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I asked my OB-GYN to write me a Rx for the FemCap. Her nurse told me that she wasn't familiar with it and that she wouldn't write a Rx for something she didn't know anything about. I know that a friend of mine went to her Naturopathic physician and he prescribed the FemCap for her. But, I don't think we have one in the Lafayette, LA area. What should I do? And, what are your thoughts on this product?
Gender: FemaleAge: 24 Already Tried: I have tried getting a Rx for the FemCap from my OB-GYN, but she wouldn't write the Rx for me b/c she's not familiar with the product.
Hello,
Welcome to Just Answer and thanks for your question. Where are you located?
Lafayette, LA
Thanks for the additional information. The link below is to providers in Louisiana who do prescribe the Femcap. I don't see one in Lafayette, but one of the others may be close enough for you to visit. Many Planned Parenthood locations also prescribe it, but I would call ahead before visiting to make sure there is someone who is familiar with the product. Many ND (naturopathic doctors) also prescribe it. The only ND I see is in Mandeville, which may be quite a drive for you. She is in the second link. Again, call ahead so you don't waste your time (and money). FemCap is a perfectly acceptable barrier method that is well tolerated by women. Many who have used both prefer it to a diaphragm. The down side is that one has to plan for sexual activity and insert the cap beofre use and remember to remove it within two days afterward.
http://www.femcap.com/states/louisiana.php
http://www.drlisamariechambers.com/
The closest Planned Parenthood center is in Baton Rouge. I want to receive the Rx from someone I can trust. And, I want to be sure that this is right for me and that it is safe to use. I also do not know of any Naturopathic Physicians in Lafayette either. And, Mandeville is quite a drive for me. You are correct. Why do you think my OB-GYN just said, "No, I won't write you the Rx for something I'm not familiar with"? Shouldn't she want and need to research a product that her patient is requesting. I'm not just interested in this method of contraception. I'm very unsatisfied with the pill and I need an alternative. I would really rather use a non-hormonal method of contraception. Also, how do I get off of the pill? Last time I stopped taking one brand to start a new one, I wouldn't start my period. My OB-GYN had to prescribe Prometrium to help me start my period. That's one reason why I want to be off of the pill completely. It has totally messed up my hormones, my weight, etc.
I absolutely agree that your gynecologist should research the product you are requesting. It isn't like inserting an IUD that requires some hands-on training. It's something she could research in 30 minutes and become familiar with. I presume she fits diaphragms, and the FemCap is a lot easier than that. Perhaps you could go to www.femcap.com and print off information and send it to her, requesting that she become knowledgeable about it.
It is fairly common that periods don't start after coming off hormonal contraception. Sometimes it can take up to 3 months to resume cycling on your own, or prometrium can be prescribed to try to jump-start your own body's cycling. There really isn't any magic to getting off the pill. You just stop and hope for the best.
I suggested to her nurse to check out the website. But, I think maybe she was intimidated that I knew about a product that she'd never even heard of. I did research that same website before calling. That way I was somewhat knowledgable about it. She didn't seem to want to help. I even asked her what I should do. Should I schedule an appt w/ my OB-GYN to speak with her directly? B/c if she's not going to listen to me and give me some answers, then I surely don't want her to care for me when I'm pregnant.
I think a face-to-face meeting would be in order. I agree that being non-responsive to patients' requests is not being the best possible provider. If it were a treatment or device that was brand new or something completely off the wall, I could understand reluctance, but some version of cervical caps has been around for hundreds of years.
Yes, and I told the nurse that I wasn't really familiar with the cervical cap. B/c she said that my doctor could provide that or the diaphragm. What's the difference b/w the cervical cap and the FemCap?
FemCap is just one brand name for a cervical cap.
Do you know how I can find a Naturopathic physician in my area? I tried to google it, but I didn't have much luck. Is there a specific website to use?
The link below is the one to use to make sure you are dealing with a real ND and not a quack. There are lots of charlatans out there, but the ones in the link are legitimate. You will do best to not specify ob/gyn because most NDs do not specialize.
http://www.naturopathic.org/AF_MemberDirectory.asp?version=2
Ok, sounds good. I don't think I asked this, but what are your thoughts/opinion on the FemCap??
I don't personally fit diaphragms or cervical caps (my practice is internal medicine), but they are comparable to diaphragms, and similar in effectiveness. Women who are comfortable touching their own bodies are happier with them than those who are squeamish. It is an excellent barrier method for women who don't want to use hormones. It isn't quite as effective as the pill, but it doesn't have the side effects either. Remembering to remove it to avoid infection is the greatest downside.
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