This might seem like a weird worry, but I would hate to get pregnant while sailing for a couple years in various parts of the world. Since you have to have an annual exam to get birth control in the US, should I:
1. Fly back to the US once a year.
2. Stop doing what causes babies.
3. Get birth control in other countries where it isn't regulated.
4. Not worry about it and maybe get pregnant.
Also, how do you get feminine products in third world countries?
Well, since you can't easily send prescription drugs internationally (at least without way more trouble than it is worth). You are going to have to deal with this irregardless of whether you do or do not get a check up. I would suggest stocking up when you can get it, and if you need to, get checked up by a doctor in country and fill your scrips that way. Just ask other expats who to go to. There is a reason you are supposed to get a check up every year. On the other hand, in most countries cash is quicker than a checkup....
EDIT BY CD: I do not know if you are a female, so I did not delete this post. If you are not, please refraim from commenting in the female forum. THis is for the girls.
__________________ I got an Old Fat Boat
She's Slow But Handsome
Hard In The Chine, but Soft In The Transom
I Love Her Well, And She Must Love Me
But I think It's Only For My Money
. ..... Gordon Bok
You may want to look into Mirena. It is the new IUD that is good for five years. The IUD’s of old, are just that old and not used anymore. However the Mirena is gaining incredible popularity. Not only does it protect you from unwanted pregnancy for five years, your periods are reduced to one or two days or nothing at all. There are three women in my office that now use it. I had the two minute procedure done back in December and cannot remember the last time I had a period. There have been zero side effects.
The internet has a ton of information along with most obgyn’s, having a lot of additional answers.
From another female. Medical care in most countries is great (most of the time better) other than real far out remote areas. Most of the doctor appt will cost you less than your co-pay now. The pill is readily available in most countries and cheaper than here. Worst case is see a doctor where you are, email the report to your OBGYN, have the script filled by a family member and than send it to your next port of call. It is all doable. Find out what your doctor wants from such a report. As far as the other question, like toilet paper, I stock up. But also it is available in most places. Guys complain it takes up too much room but you could tell them this. Worst case, like the very old days, "they don't call it the rag", for nothing. Gross but when sailing into the sunset one has to do with what one has. Make the cabin boy do the wash if he complains to much!
Melissa
It varies by country, but many drugs that are prescription only here, are available over the counter in many parts of the world, and we've had interesting, almost uniformly pleasant, experiences with people who were happy to try and help us translate drug names. Seems some gov'ts are more interested in keeping their people healthy than in making their drug companies rich.
Feminine Issues
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