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Question
My family are concerned that I'm looking ill. My mum has even arranged for me to have a blood test to check see if I'm anaemic or not. That's not what is worrying me though, I'm on the contraceptive injection and my mum doesn't know. Will the doctor be able to tell when he does the tests? Will he tell my mum?
Answer
Anaemia is the name for a range of conditions affecting red blood cells. The body needs, iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid to produce red blood cells. Anaemia will develop if there isn't enough folic acid, iron or vitamin B12. Anaemia is diagnosed through blood tests, like the one your mum has already arranged.
If you do go to your local doctor (GP) for tests, they won't be able to tell you've had the contraceptive injection just by looking at you. However, it's important you tell the doctor about any medication you are taking, including the injection, as this may affect the results or treatment.
You don't say whether your mum will be going with you to see the doctor, but if she does, and you decide to tell the doctor about the injection when she's in the room, then, yes, she will find out. But if you go on your own she will only find out if you tell her.
Doctors (and other surgery staff too) are not allowed to disclose details of your medical records, so they won't tell your mum about you being on the contraceptive injection.
Updated: 03/06/2011
Question answered by bss
