It depends on if she has health insurance. If she does, but its under her parent's name, they would be recieving something in the mail, and thus, would know she went to a doctor. So, if she doesn't want them to know, using her health insurance may not be an option. If it IS OK with her parents (as in, they wont give her a hard time about going to a GYN), she needs to look for a Gyn. She can look up local GYNs on her health insurance website...or call a local hospital for a referral.
Like caseysmom said, we have Planned Parenthood here in CA where she can get an exam (Pap Smear) and a prescription for birth control pills. She can look online or call information on the telephone for a Planned Parenthood near her. Planned Parenthood is low-cost or free, depending on her situation.
If she's going to become active, she needs to protect herself from STDs as well. Birth Control pills will prevent pregnancy, but she needs to be sure to also use a condom to protect herself. She needs to be smart, STDs can cause cancer in women....it is VERY dangerous and VERY serious that she protect herself. I work in the medical field and have worked in OB/GYN - this happens so frequently, you have no idea. PLEASE pass along this life/death information to her, OK??
I think its really nice that she has you to give her advice and support. Thanks for being such a great friend to someone in need. That's really nice!
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