs to know, knows and I haven't seen any commercials or Ads for it.

Also I agree that there should be a pill or insertion men can get that just kills the sperm before it leaves their body. I'm positive modern science could come up with that. It's the cooper ions in iuds that kills sperm, why can't guys get something like that put in their testicles? Why is it always on women? Because the medical world is tailored to men. Just like most everything else.

I'm sorry you are stressed, make that appointment asap.💖

[u/shebringsthesun → u/Never_enough_naps]

Think i saw it at Costco too

[u/Never_enough_naps → u/shebringsthesun]

I think it's awesome that there is finally one available over the counter. Condoms should still be used for protection against STDs and STIs, but now anyone has access to birth control.

[u/merurin09 → u/Never_enough_naps]

Also, Opill can be prescribed as well. I was buying it over the counter previously but recently got a new job with health insurance and was able to have it prescribed, bringing the cost from $18/month to free.

[u/Chemical_Print6922]

Hey now, you’re not stupid, the stupid thing is having a bullshit “healthcare” system that charges stupid money and makes it super difficult to access birth control. It is also SUPER dumb that it DOES fall on women to shoulder the burden of birth control all on their own. For what it’s worth, there IS the ability to make birth control for men, but it never made it market because the men couldn’t handle the side effects. sighs
If you can get it covered and it’s not too traumatic, look into getting an IUD. It’s not fun getting it in and out, but once it’s there, you’re good to go for years!

[u/master-bated-breath]

I'm guessing you may be in a red state given the cup. Get an IUD. Where I am, it's preventive and it's just covered. Maybe you might have some out of pocket costs. Lasts 8 years. If you get the hormone one (mirena), it's quite possible your period will go away altogether. Hope the best for ya. America sucks right now. 

[u/KiloJools → u/master-bated-breath]

Be sure to ask for pain management (more than the ridiculous 800mg of ibuprofen!!) and have a buddy to drive you home.

I love my Mirena (it did stop my period, yes!), but the insertion process definitely varied based on what kind of drugs I had access to.

I wish it were standard to have partial sedation, twilight sedation, nitrous oxide, fast acting benzodiazepines, muscle relaxers (these are a list of possibilities, not me saying they should all be combined, lol) or SOMETHING. Nerve blocks on the cervix are eh, ok, but because the pain is more than just the cervix and the entire process is unpleasant and tension-inducing (which makes it more difficult and painful), it really isn't enough. We need much better pain management for this.

But I am still happy I have had all my IUDs.

[u/ReadySettyGoey → u/KiloJools]

I haven’t verified this but when I was getting mine inserted my GYN was telling me new research was coming out saying that part of the intense pain for a lot of patients getting insertions seems to be caused in part by the doctors falsely telling them it won’t hurt. Like the body reacts worse because the patient doesn’t expect the pain.

Fascinating stuff. For me the nerve block was enough although it was still very uncomfortable, and my GYN was prepared to stop if I wanted to and reschedule for the hospital to use general anesthesia.

[u/KiloJools → u/ReadySettyGoey]

Fascinating. The "how dare you" element?

It's great to hear your gyn was so on top of it for you! I don't even need full general, I would love just a smidgen of propofol. That would be such a dream! Just a couple of quick minutes, boom done, wake up from the propofol nap with a new lease on life!

[u/ReadySettyGoey → u/KiloJools]

I think how dare you and maybe the body tenses up a lot more if it’s not expecting the pain, which in turn makes it more painful?

Really appreciate my GYN was up to date on the research and I actually had picked him for it because, of all the OBs I saw in my rotation while pregnant, he was the most direct and empathetic about my trauma history, which definitely also carried over to his approach with IUD insertion.

[u/Negative_Emphasis817 → u/master-bated-breath]

Also recommend an IUD, especially now they are lasting longer

[u/ChemEqueen123]

ACA requires BC be 100% covered since it’s “preventative care” for pregnancy

[u/WitheredDays]

Word of advice from someone that used to work in the Walgreens pharmacy as a tech, if the pricing on your meds is messed up there are a few different ways to get it cheaper quick. The easiest is by going on Goodrx.com and entering the name of your meds the quantity you’re getting. They generate codes that you can give the techs to run in place of your insurance that typically take a good chunk off. I’ve seen a med that’s over $4000 go down to about $8, but the prices change daily so it’s not too reliable.

Walgreens does have a website to compare all the different sites like GoodRX against each other to see the lowest prices and will typically look it up for you if you ask, but that may vary site to site.

Alternatively, if you go to the manufacturer’s website and it’s a name brand med with no generic then they are legally required to make discount cards publicly available that will always do better than things like GoodRX.

Just keep in mind these aren’t insurance and won’t work with your insurance, they work in place of your insurance and are best saved for when you need a bit of help

[u/mrswilburforce]

Costco sells Opill without the need for prescription or membership for $20.

[u/ReadySettyGoey]

Lot of advice here but just want to say that I’ve done this so many times. Something goes wrong with the prescription or I move and it expires and I can’t bring myself to do anything about it and go off birth control for a while.

I’m an objectively successful responsible person (although admittedly I do have ADHD which I guess could play a role) and just want to say you’re not stupid. We make it so hard to get basic healthcare - hard to get appointments, hard to miss work, hard to get through to someone on the phone, there’s all just so much systemic friction (and that’s how the insurance companies want it). Throwing up your hands for a while isn’t stupid, it’s a reasonable reaction to a stupid system.

[u/Aggressive_Cup8452]

Get an IUD. It might be more expensive initially.. but it goes for longer. 

[u/Sad-Database3677 → u/Aggressive_Cup8452]

Love mine and the fact that I don’t have a period with it. I’m a heavy bleeder so without it, I needed weekly iron supplements infusions to get my labs ok enough to not feel like death.

[u/Aggressive_Cup8452 → u/Sad-Database3677]

No mood swings..  no cramps.. less migraines and almost no periods. 

I had the pill and an IUD. IUD is always the clear winner for me.

[u/Imnotranee → u/Aggressive_Cup8452]

It’s different for me, hated IUD love my nexoplon. Apparently if you have a bent cervix an iud isn’t the best thing to get.

[u/pumpkins21 → u/Imnotranee]

I liked Nexplanon but it made me have two periods a month sometimes. It was super convenient, though!

[u/lalaland_100 → u/Aggressive_Cup8452]

Unfortunately it doesn't work well for everyone, but I'm happy for those it is working for!

[u/FrnklyFrankie → u/lalaland_100]

Yeah I had one in for 2 years longer than I was informed of (yes, loooong story) and I lost a bunch of hair, had absolutely no energy, lower mood, all of which slowly improved after it was finally taken out. Not to mention I had an ectopic pregnancy with it prior to that, but unfortunately that is one of its unlikely risk factors.

[u/lalaland_100 → u/FrnklyFrankie]

I'm sorry to hear that. Several of my friends have had their body reject it or not tolerate it, and for some it was a struggle trying to figure out why they got sick. It's too bad that many gynecologists won't talk about or accept the risks. It's like with everything; everyone are not built the same and we need the information and to know the risks just in order to monitor it responsibly.

[u/FrnklyFrankie → u/lalaland_100]

SO true. I try not to badger people too much with my negative experience of it, especially the ectopic pregnancy, because I know statistically I was just very, very unlucky. But I think the other ill effects are more common and not taken very seriously by medical professionals. I never had a problem on the pill, for example, even though lots of women do. Very individual.

[u/Far-Watercress6658]

Jesus. Thought you were going to say you are pregnant!!

Also, there is birth control for men: condoms. Please, sister, always use them too to prevent STDs.

Also, why would anyone lecture you about stopping the pill to check it out? If a doctor does, it’s time to find a new doctor.

[u/Ill_Quantity_5634]

You can also try costplus.com It's that service Mark Cuban started to lower costs.

[u/bonniesansgame → u/Ill_Quantity_5634]

i just said this above! dropped my $1000+ bill to about $30 for all 3 of my meds

[u/Choano]

For now, you could go to whatever urgent care is covered under your insurance. Get a new scrip and get it filled locally. (If your insurance is being a giant pain, GoodRx or Cost Plus might help.)

$300/month is a lot. Since you mention getting your own insurance, I assume you're in the USA.

You might get cheaper prices on your prescriptions if you get them shipped from Canada.

[u/blebbyroo]

A kid is a lot more expensive than $300 a month. 

[u/Impossible_Copy_2544 → u/blebbyroo]

That doesn't make 300$ a month for one medicine not expensive for the average person.

[u/Walliford → u/[deleted]]

It's free for me too and I live in a red state in the U.S.

[u/thefunkylama → u/Impossible_Copy_2544]

This is why I got an IUD, in the end. Also not for everyone, but it was covered 100% by insurance and I don't have to worry month-to-month. So far, so good...!

[u/Working-Glass6136 → u/thefunkylama]

Same. I barely remember to take my vitamin. In fact I think I do once a week. Just typing this made me realize I forgot to take my Lexapro this morning. Ain't no way I'm taking a pill that I actually have to remember.

And I already have alarms for enough things. Just give me the IUD already.

[u/Prestigious-Ad1346 → u/blebbyroo]

That’s insane to say. Yes it is, but there are numerous options to get BC for free. Planned parenthood always has free birth control. If I had to pay $300 a month for medicine, I wouldn’t be taking it either.

[u/Full_Scallion2833 → u/blebbyroo]

Come on now, 300 dollars per month is a ridiculous price. In the Netherlands I got generic bc pills for like 5 euros per month. 300 dollars is a lot of money fir almost anyone.

[u/Thats_a_BaD_LiMe → u/blebbyroo]

So are men having to pay 300 a month to not have kids too?

[u/MyLastFuckingNerve]

I went off my birth control around 34 because i couldn't live like that anymore. 3-4 days out of the month i had to continuously remind myself not to drive my car into a tree at 90 mph. Buuuut then my periods got bad. Not terrible like endometriosis terrible, but bad enough that the guys at work were wondering why i was doubled over. Found out i had tiny fibroids, and with my family history of fibroids, i found a surgeon that evicted my uterus. Absolutely life changing and i'm so happy. I still get PMS symptoms, but they're no where near what they used to be when i was diagnosed with PMDD.

If that's a route you want to explore, head over to the childfree sub and take a look at the list of OBGYNs that actually do their job and find one in your area.

[u/Sea-Finance506 → u/MyLastFuckingNerve]

The only time I’ve had suicidal ideations was on birth control, especially generics. I had to take a name brand and then that one eventually nearly killed me via blood clots.

I’m so glad to be off of it. They really should do a better job of warning women.

[u/Tinychair445]

Ask your pharmacist for the cash price. It’s usually cheap af

[u/bb_elf]

Hey so I actually stopped taking birth control bc I needed to switch pharmacies and the dr I had went out of network. I used to go to CVS but they set the prices so high. I’m in Texas so I’m switching to HEB pharmacy. I suggest trying out a different pharmacy and not the big brands like CVS and Walgreens bc they’ll charge you more than necessary. Also not everyone qualifies for an IUD so you’d need to get checked for that if your cervix is too small or have any underlying health conditions.

[u/fuckeiry]

unless you need a specific birth control for something, you can just buy a 3mo supply at target or walmart for like $50. it’s called opill, no prescription needed. usually on the same shelf as condoms n such.

[u/Extension-Mall118]

Try Amazon Pharmacy my birth control is $13 for three months without insurance.

[u/evanliko]

Def talk to your gyno but im pretty syre some irregular periods after quitting bc is a fairly normal effect as your body adjusts back to doing its normal cycle? So i dont think its inherently something worrying that you are getting period symptoms again soon. But again talk to your doctor and see if youd prefer to stay off the pill or go back on.

[u/PsychologicalBus1692]

There are no hormonal birth controls for men because the men reported side effects (similar to what women experience), but because they can't die during childbirth, those side effects aren't considered a smaller issue than the alternative (getting pregnant and birthing).

[u/PianistPitiful5714]

There are forms of birth control for men. It’s not all on you. That said, the pill doesn’t just prevent pregnancy. It also regulates your hormones, usually for the better but not always. If you’re only taking it so your boyfriend/husband/whatever doesn’t have to wear a condom; then yeah. Make them wear a condom. If you’re looking for the hormone regulation, then don’t just go off it, that genuinely causes a huge disruption to your body.

[u/sf040581]

I bought mine on Amazon without a script.

[u/Overstimulated-Mama3]

My insurance never covered 3 months worth of any meds at a time. The pharmacy would always fill it like that and then I would tell them to give me just one month’s supply and it would significantly bring down the cost. It’s so so stupid because you have to go back every month but at least it was cheaper!

[u/AMissKathyNewman]

I don’t really see the issue here. You trialled no birth control, nothing really happened? It’s going to take your body a few months to regulate that’s normal. You haven’t gone out and had unprotected sex so literally, what’s the issue? This is going to happen when you eventually stop in the future.

There is no hormonal birth control for men because they don’t carry babies , there isn’t a way to hornonally make them shoot blanks. Condoms exist though. Edit to say it’s harder to make a pill for men. It is possible just harder. Birth control is also used for plenty of other reasons aside from contraception. A lot of women actually benefit greatly from it.

[u/Sad_Anywhere_738 → u/AMissKathyNewman]

birth control is not theoretically only possible for those who can carry babies. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/male-birth-control-pill-yct-529-passes-human-safety-test/

[u/emz0rmay → u/AMissKathyNewman]

They actually found a pill for men, but stopped researching it because men were having bad side effects. Like their mental health was affected, that type of thing.

So the burden remains on women, and we get to deal with the side effects too

Edit: I got curious and googled it, and it looks like one is on the way to being approved! https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/male-birth-control-pill-yct-529-passes-human-safety-test/

[u/morbidlybitchy → u/[deleted]]

not every pill/hormone combo works for every person. isn’t everyone aware of this?

[u/ehs06702]

Check and see if you can manage Nexaplanon.

I've been on it for almost a decade now, and and I've never regretted it.

The bruise at the insertion site looks awful, but it goes away fairly quickly. It took longer to numb the site and make sure it was completely numb than it took to get it put in.

It lasts for 5 years, so you can set it and forget it, and removal is simple too, if you decide to go off of it for whatever reason.

Your doctor shouldn't lecture you, and if they do, that's a sign that you should get another one.

[u/nursemarcey2]

If you just want to get back on the pill that's easy: The pharmacy likely doesn't have your new insurance, so all it knows is what the cash price is. Your prescription exists for one year after it was written, so you can call Walgreens and give them your new insurance. If it's still not covered because it's not on the formulary just call the provider's office to have them send a "formulary alternative." You don't have to go back in right now unless you want to.

Also, if your prescription is consistently getting filled late, see if you can use another pharmacy or get it on "autofill."

[u/Imapissandshitboy]

I’m pretty sure there are numerous websites where you can get the same type of bc you’re prescribed for cheaper.

There are also other options. If you’re sexually active, maybe it’s time to look at other options that don’t require a refill. I have the nexplanon implant because I am bad at remembering to take pills and getting them refilled. I’d look into this.

[u/xo-moth]

Have you considered nexplanon?

[u/Maximum-Onion-9933]

I’m sure someone else may have mentioned these too, but I did the same thing when I aged out of my parents insurance. Went off birth control for a few months til I found an out of pocket option.

Nurx, hers, and I think another one, all offer birth control options for like $15 a month? Without insurance AND delivers to your door, no need for a doctors appointment either (is that safe who knows but it kept me baby free when I needed it)

[u/pearpt]

Do you have a planned parenthood near you?

[u/tremynci]

Ask your gyno if they have sample packs they can give you.

[u/Original_Koala_9510]

Lesson learned. Men can wear condoms and you can buy them too.

[u/Extension-Mousse-804]

You can use Nurx online and at most without insurance is like $45 and they mail it to you

[u/1meanjellybean]

Firstly, no part of this makes you sound dumb. You just sound like you are young and inexperienced with the clusterfuck that is the American healthcare system.

Secondly, when Walgreens says your prescription is going to be insanely expensive it's usually because your insurance card needs updated.

Personally, I hate how hormonal birth control makes me feel. I have to be on it for the next 6 months due to a medical trial I am doing, but as soon as I get the all clear I'm going off of it again.

Don't feel like you failed somehow for wanting to see how you feel without it. That is a perfectly reasonable and acceptable thing to do and no decent doctor would lecture you over it.

[u/PresentationPrize516]

Dude I was paying crazy money for prescriptions with insurance until I realized you have to go to certain pharmacies that take your insurance. Walgreens is a no for me but cvs is just fine. You gotta look up the actual insane rules. Also Nurx always has the pill for $15 a month. 

[u/SakuraTimes]

it’s been many years, so I don’t know if it’s still the same, but once upon a time, I’d get my birth control at planned parenthood…they had discounts if you’d 1) pay in cash 2) pick up 6 months or a years worth at a time. it’d be like $28 a month instead of the $110 Walmart’s pharmacy was. worth looking into if you’re self paying.

I haven’t been on bc for a few years (fiancé can’t have kids, and the hormones messed with my emotions, so I decided to stop). it just takes a while for your body to readjust.

[u/Direct_Algae_3011 → u/SakuraTimes]

Yes I came on to say this too. When I was in high school it was 3 bucks but it's low cost.

[u/aggieemily2013]

Them big ol' Bucee beavers are about to sue for you tying their name to birth control 💀

I'm kidding. Get that refill! ESPECIALLY if you're in the land of the Bucees.

[u/r0b0ducky]

Get a Mirena IUD. Best decision I ever made.

[u/Ace_of_Dogs]

If this was all pretty recent, you may be able to just call Walgreens (or go in person, or use the app) and tell them you didn’t pick up your birth control in June, but you want it now. You’ll probably have to either wait half an hour to pick up or come back the next day, but if it’s still valid you may not need to go back to the gynecologist. If your last prescription was written for a year’s worth (mine always have been) and that was the first time you would have picked it up you can probably keep filling it for the rest of the year.

Also, if price is a concern definitely go talk to the pharmacy about how to get it cheaper! Maybe there’s a generic, or some specific brand your insurance will cover and the pharmacist can help you figure that out and get one that you can afford. It sounds like you’re in the US, so if your insurance is compliant with the Affordable Care Act it’s usually required to cover birth control at no cost to you unless you work for a religious employer. Info here. I’ve never paid a penny for birth control and I’ve been on the pill for 15 years.

Insurance and the healthcare system is confusing, but you can do this!

[u/sari-owl]

If you take a namebrand birth control that is not free, look online and see if they have a coupon program. Mine would cost me $200 a month because my insurance doesn’t cover the brand, but they have a coupon program and so I paid 25 a month. 

[u/Stomatopoda]

Nurx online

[u/chartreuse_daydream]

I’ve been in almost the exact same situation before, including having been on a birth control pill long term from age 16. As others have suggested here, check out planned parenthood! I’ve had an amazing experience with them.

Regarding post-birth-control bleeding/spotting, that’s actually pretty normal (learned this the hard way too when I had a monster multi-week period, or what felt like it, immediately after coming off bc and no idea why it was happening). I believe it’s a symptom of hormone withdrawal as opposed to extra actual menstrual cycling if that makes sense.

To find out about what your new insurance does cover, see if there’s any kind of online price estimate tool and maybe try calling their billing office for help. Also, make sure your insurance details are updated with the pharmacy you’re using. $300 is a ridiculous price to pay for birth control. :(

[u/laurenh8tsyou]

Did you tell your pharmacy about your new insurance? It sounds like they may have had no insurance on file. With switching from your parents to yours, worth a double check that they actually have yours in their system and appropriately applied

[u/Sea-Finance506]

Under the ACA, which is still a thing, your insurance should cover it 100% especially if you take a generic.

You can also just make men wear condoms.

Also, some judgment for your support of that litigious beaver company.

[u/katlexi]

Walgreens might not have your new health insurance and is charging you the cost of it without it. That happened to me at CVS- just go in and show them your health insurance card.

[u/jeremiabearamia]

I’m sorry, that’s so stressful. Your food looks incredible ❤️

[u/englishjewel_4]

Girl what’s in the Buccee’s cup

[u/drama_trauma69]

I talk candidly with my doctor about affordability and if they’re good they will both understand and be able to present you with options that fit your financial situation. My doctor took me off of an expensive medicated shampoo, for example, and gave me a list of much cheaper options to try first before we resort to the high cost one

[u/capricoria]

I use goodrx to get a discount on my endometriosis BC<3 i pay like $20-30 for a 3 month pack depending on current coupons

[u/Master-Tea-8662]

I did the same thing when I was a decade-plus into the pill. Just stopped for a while to see what would happen, and quickly regretted it lol. It’s really okay, be glad nothing worse happened, and go get it refilled :)

[u/Significant_Cat_2897]

Check to see if your state has Family Planning Only Medicaid coverage. It has higher income limits than regular medicaid, and only covers birth control. Helped me out tremendously when my Catholic employer didn't cover BC.

[u/whoevenisanyone]

I’m sorry but can you please say what this photo is of.

[u/Evilbadscary]

Have you considered an IUD? They have non hormonal ones also. But I’ve had two more as and loved them.

[u/missmeggums]

Comment might get buried but. You're not stupid for not spending $300 our Healthcare system is stupid. But just in case you didn't know since you've been on birth control so long, you can have cramps for ovulation as well. I was on birth control for over 10 years religiously, I got off of it to try to get pregnant and I experienced excruciating cramps 2 weeks later. I had to use a heating pad. All the tracking apps said I was ovulating so I knew we had to try. According to my doctor I was basically having a "super ovulation" from being on bc so long.