Expert: Diane Cheryl - 7/30/2011

Question
Hi, my name is Heather. I'm 18 years old and have pretty bad acne. My family and I recently talked about putting me on birth control not only because of my acne, but also because my periods are very, very irregular. Some months, I don't even have a period. My mom always jokes that I'm lucky, but it's pretty much torture for me because I never know when to expect it. I don't even keep track on a calendar or anything anymore because it never comes on a regular schedule. So I suppose I have two questions. First, how normal is it to have such irregular periods at this age? I mean, I started at 10 so I've had it for 8 years now and it still isn't regular. Oh, an just to clear things up, I'm not sexually active at all, so I'm still a proud virgin. My second question is, do I have to go to the gynocologist to get birth control? Once again, I'm 18, NOT sexually active, and I'd really like to avoid any type of pelvic exam at this point in my life. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks! :)

Answer
Heather,

I am so glad and proud for you to be a virgin. My own daughter was a virgin until marriage.
I personally would not recommend birth control because of acne. I know there are many side effects from the hormonal birth control pills and I would not want you to experience these. I would do research to find other options rather than going on pills. I don't know about the pelvic exam but I understand you would not want to do this. Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and tell me what is going on now.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl