I moved here recently and I want to start taking an oral contraceptive. I'm aware that insurance here doesn't cover the pill itself, but will it cover a consultation with a Frauenarzt for a prescription? I am an exchange student, and through my program I've been let out of the mandatory Swiss insurance and have an alternative plan.
Also, are there any restrictions for minors? I'm only 16, and please, before anyone flips, I'm not looking to prevent pregnancy. I want to take the pill to make my periods lighter/less often. I know there are options in the States that allow for a period every three months, or even let you skip for a year. Are there similar pills here, and will it be a problem for a 16 year old to obtain them?
If your alternative plan covers Drs visits then a visit with the Frauenarzt will be covered. You will have no problem getting the medication if the Frauenarzt feels it is warranted. I used to take contraceptives for that exact reason many years ago, also when I was 16.
Anyone who "flips" can do one, anyway. The age of consent in Switzerland is 16.
I strongly recommend that you discuss your reasons for wanting birth control with your doctor, however. There may be more appropriate interventions for heavy periods, and s/he may want to run some tests to rule out underlying problems.
Hi, i don't have much help on the insurance front - but I do on the pill. I used to take seasonal while I was in Canada - meaning I would get my period 4 times a year, every three months. When I came to switzerland, I asked to be put on a similar pill, and it was available here. However, it was causing problems so now I'm on a pill called Elyfem 30, and my doctor says just to take it without breaks for three months even though it's not really a 'non-period' kind of pill.
You health insurance will cover you to see a gynaecologist (although you still will need to pay the franchise of your insurance before they will pay out). As it's for menstrual problems the insurance should definitely cover the consultation.
I went on the pill at 15 for severe period pain and acne, 18 years later and I won't give it up. You'd think as you got older it'd get better, but I had to stop taking it for a few months recently and I was right back to being 15, couldn't wait to start taking it again!
Heavy periods are correlated with iron deficiency. Take advantage of your appointment and see if you can get that checked. Also, Iron deficiency guidelines in Switzerland are vastly different from Canada, so that might be worth looking into as well.