[Cadaverous Pallor]

So much to respond to! Thanks to everyone who's posted here.

My own history with the pill is that I had absolutely debilitating periods before I started taking the pill. Being in the fetal position once a month was not fun. On the pill, My mom said she had the same experience and I was kinda pissed she didn't recommend it to me earlier (though I totally understand why she didn't).

Regarding surgery vs hormones...I have never had surgery of any kind, and I don't intend to break that streak for elective surgery. I've also never had a piercing of any kind, no tatoos, and I don't dye my hair. But the hormones have been a part of my daily life for many years now and have not affected me badly. I have changed my pill type probably 4 times over the years due to insurance coverage changes and have never had a problem with any of them.

Erica is right - My doc is a family physician who does a pap. I have had probably something like 12 different doctors over the years, because of moving, switches in coverage, and I've ditched a few as well. Some were men and I've never felt that it was a problem. Perhaps seeing a real obgyn for this is a good idea, though.

Don't have time for more this morning! Back later.