I need to go get my first checkup/talk about contraception and I'm terrified that someone will see me enter the clinic. I feel like there will be a big red arrow hanging over my head for all to see.

Actually, I guess I'm also worried about what will happen when I go in. It's all a bit nervewracking for a shy person (well, the shyness is currently in remission) but I know for my long term health I need to stop procrastinating.

I should also maybe say that I am able to talk about these sorts of things easily with my boyfriend but talking about sex in nearly any other context makes me blush and squirm.

Any advice?

Hi Holly.

That is so brave of you to go and have a good talk about contraception. I am totally with you about feeling terrified. It is such a big step and it feels so personal. Therefore I think you are very courage’s for going to FPA regardless. It is so important to be proactive about contraception.

Just want to let you know that FPA are there to make you as comfortable as possible and provide you with all the info you want and to support you with this.

If you feel you could confide in one of your friends perhaps they could come along to the appointment? That would be ok with FPA I belief.

Keep your head up high as you are doing something good for yourself in protecting yourself from unplanned pregnancy.

Let us know how you did get on.

Hey Holly- i know it seems really scary, and i know how that feels- i've been there! but trust me, the people that work at the FPA have seen it all (i dont think ANYTHING would surprise them) and are usually really supportive.

Don't worry about people seeing you go in, yeah they may see you go in, but if the FPA just have a floor in a bigger building, no one will know where you are going specifically, and even if they do bother to stop and think about it (and i doubt they would- most ppl are too wrapped up in there own stuff), they probably wouldnt care. They would have no idea why you are going in, for all they know you could work there or be going in for a smear test which all girls have to go through at some point and is perfectly normal. If you're really scared, there's always the old trench coat and big sunglass stunt that you could pull...

Hi all, thanks for the advice.

Just to update:
I finally decided to talk to my doctor because I trust her and I felt like I would be less conspicuous in the waiting room. And... it was fine!

Then recently I decided I wanted more information about something so I challenged myself to go into the FPA - by myself! It was pretty scary but I survived . And... there were no red arrows! Who'd have thought?

Hey Holly,

Glad that it all went well and there were no red arrows!

That must have felt really empowering to challenege yourself like that and overcome something you felt was scary.

Great too that you posted your fears and conquests here for anyone else feeling the same way. Reading what you wrote might just make others feel a bit braver and more comfortable going to the FPA or to see the doctor in the furutre.

Good on you!!

Hey Holly,

Well done, your fears are absolutely normal and hopefully by being brave enough to post your process on this board other young people will find the courage to talk to their doctor or visit family planning, so that they do prioritise not only their physical and mental health, but also their sexual health. So well done again.