Hi Cha-Chi,

That seems like a question for your family doc, gynae, or family planning clinic. However, be sure that you research your choice thoroughly before taking any form of birth control, no matter what you doc says.

I don't want to scare you, but here's a snippet of a campaign against Lupron, the drug you refer to:

"'My knees tremble a lot and get very weak, and I have to use a cane now to go up and down the stairs,' said Kimberly Savino, 17, of Easton, who was prescribed Lupron last year for a gynecological problem.

Before taking the drug, Savino said she often rode horses and jogged. Today, three months after stopping Lupron, the teenager has trouble even walking and has been diagnosed with a degenerative arthritis, which usually develops over many years.

Her mother is worried - and suspects Kimberly's strange bone problems were triggered by Lupron.

'It's very hard to see her, all of a sudden, moving around like an old lady with a cane,' said Susan Savino. 'Now we don't know if she is going to end up in a wheelchair. This shouldn't be happening to someone who is 17.'" (You can read more at http://www.lupronexposed.com/lpexp/articles6.htm)

Cha-Chi, why do you need birth control? What I mean is, do you need birth control to avoid falling pregnant, or is it for some other reason, such as endometriosis? If it's the former, remember that Lupron may prevent pregnancy but cannot prevent stds, especially AIDS. I'd suggest using condoms, which would protect you on both fronts (pregnancy and stds). Of course, abstinence is the ideal, but realistically, I know that most teens don't want to hear that.

Here's a great website that will explain the various types of birth control available:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception.html

I am not a doctor and these answers are from my own knowledge with friends and family. The use of hormonal birth control (the patch, injections, oral contraceptives, etc) depend a great deal on your overall health and your pubertal status. This is something that needs to be first discussed with the teenager's pediatrician (after a physical exam) and if appropriate then a referral to a gynecologist.

If you are the teenager in question and you are concerned about your parents finding out, talk to your pediatrician about what his/her policy is about relaying health information to your parents. Some states have laws that protect the health privacy of minor teenagers even from their parents. If your health privacy is not protected, see if there is a local planned parenthood where you can get examined. Be sure to follow-up regularly, regardless of the recommendation. With any medication, including hormonal contraceptives, there are side effects. You need to be sure to follow-up with your doctor regularly to check for any. If, on the other hand, you are the parent, see your pediatrician with your child.

Please, please, please remember that hormonal birth control does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Any teenager or adult for that matter that is sexually active should use condom to protect against STDs, regardless of the use of hormonal contraceptives. Getting pregnant is the least of your worries. The damage from STDs can be more far reaching than any pregnancy. I have included links below about various hormonal contraceptive options and STDs.

http://www.womenshealthchannel.com/contraception/hormonal.shtml
http://www.cdc.gov/STD/
http://www.avert.org/std.htm
http://www.afraidtoask.com/std.html