Birth control pills, also referred to as oral contraceptives, is a popular method of preventing pregnancy. Birth control pills are over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. However, these medications also may cause unpleasant side effects and put women at greater risk of serious medical conditions. Since different birth control pills contain varying levels of hormones, changing to a new type of birth control pill can produce different reactions in a woman’s body. Women who believe they may benefit from switching to a different kind of birth control pill should consult a doctor for advice.
Step 1
Monitor side effects. Different types of birth control pills may cause different types of side effects, explains Aetna's IntelliHealth website. Women who experience nausea, high blood pressure, headache, breast tenderness, bloating or swelling may be getting too much estrogen from their birth control pills. These women should talk to a doctor to determine if a low-dose pill or progestin-only pill might be a better fit. Those who experience increased appetite, weight gain, acne, hair loss, fatigue, depression or an increase in vaginal yeast infections might be getting too much progestogen. These women should also discuss other birth control pill options with their doctor.
Step 2
Consider costs. Although many insurance plans cover the cost of birth control pills, some may not and some women do not have access to medical insurance. These situations can make taking birth control costly. Women who are struggling to pay for their birth control pills each month may want to consider switching to a less expensive brand or generic version of their current medication.
Step 3
Analyze your lifestyle. Women who find it inconvenient or undesirable to get a period every month may want to consider extended-use birth control pills. These pills allow women to suppress their menstruation, often for several months at a time, explains the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Those who find it difficult to remember to take the progestin-only pill on time each day may want to consider switching to a combination birth control pill or another contraceptive method, as taking the minipill just three hours late can reduce its effectiveness, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Step 4
Explore new options. Women who are satisfied with their current birth control pill should still take the time to stay on top of new medications that come on the market to see if they are a better fit. Talking to a doctor about new birth control pills at an annual gynecological checkup may prove useful.
Step 5
Get regular medical checkups. It is important for a doctor to monitor the overall physical health of women taking birth control pills. Regular doctor appointments are necessary to ensure the woman is not developing any complications from the medication. If a doctor notices anything unusual in a physical exam and believes it may be due to birth control pills, she may require that the woman switch to another type of birth control pill or method.
Tips and Warnings
- Family planning clinics may charge less for birth control pills than private health care providers, according to Planned Parenthood.
- Women should always talk to their doctor about the appropriate way to switch to a new birth control method to prevent a lapse in pregnancy protection.
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Birth Control Pills
- Aetna InteliHealth: Birth Control Pills 101
- Association for Reproductive Health Professionals: Extended and Continuous Use of Contraceptives to Reduce Menstruation
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Progestin-Only Contraceptives
- Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill
