Many women are surprised to discover how many different types of birth control pill medications are available. With so many choices, the task of selecting the right pill might seem overwhelming. Women do not have to make this important decision alone, however. Taking the time to work with a doctor to explore and compare all options can help a women find the right pill.
Step 1
See a doctor. Although many women do their own research to determine which type of birth control to choose, your doctor can point out medical factors that might influence your decision. Because the doctor has to write a prescription for the pill selected, it makes sense to work with her to determine which option would be best.
Step 2
Compare potential side effects and risks. Different types of birth control pills contain different levels of hormones, so each type might cause a different reaction in the body, explains Aetna IntelliHealth. Pills with a higher level of estrogen might cause more nausea, bloating, high blood pressure, headaches, breast tenderness and swelling. They also have a slightly higher risk of causing blood clots than other pills.
Pills containing only progestogen might cause tiredness, acne, hair loss, depression, yeast infections, increased appetite and weight gain.
Step 3
Explore the potential benefits. Pills that contain estrogen might reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy and iron deficiency anemia, according to MayoClinic.com. They also might reduce the frequency, duration or flow of menstruation.
Pills containing just progestogen can be used during breastfeeding and offer a quicker return to fertility for women hoping to get pregnant soon after taking the pill. Women who have a history of heart disease, blood clots, high blood pressure or migraines can also use the progestogen-only pill, but not pills containing estrogen.
Step 4
Compare usage instructions. Although most are similar, different types of birth control pills have slightly different instructions. Extended-use birth control pills contain more active pills in each package and do not contain monthly reminder pills that trigger bleeding, which results in menstruation occurring less frequently. Progestogen-only pills need to be taken at the exact same time every day, as taking a pill even three hours late can reduce its effectiveness and requires the use of a backup method of birth control, explains MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Shop around. Many popular brand-name birth control pills have generic versions available. Women who do not have insurance might find selecting a generic version of the pill significantly less expensive. Women who have insurance should check with their provider to make sure the birth control medication they desire is covered.
Step 6
Take the pill as instructed. The only sure-fire way for you to find the right birth control pill is to begin taking them and see how your body reacts. Although some side effects are likely to occur during the first few months regardless of the type of pill taken, you should note the side effects that do occur. If these side effects are particularly troublesome or do not go away after a few months of using the pill, report the side effects to your doctor.
Step 7
Try again. Finding the right birth control pill sometimes requires a trial-and-error approach, so you should not get discouraged if the first medications you try isn't what you expected. Many women can find a pill that works for them by working carefully with a doctor, keeping an open mind and being patient.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of telling the doctor that they want a pill with estrogen or a progesterone-only pill, women should explain why they want this type of pill. The more the doctor knows about women's expectations and concerns about birth control, the easier she can determine the right pill to prescribe.
- No birth control pill protects against sexually transmitted diseases. Women who are sexually active and not in a monogamous relationship should use condoms in addition to taking the pill.
Things You'll Need
- Doctor
- Prescription
