FAMILY PLANNING: PILL MUST BE PRESCRIBED
The Pill in Australia must be prescribed by your family doctor or gynaecologist. It is not possible to buy it over the counter, although in some countries there is a move for this. It is believed that a proper check should precede each new six-month prescription. This should include a full check of the patient’s blood pressure, check for bruises or migraine, or other adverse side-effects.
Also, a breast check should be carried out, and a pelvic examination. At set intervals, too, the smear test of the uterine cervix is often carried out at the same time. It is a very convenient time for this to be done.
If there are any problems when taking the Pill, they should be discussed with the doctor. It is not necessary to wait until you see him again for your next supply if problems occur. See him at once. Often a brief explanation, or medical examination if there is any query, will discover the cause, which may be corrected. Sometimes, when side-effects are being experienced, switching to another brand may solve the problem. Many doctors prefer to use brands which are low both in dose as well as biological activity, believing these are probably less likely to produce side-effects and may even be safer.
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