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Old Mar 11, 2013, 11:27 PM
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LiteraryLark LiteraryLark is offline
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Next time I see my pdoc we are going to discuss meds and fertility. I am not planning on pregnancy, but in the event of a pregnancy I would like to know my options concerning the meds I am on and the effects it may have on me and the fetus, possible birth defects, postpartum depression, abortion and the like. I am bipolar and currently on the birth control pill and taking lithium and zyprexa.

I am not quite sure where to start concerning questions, but I would like to have a list of questions to have ready for my pdoc and the ob/gyn.

Questions I have so far:

1. What is the best way to prevent pregnancy?
2. If I am unsure I am pregnant (if the condom breaks, etc.) when do I stop taking the meds and BC?
3. How will I be medicated/Will I be medicated if I become pregnant?
4. Is it possible/safe for me to give birth with my bipolar disorder and how likely will my child become bipolar?
5. If I don't want children now at 20, is it a good idea to get my tubes tied or should I wait until I am older?
6. What birth defects are possible if my meds affect the fetus?

I don't want these questions answered on PC because I would rather discuss that with my pdoc and ob/gyn, but I would like some ideas on what to ask them when I meet with them.

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  #2  
Old Mar 11, 2013, 11:54 PM
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Travelinglady Travelinglady is offline
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Sounds like a good list to me!
  #3  
Old Mar 12, 2013, 03:29 PM
hamster-bamster hamster-bamster is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DrSkipper View Post
5. If I don't want children now at 20, is it a good idea to get my tubes tied or should I wait until I am older?
I think you are definitely way too young for something as life-changing as that, but I just want to point out that tube ligation is no longer in - there is a much better procedure now, which is outpatient, basically risk-free, and is 100% effective (unlike tube ligation). Here: Essure Home Page

I doubt that it is ever done on women without children, but I just wanted to mention that your generation would not need to go through tube ligation anymore.
  #4  
Old Mar 12, 2013, 05:55 PM
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RomanSunburn RomanSunburn is offline
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Location: East Coast, USA
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You might want to find out more about Plan B/the morning after pill.
  #5  
Old Mar 14, 2013, 01:32 AM
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Maven Maven is offline
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When I was in my 20's, I told a psychologist I didn't want children, and she told me I should get a hysterectomy! She said she had gotten one and didn't have any problems. I knew some stuff about hysterectomies back then (stuff on the talk shows and in magazines), and I knew they're good for some people, not for others, and I sure didn't want to get that done unnecessarily.

I personally didn't get my tubes tied or anything like that, because although I knew I didn't want children, I left open the option to change my mind. I'm 45 now, and I haven't changed my mind.

You have some great questions. I also believe you should ask Roman's question.
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  #6  
Old Mar 14, 2013, 01:55 AM
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LiteraryLark LiteraryLark is offline
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Member Since: Jun 2009
Location: Wonderland
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I actually do have some plan b on me that I got from a clinic, but I don't really know when the best time to use it is.
  #7  
Old Mar 14, 2013, 12:30 PM
hamster-bamster hamster-bamster is offline
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within 72 hours of intercourse, the sooner the better
  #8  
Old Mar 14, 2013, 03:31 PM
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RomanSunburn RomanSunburn is offline
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Not only questions about when to take it, but also what kind of side effects and how it will affect birth control (if you're on any), when you can start to have sex again afterwards (which might mostly depend on side effects).
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